For small group training 3-6 people, is it best to charge by the month or as a package of a set number of sessions?
I own a small personal training studio and I’m the only trainer. I’ve only been offering 1-on-1 training of 30 minutes sessions. I currently offer 1-on-1 packages of 5 sessions @ $150, 10 sessions @ $270, and 20 sessions @ $500. I live in a small town in a rural area with a median income of about $42,500. I want to make the training affordable for those who can’t afford 1-on-1 but I also have to cover my rent, utilities, supplies, etc. as well as the increased challenge of working with multiple people at once. Any suggestion of what I should charge for the small group based on what I charge for 1-on-1?
I charge a monthly fee for small groups. The sessons are scheduled and set. The group can suspend the sessions for a number reasons, vacations, surgery, sudden need for extended absences, etc. Then start back up the next month. The members of a group can continue at a different group rate for the month during which the larger group is suspended. There are no refunds for a scheduled month, should a member miss sessions. But I will give credit against future training sessions under extreme circumstances.
OK, now that I’ve added a couple more monthly clients, since I’m not a studio owner I’m starting to think that monthly payments are a pain in the butt. The gym gets a secure monthly income, but I don’t. Just like with session purchases, I only get paid when a client trains. That’s fair. BUT, since our system is set up to release sessions pro rata based on payment, it messes with a client’s ability to take anything quickly. A person buying 12 sessions from me can use them in 4 weeks if they want to come 3x a week, but 12 sessions on month to month gives them one session a month, which isn’t effective, which means they drop out and don’t take all 12 sessions.
So, yeah, if I owned the studio I’d be really excited for monthly payments because I’d have a predictable income and I might not even have to pay the trainer because I’ve got an uncancellable contract for income, but if the client moves out of town or quits there’s no expense. But as the employee, it kid of sucks.
I prefer to work 1 on 1. So, my group rates are reduced, but don’t overly encourage group business. I spend as much time preparing for each client whether they are in a group or in a private 1 on 1 training session. Considering your current fee schedule and community, I would advise you to decide how many participants would be your maximum for a session. Then consider how much time you plan to spend designing the program and adjusting the program. That will give you an idea of your bill-able hours per session.
Right now you might spend 2 hours on each session (one hour design/redesign and one hour in the gym) and charge $30 ($15 per hour). So say you spent the same time per client for 2 people (2 hours D/RD and 1 hour in the gym), so $15 times 3 is $45 per session. 5 sessions equals $225 divided by 2 clients $112.50 each. Or round up or down, $115 each or $110 each. That is a pretty sizeable savings for them and a decent increase in your per hour income for you.
But keep in mind that you may lose hours in your 1 on 1 client business, if they pair up to save money. So may be $120 each would be a fair cost considering the potential loss on the 1 on 1 side.
Hello Lesley Sims,
It sounds as if you truly care about your community; that is great.
Here is that word again, best. The best of anything is what pertains to the situation and gains the most benefit for all involved. Therefore, I say, the best thing is to keep your business open or you won’t be able to help others. After the numbers come in to keep your head afloat, ask what your clients prefer.
Take care,
Natalie aka NAPS 2 B Fit.