when do your clients pay for the sessions they purchased?

I start all clients with an 'introductory package' which contains an assessment and 3 sessions. For that, I expect payment to be made immediately.

After that, I bill clients for the number of sessions they had with me in the course of a month.

I have clients pay prior to training or on the day of the assesment/1st session. This prevents you as a trainer from taking a loss, as we all know clients do cancel and if that client doesn't pay in advance, they seem not to respect or comprehend the cancellation policy. I'll also include some type of incentive when clients pay up front such as: 1 free session, free assesment, etc.. Another good idea would be to have clients pay monthly, based off how many days per week they want to train. Also, I include the details of the cancellation policy in the waiver that all clients must review and sign prior to training.

My clients all pay in advance. If they take a series of single sessions, they pay for three sessions at a time, if they take a package, they pay for the entire package in advance. The purpose of my policy is so that I can simplify my accounting and bookkeeping, not have to be in the business of "collection agent," and can readily enforce my "late cancellation" policy without having to try to "collect" the cancellation penalty since I am already paid in advance.

Of course, each trainer conducts their business according to whatever fits their needs and business model, but this is how I've done it for over 18-years, and if I conduct my business consistently with all of my clients, they come to know what the expectations are, and to act accordingly. I find that clients will adapt and follow the rules and procedures that you have for your business if you consistently apply them.

I hope that this helps.

LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com

I require my clients to purchase session packages; minimum of 10 sessions. Payment is made at the first session.

In Advance

They all must pay before services are rendered.

In advance...before their first session.