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Jorge Said:

Private tutors (Australian) - need advice/input on fee policies?

We Answered:

Hey there,
I have also been looking into tutoring. Firstly the price you charge should depend on your qualifications or experience. If you are a registered teacher people will be happy to pay a little more. For small groups I'd charge $30-$40 per hour, no more than 4 in a group and for individual lessons or 30mins $20 or an hour $40. Some things should be taught in a small group if they are all working at the same level, otherwise they are working on an independent plan.
Yes you need insurance. check with your current agent and tell them what you will be doing. If you don't have insurance yet, you should even as a renter have contents insurance. If you are living at home your parents will have insurance.
There is a tax free threshold of $6000. You should see an accountant about these issues.
I'd be getting fees from clients at least a week in advance. Be firm about this set up. Parents are often in a hurry to pick up or drop off their kids and it's easy for them to run off without paying (sometimes on purpose believe it or not!). Keep receipts and issue parents with receipts so everyone knows where they stand.
You may be able to get some sort of start up assistance from centerlink if you have no captial to begin with. Check out the government sites on starting up a small business (just google it).
My only other advice is, make sure you can show the client (ie parents) that you have got a planned program or a following a planned program. Do regular 'check up' assessments on the student and keep parents informed. If you think their child is progressing well and should finish up with you TELL THEM, I guarantee they will let others know how good you are. On the other hand if their child is not doing so well, then you have proof that you are doing what they are paying you to and be honest (nice, but honest). Some kids just never get algebra or long division.
Just so you know, I am a teacher (10 yrs!) and I think tutoring is great. The more personal time kids get with instruction the better.
Goodluck