When did this price hike happen?

[ravenadesigns]

HUGE RANT HERE!!!!

Two of my fav places that I used to use for private session rentals have raised their rates. One is now charging $35 and the other $30 an hour. I charge $45-60 depending on the private session request.

When you add on the rental fees - I am charging - at the low end - 75/hour!

No one student will pay that! Fine, I can lower my rates down to $40 but that is still $70 on the low end.

No one will pay that! In my opinion, $40 is at the low end of private session rates here. I could make money of it was 2 students but not 1.

Sorry - just ranting. It is like all the studios here got together and decided to bump rates up!

it pisses me off because I just can't compete anymore with home studios

End of rant....

[Bellydancefanatic]

Ravena, you're not that far from me. I know $75/hr is the going rate here for private lessons. You don't think you can get that much? I think you're worth it. Maybe you could add a deal if a student takes more than 2 lessons, or continuous? You don't have any space that you could probably add a big mirror to in your house? I'm really sorry to hear this, hon!

*oppsss****

[ravenadesigns]

Originally Posted by Bellydancefanatic

Ravena, you're not that far from me. I know $75/hr is the going rate here for private lessons. You don't think you can get that much? I think you're worth it. Maybe you could add a deal if a student takes more than 2 lessons, or continuous? You don't have any space that you could probably add a big mirror to in your house? I'm really sorry to hear this, hon!

Hugs to you dear - thank you.

I used to charge $65/hr then a few "people" said that my rates were too high compared to others. I did some research and did find that a lot of dancers at my level charge between 45-60. Super pros can get the big bucks - not lonely old me in po-dunk Loudoun County!

I want to give students the opportunity to learn without the large cost. Yes - I do offer discounts for bulk purchases and current students. I always have.

Just - now with the rental hike. If I were to charge $75/hour - I would be above many of the super-pros in DC. I guess I just gotta do what is right for me. I have a value too!

Teaching is a labor of love but it also needs to be valued.

(((((HUGS)))))

[ravenadesigns]

I went home and cried last night. Hubby and I were considering buying a bigger house this summer that would give me a studio to use. Hubby lost his job in April. No house - no studio - and current home is just too small.

someday....

[MaryRaks]

I've heard rental rates here around $50/hour... and I'm not even anywhere near a city!

ETA - I am sorry to hear you're dealing with all this and you're totally right. Teaching is a labor of love, but it has value.

[tahiradancer]

I pay between $75 - $125 for private lessons. One of my teachers has her own studio, the other doesn't. For the one who doesn't, I am responsible for finding the studio.

Just a thought.

{{HUGS}}}

[ravenadesigns]

hmm - finding the studio. That is in interesting approach. I have tossed around that idea. I may add that to the list.

I must have been on the internet and phone for over 3 days searching for places...

[jesennia]

no words of advice ..hang in there. .. people will loosen their wallets when the crunch is over

[theesfield]

My studio charges $10 per hour. I wish you were closer. :(

[Linnyg]

Just an added note that I as a student would have no idea where to find rental space so that could throw some students off.

[ravenadesigns]

I agree. what I have done - though - is make that an option. If you have a space - I could give you the "teaching" price and not the "teaching + rental" price.

Some - not all - may have a space that works like a home or friend's studio. Almost like a personal trainer coming to your home ;-)

[Linnyg]

That makes sense.