My question is about a client cancelling their package, after using some of the sessions.
Re: Selling Personal Training Packages of 5, 10 and 20.
What policies should I follow on no shows who signed up for a package?
What policies should I follow for a client who cancels their contract on a 5, 10 or 20 session package, after using some of their sessions. For example, a client buys a 20 Pack, and uses 15.
What does your contract say? If you don’t have a written contract, that’s your first step.
Check with your state law regarding contract cancellation. Most states have a 72 hour cancellation rule where if someone buys and cancels within 72 hours, they are entitled to a full refund.
Beyond that, you want to consider whether your package will expire and when (another reason to check state law). And finally, you want to decide whether you want to make your contract non-refundable. At the gyms where I teach, a package is non-refundable, however a client can sell their package to another member. I have had one member break her wrist doing another activity, and I helped her sell her sessions to another regular client of mine and that helped both clients.
Hi Jan,
The policy you create will depend on your business, your time, and how lenient you want to be with your clients. You are running a business, so you need to have a firm no show/refund policy in place so your clients know what to expect. When I sell a package, my clients pay up front and there is no refund (I would make an exception for extenuating circumstances/medical reasons).
When my client misses a session, I allow them to make it up. Most of my clients are long term/repeat clients (and I’m lucky–also very respectful) and I know that life happens. If you have a case where someone is repeatedly canceling/no-showing, I would not allow them to make up that session–they would be charged.
You set the tone for how your clients will value your time. Be firm but fair, it’s your time!
Good luck,
Christine
Hi Jan,
I have a very “client friendly” refund policy. I basically give people a refund at any point if they don’t want to continue sessions with me. It pretty much eliminates their initial financial risk by going with me. I think I’ve refunded about $2,000 over the last 24 plus years – so it’s worked pretty well for me. However, I do in-home training and I’m coming to them – I’m not relying on them to show up. I have a 24 hr. cancellation notice policy where I don’t charge if they cancel within that time frame. However, I do make exceptions,(maybe to a fault!) especially with my good clients in cases of emergencies. Sickness – not even a question. As I said, I’ve kept it pretty “client friendly” – but you’ll know right away who’s trying to take advantage of that. They’re the clients you don’t want. Good luck Jan!
Paul Thomas
www.homeworkoutguy.com