Ask Micki: How to Price Tutoring Services

Question: Hi, Micki. I am a new tutor (just got my ITA certification, and have been tutoring elementary school-high school math for a few weeks), and I am having a hard time pricing my tutoring services. I don't want to overcharge for tutoring, but I also don't want to price myself so low that I am looked at as a bargain tutor who isn't good enough to be competitively priced. Any tips?

Thanks!
Amy, a new tutor

Answer: Hi, Amy, thanks for the question! Pricing can be a tricky thing for tutors, especially when they are just starting their tutoring career. On one hand, you don't want to price yourself too low and give the impression that your tutoring is not worth a higher price (not to mention the fact that it would be hard to make a living as a tutor if you charged rock bottom prices). On the other hand, you don't want to charge so much that no one can afford your tutoring.

Generally, about $25-$35 an hour is pretty standard, but I have talked to a few tutors who charge upwards of $70 per hour. Likewise, I have talked to a few tutors who charge lower rates ($17-$20/hour) for friends and family.

Usually, a good guideline is that the more difficult the subject matter, the higher the price.

So, a tutor who tutors a college student in Linear Algebra or calculus will typically charge more than a tutor who tutors a first grader in fractions.

Your rate can also vary by region - I notice that tutors in college towns and larger cities usually charge a bit more than tutors who work in smaller, more rural communities.

Good luck, and as always - Happy Tutoring!

Happy 2010!

A quick blog posting from all of us at ITA to say Happy New Year everyone!

Wishing all of you a joyous 2010!

Tips from Charlie: Holiday Gifts

Tips from Charlie: Holiday Gifts

Hi, everyone! Charlie the tutor here with a great holiday tip for all of my fellow tutors.

Have you noticed that around this time of year, people start buying gifts for neighbors, postal workers, babysitters, etc.?

Well, a few years ago I started thinking - why not apply the same festive attitude towards tutees and parents?

For example, this year for many of my tutees (or their parents), I have made up some "gift cards" that offer them 30 free minutes of tutoring during the new year. They can use this card for a quick test prep tutoring session, or apply it to one of our regular tutoring sessions.

For tutees (and parents) I have been working with longer (at least 6 months), I made up cards offering them one full tutoring session for free. I gave them a bit more of a "holiday gift," because I have contracts and long-term professional relationships with these tutees and parents.

I also make sure to hae some festive, holiday pencils and erasers for the kids I tutor. It may be a small token, but the gesture is appreciated by the children and their parents.

I do this mostly because I am a festive guy, and like to show my appreciation for the tutoring business tutees and parents have given me over the past year. I want them to know that I am happy having them as my clients.

Also, by showing my gratitude, I am furthering the loyalty of my clients; I am letting them know that they are appreciated, and offering them an incentive to continue using my tutoring services.

I have been doing this for 2 years, now, and it has worked out great for me. Give it a try, and see how it works for you!
~ Charlie