Thread: What's with the 'free' stuff lately?

Seriously! Just today I've had people ask for free performances *and* a free teaching gig. Am I missing something? One person wanted me to offer a free class just to *see* if the people at their gym would like it. Why can't I do a taster class *and* get paid?

..c::

Is this becoming more common lately?

Not in dancing ..... but recently had this happen where I offer my hand-painted silk & jewelry items for sale: "Do you have anything in the two to three range?" (Yes, dollars!) I said, "sorry, I don't, but there is a lovely Dollar Store in the next city, and if you are really, really nice, they might let you have something for 99 cents ..."

I often have people ask if they can come try a class for free before signing up.

I know a lot of teachers offer a free first class, but I just feel as though people don't value things they don't pay for. I put a lot of work into my classes and to me even one class is worth something. My feeling is, the people asking for freebies are the ones who are going to always be dickering with me in the future for refunds and customized pricing to meet their special needs.

That being said, I will occasionally donate a freebie to a good cause, like I donated a free class for a fundraiser last week.

And I would consider donating lessons to a closed group in obvious need if I had time.

But never to a commercial facility.

I get asked for free performances off and on too, (that are obviously not charitable events seeking donations or even a community hafla). I always wonder who they eventually get.

I've tried the free-class thing before, a long time ago, when I was hired to a dance studio. Lots of people will take a free class but none of them wanted to sign up. The ones who signed up were the ones who'd paid from the first day.

There just seem to be a lot more requests of this nature lately.

Not sure... I appreciate being able to try a class (be it dance, pilates or yoga, or anything else) before having to pay $150 for the entire session. That being said, I don't mind paying $10-15 (even $20) to try that class, even if, in the end, I end up not registering.

I mean, if you can't afford a $10 class, you won't be able to pay for the entire session, right? So what's the point?

i let "them " WATCH 1 classs free .

how about turning it around & telling them "if you buy x (6 classes, book 3 shows, etc) you get y free (extra class, discounted show, etc)"

I allow people to apply their drop in rate ($15) for the first class to the semester discount rate (12 classes for $150) if they want to try things out first without committing to the semester, but I am SO done with first class free promos.

Yes, I have drop-in rates for that reason, but like Lara I am done with 'first class free' concepts. I stood my ground this time and I will be getting paid. ..g.:

So there is hope after all! Still, it is sobering to think how much the general public undervalues art (which Gia's funny little animation points out so well).

I've actually had this twice recently in the UK, and from educational providers (i.e. they have a budget). The first time I refused and then they suddenly found the money to pay me, and the second time I gave a (quite expensive for me travelling-wise) free taster and then got asked to do a 2nd one! I stuck out and am being paid for the next one, although not as much as I would like, I compromised. I'm taking the opportunity to advertise my private classes and well as the (local County Council) one I am teaching.

I only got the money because I emphasised that this is how I make a living. A sign of the economic times I think. ,f::

I know - no one gets in my class for free
Actually there's not enough room for people to sit around watching, and anyway, it's not a show~ ..l;, I think students appreciate the "privacy" that comes with only having paying (that is, REALLY INTERESTED) people in the room.

But I will let someone's visiting family member from out of town come to see their special someone in class (ONCE). That doesn't seem to bother anyone. At least, no one's said anything so far -

Originally Posted by BreaMorgiane

Yes, I have drop-in rates for that reason, but like Lara I am done with 'first class free' concepts. I stood my ground this time and I will be getting paid. ..g.:

So there is hope after all! Still, it is sobering to think how much the general public undervalues art (which Gia's funny little animation points out so well).

I think maybe it's the economy, people are scrambling to save money and art is a luxury (for them). For us, art is the air we breathe and the food we eat (literally, sometimes).

I allow people to take the first class in a session at the drop in rate and if they register for the series, they get the discounted rate that everyone else gets. I don't feel comfortable offering a class to someone for free, I would never ask a teacher to do that for me.

We charge $10 for a first class, to be applied to the regular session fee if they decide to continue. Some folks are surprised when we ask them for the $10; I guess 'first class free' is fairly common.

We cannot afford to take on people who are unwilling to pay $10 for an introductory class. It denotes an attitude which will not help us pay the rent. We expect the same respect one accords a new pizza joint; try it once and if you like it come back.

It's called money is short and it's worth a try.
If you don't ask , you don't get.
When I taught self employed I always offered a free taster class at the beginning of a term and I know other teachers here in our region do the same but I expected people to sign up for a course if they came back. I didn't do drop in. The college I worked for also allowed stdents who started late to have a free taster as they would have to pay for a full course.
I do NOT allow spectators even prospective students...that puts off those who are learning.
I was asked recently to perform for nothing recently but refused and got paid.
I certainly am prepared to dance for nothing in showcases as are most other dancers pro or otherwise and like most people here in the UK pay to dance at "haflas".

just me ranting again- got chewed out for asking if someone would ask a doctor for a free visit- they went to school for years for their degree- I've only been studying this dance for 20 years. They took on huge loans to get their degree & need to be paid well to make up for it- since there are no recognized programs for learning this dance, there are no loans available & I have had to pay out of pocket & make up front sacrifices- and continue to pay out of pocket for my continuing education. Doctors save lives, how dare you compare yourself to them?- you're right- only ask the cosmetic surgeons and orthodontists for free services & see how they respond...
& since you've made it clear that I am lower than dirt, remind me why you want me to come do a demo at your event?

I swear, I wasn't trying to 'bring doctors down' it was a random profession I pulled out of my head on the spur of the moment- may have something to do with the number of doctors we've had to deal with lately. suggestions for professions welcome... tho I like Maura's pizza joint comparison, the local pizza parlours do have ridiculous deals that I could just never match.

Lara -

I actually don;t see anything wrong with comparing asking any profession for something for free with Belly Dancing. It is a matter of respecting the profession. Whether it's belly dance, medicine or running a convenience store. All have value. And how dare someone try to tell you that what you contribute as a dancer has less value than anyone else in any other profession. It's simply different.

{{{HUGS}}}

Haflas or charity are a different kettle of fish entirely. I think it's the combination of being asked so often for both free performances and instruction by those who clearly have funding. I have had certain organizations claim they were charities because they were 'nonprofit' organizations - such as a city council that wanted me to drive 50 miles to perform for free. I also recall a time when my former university wanted two dancers to dance for three straight hours for fifty dollars apiece - and they treated us as though we should be ashamed to even ask for more, we should be grateful for what they were giving us.

Like Lara said, I wouldn't ask another professional for free services. Free 'taster' classes do seem to be on the rise, however.