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Here's what has happened: my friend and I decided to start tutoring math during our first year of college. We used to kind of cover for one another, and when she couldn't make appointments, I'd cover for her. Of course, if I couldn't make sessions, she'd cover for me. It worked out great, and at one point, we even talked about going into business together.
I'm glad we didn't. Now, a few years later we are both still tutoring, but there's a problem. She has been stealing my clients.
She has dropped her rate to a ridiculously low amount (about 25% of what she used to charge. What I still charge. It is a very fair rate.), and she has been putting ads up at school about avoiding the expensive tutors and hiring her instead. She has also taken down my posters from the school bulletin boards, I've watched her do it.
To make matters worse, one of my tutees told me that when she ran into her at school, my ex-friend started bad mouthing me, saying that I charge too much, and that she is just as good for much cheaper. The thing is, I have heard from other tutees that she is not as good, just way cheaper.
It makes me wonder how many other tutees she told this to who didn't tell me. Let's just say, I've lost about 10 clients this year, and I'm not happy about it.
What do I do? I've tried talking to her, and all she did was tell me to "get over it" or lower my prices. We have tried talking about it before, and it always ends badly. So now what do I do? Put up ads talking about how cheaper isn't better? Talk to her clients about her? I'm really annoyed, and not sure how to handle this.
Thanks,
Anon.
Answer: Hello, there, anonymous.
Wow, that's an uncomfortable and frustrating situation, I'm sure.
The good news is that it sounds like you are dedicated to quality tutoring at fair rates. Chances are, several of the tutees who switched to her lower rates will be coming back to you once they discover that they miss the quality tutoring you provide. The tutees who have stuck with you know that it is about value, not low price, and that they are getting a lot for their money with your services.
So, keep your head up, and don't let it get you down (I know, easier said than done, but give it your best shot!). Just continue to offer good tutoring at fair rates, and you will get clients who want to learn. Word spreads fast, and good tutors are always in high demand.
Since it sounds like you two are beyond talking about this, we need to move on to Plan B. As annoying as this situation is, the first thing to do is take a step back from the situation. Stay calm, cool, and collected. Getting angry won't help, and a smear campaign is only going to make things worse.
Instead, talk to the clients you have now. For the tutee who mentioned having talked to your ex-friend, be honest about your concerns. Let him or her know that there may be cheaper services out there, but that they get what they pay for. Don't name names, and don't use this as an opportunity to stoop to your ex-friends level. You are simply giving your client an idea of why you charge what you do.
Offer loyalty incentives for current clients. Give them bulk discounts for paying up front (guaranteeing future business). Offer discounts after sticking with you for X amount of months. Provide additional services, such as homework verification services, etc. You get the idea - give little bonuses that keep your tutees coming back for more.
Also, try widening your tutoring area. Put up flyers at other schools. Tutor other ages, such as elementary school or junior high. Try advertising your tutoring at local community centers. Anything to distance yourself from the pettiness that seems to be taking place on your school's bulletin boards.
Also, like I said earlier, just continue to provide great tutoring, and word will get around. Good tutors are always in demand, and people will pay for quality.
Good luck!
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