How much would you charge?

Question

---Im tutorinq kids around my area; im 16, a honorl student, and mildily experinced in tutorinq, how much do you think i should charge and how long do you think i should tutor? [hours a day, and how many days a week?]

Answer 1

First, I think you are smart to ask the question about pricing of your service.   At an advanced age, I usually pay more than I would have to assure the window and gutter cleaner will be here on Wednesday as agreed over the phone.  My answer to your question:  if you were my daughter, I would counsel you to charge in line with the community standard.  If you live in Greenwich, CT. then the price is going to be higher than in Mayberry, NC.   That is sort of an economic given.   I am suggesting for you to charge higher than you are thinking.  The twist to your tutoring:  have a 90 minute session extended over 120 minutes.  It takes the pressure of the kid and the tutor.  Just offer the "90 in 120 minute" plan to the parents.  I think you have to realize how important your efforts are to the paying party, i.e, the parent(s).   I would limit myself to six of these sessions during the M-F time frame.  Maybe, five instead of six.  If you are tutoring in a "foundation" class such as Algerbra or a basic science the fee should be higher.  Most parents understand the importance of science, math, and language vs. history, geography, and other social studies.  This is my best effort to answer a question with many variables.  I do think you must remember your own life as well.  The weekends should be for family and friends, I feel.  Think of a dollar amount, any gasoline costs, and then increase the fee by two to three dollars an hour over your price that you have in mind at this time.  Again, it is a very valuable service to a concerned parent.  You are not the Red Cross or running a lemonade stand!  So charge to the market and the worth of your time. I am sure the parents know your reputation as a good student.  Lastly, I feel you owe as part of quality service a degree of patience with the kid being tutored.  Be prepared to conclude an employment contract if the kid just will not cooperate.  At 16, it is difficult to keep a "professional" distance from the kids but I feel you can do it.  Hope note is of some small help in your pricing. (not spell checked)

Answer 2

Ok now because you are only 16 I will be gentle. If you are going to tell me you are an honor student with some experience in tutoring, then you should be able to spell or use spell check.  Now on to your answer..If you are serious, check around your area to see if you have any competitors and what they are averaging. Also know what you can offer that others can't. You have to be able to sell your skill. As far as how long you should tutor and how many days, that will depend on how much assistance your client needs. You definitely want to make sure it doesn't affect your own education.  You should speak with your parents and together you all can decide on what would be best for all.