Thread: Where to find info for undercutters?

I have this friend on Facebook with whom I used to be in a troupe with. She is now offering classes for 5$ a pop and everyone else in the area charges 12-15$ average. She doesn't think that there is anything wrong with this. Is there a general why you shouldn't undercut site I can link her to besides having her sift through the forums here? (which I doubt she would take the time to do). Help me help her!

Samira Shuruk's site is a good one. It isn't specifically for class prices, but it does include some of them in the rate list: Standard rates and professional links and guidelines

I'm not sure of one with more of a focus on class rates, so maybe someone will chime in with a good one.

Sorry to hear about the class undercutting - what a mess. The dancer should know they are only hurting themselves and other dancers by charging less than the going rate. The only exception I see is that some subsidized classes (like through local parks and rec) may charge less because they are subsidized. In those cases, the teacher is generally paid a salary and it is understood that the classes prices are being subsidized by an organization.

I'd also recommend Samira's site, especially if there's a listing for going rates in your region.

Hope things get straightened out...I know how much undercutting issues suck ..c::

Thanks ladies. I think its more a matter of ignorance, rather than malice. Lets see if she wisens up!

If you are still on a friendly basis with her. Schedule a lunch or dinner date with her and bring up the topic from the stand point of "you are worth more than that - you deserve more money" I've talked to a couple dancers using this tactic and it has worked wonders.

Some teachers take the approach as some dancers just starting, they don't think they should charge as much as experienced folks.

Appealing to their sense of self-worth and reminding them of all the time and expense they have put in and its time to get that back- can do wonders.

Anna, funny you mention that, its exactly what I said. She says now shes only teaching in her backyard to family and friends, but when she does find a studio she'll charge the going rate.

If she charged the going rate now, then she might be able to afford the studio when she finds it! It's not a good plan to get folks used to a lower rate and then triple it *eek* She should charge the rate she intends to charge from the start. If she's making "extra" because she doesn't have facility costs yet, then she should save that and reinvest it in her students for things like veils, workshop scholarships, instructional videos and costume related expenses. Maybe if she has a more long term view of the situation, it will make more sense.