Why You Should Not Use "Donations" for Classes
Are you hosting donation-based classes? If so, read this end-to-end.
I have asked many fitness professionals why they have chosen to take this approach and most of them say it’s because their clients are facing financial hardship.
That may be the case.
However, I want you to consider:
Is this approach just easier than having to come up with a price and state your value?
Are you just doing this because you feel guilty about doing classes for free?
If you were in your client’s position, would it be easier to just pay a consistent price?
Having a set baseline price helps give you credibility and reliability in the eyes of your client. It gives them a set expectation. It also conveys a level of professionalism and respect that you are commanding as a business owner.
If you truly are offering this option for those in financial hardship, we need to be careful with language.
“Donations” can give the impression that the funds are going to charity. If they are, great! That’s what I do. If they’re not, you want to make sure you are not giving that impression.
Instead, consider:
Flexible pricing available
Contributions of any value welcome
Name your price
All contributions appreciated
...and so on.
Not only can donations sound like charity, but they can give your client the impression you are asking for their financial help. This can create a sentiment of pity or guilt.
Don’t put yourself below your customer.
You have every right to ask for a fair price for your services and to offer the flexibility for any customer you want to serve.
What are you doing to offer fair pricing right now?