How much are independent trainers charging in this crap economy?
Just curious how much the independent trainers on this board are charging now that the economy is pretty slow. I know there are a variety of factors that comes to play (i.e. average disposable income of clientele).
Just curious how much the independent trainers on this board are charging now that the economy is pretty slow. I know there are a variety of factors that comes to play (i.e. average disposable income of clientele).
Im just starting my business and i wont be competing on price. i will demand high rates because i feel my services are worth it. If you price too low it will backfire...most of your clients will be "well to do" anyway, sad but true.
hmmm....what do you consider as pricing too low? what prices are you going to charge and what will separate you from the other trainers charging less? Not busting your balls or anything...just curious about people's logic behind their pricing. I know it must be tough for full time trainers.
hmmm....what do you consider as pricing too low? what prices are you going to charge and what will separate you from the other trainers charging less? Not busting your balls or anything...just curious about people's logic behind their pricing. I know it must be tough for full time trainers.
Make sure you out price most of the other trainers in your area, and deliver value. Make sure you have confidence in your abilities and dont be afraid to make yourself the premier personal trainer in the area. Dont charge a hundred dollars above the comp, but slightly above is always good and sets you up as the better trainer for many people.
Definitely agree there--anything to keep your services from becoming a commodity--adding value, being professional, having professional materials, showing up on time.
It's all about upping your value, marketing yourself, and delivering a quality product--anything to separate yourself from your competition.
Good to hear your views....thanks. The trainers around my way are crap to be honest....except for my co-worker (he's actually one of the good ones). You guys haven't seen a hit in your earnings since the economy went down the crapper? I've been hearing about a number of gyms having decreased numbers.
Kaiser....ever trained anyone is one the of the NYC rec centers? not even sure if it's allowed....I have to check.
Just curious how much the independent trainers on this board are charging now that the economy is pretty slow. I know there are a variety of factors that comes to play (i.e. average disposable income of clientele).
I havent. Im breaking new ground in other things and definitely charge more (way more) than my competition because I know Im better than most trainers around here.
I think it depends on your area though. I have some friends in NY where business has definitely been slowing down, but then there are others in other places who are rocking it out. Depends on your niche market I guess.
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I charge $79 per 1 hour session and $75 when they buy a package. I also charge $10 per bootcamp (group training) class I conduct. I also train at an affluent golf club, so my rates haven't changed despite the economy. That's not to say I wouldn't review it if I was training elsewhere.
that's good to hear that the economy hasn't had a significant effect on you guys. I'm actually teaching a thai boxing boot camp class at my job at the YMCA....should be fun. It'll be different because I'll actually teach some technique instead of having people just swinging around aimlessly. I might be able to pick up some privates from there.
I've heard that gyms in Manhattan, not surprisingly, are starting to take it in the shorts. However here in CA business is still pretty good. While numbers for new memberships aren't exactly rocking, the training numbers are good - those with the need and/or $$ are continuing to train.
Most around here, including the armies of shit trainers, generally do $80-100 per hour. But this is NOT the average market.
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Yea....the gyms in manhattan are getting hit. Gym members at my job in manhattan mentioned that there are less people in the gym than before. I hope things turn around because it'll be easier for me to do well when people have more disposable income.
Shit trainers are rampant around your way as well?
I'm going to let you in on a little secret about NYC training. There are tons of shit trainers because it has become a 'job' to some people who work out regularly and just need something to do. Many of the trainers in NYC don't actually see it as a career. I've known enough people who do it because it's alright money, you basically make your own hours, its a fun environment, etc.
There are certain gyms I would steer away from, while there are others that truly value education. Like enough people have said though, I think it depends on your niche whether you're going to be hit or not...
Average like kuri said is between 80-100, but I've known guys who've charged up to $150+
Thanks for the advice.....Keith, where are you working now? you can just PM me if you don't want that to be public. I'm considered a top trainer at my job due to my credentials, but I'm still getting used to the selling portion of the job. Anyone ever worked at the reebok gym? I've never been there, but I heard it's a hotel. I'm amazed how upscale the gyms in manhattan are.
@ Keith - haha - It's funny you said that about the shit trainers around town - a lot of people might see it as bringing down the industry, but I see it as an opportunity to outperform the competition - It's interesting how some can charge $150+ while others struggle to find clients charging much much less. .
Don't forget that building a business is not all about what you charge, retention and referrals are much more important. I'd rather have a client that I see 4x/month @ $75 who refers me to 2 of their friends because they can afford my rate, than someone I see 2x/month @ $90 who can't afford to see me more frequently and knows that thier friends are in the same boat.
Also make sure that you continue to build value in your services session after session. Obviously the bast case is to get the person that can afford $90 2x/wk and has a bunch of rich friends, but if they loose precieved value in your service they won't want to pay it even if they can afford it. It's easy to get into an autopilot mode with your regulars, but when money gets tight and they're looking to trim the fat in their budget you've got to be sure that you are valuable enough to make the cut. This will also help you in the referral category. The more a client values your service the more they will brag to their friends and want to pass your business cards around. I also offer discounted session packages for clients that refer me to people that begin training with me. It doesn’t have to be a lot, even a few bucks off each session for the next week or month will show your appreciation for helping to build your business and give them an extra incentive to be your salesperson. As you all know referral clients are always much more solid than any other type of new client so make sure to wow them right from the start.
Don't forget that building a business is not all about what you charge, retention and referrals are much more important. I'd rather have a client that I see 4x/month @ $75 who refers me to 2 of their friends because they can afford my rate, than someone I see 2x/month @ $90 who can't afford to see me more frequently and knows that thier friends are in the same boat.
Also make sure that you continue to build value in your services session after session. Obviously the bast case is to get the person that can afford $90 2x/wk and has a bunch of rich friends, but if they loose precieved value in your service they won't want to pay it even if they can afford it. It's easy to get into an autopilot mode with your regulars, but when money gets tight and they're looking to trim the fat in their budget you've got to be sure that you are valuable enough to make the cut. This will also help you in the referral category. The more a client values your service the more they will brag to their friends and want to pass your business cards around. I also offer discounted session packages for clients that refer me to people that begin training with me. It doesn’t have to be a lot, even a few bucks off each session for the next week or month will show your appreciation for helping to build your business and give them an extra incentive to be your salesperson. As you all know referral clients are always much more solid than any other type of new client so make sure to wow them right from the start.
Yeah it's definitely important that your clients and their friends continue to perceive your sessions with extreme value - Ha ha, speaking of extra incentive, I touched on this in a recent popular post on my blog -
I charge $65-$70 (depending on where client lives), and i'm in good ol' Baton Rouge, LA. I raised my rates $5 last year and will do the same this year. To most of my clients, a $5 bill is the equivalent of a square of toilet paper. Now, for the New Year, I may put together a group training program and/or offer a "special" package, but otherwise my rate is flat...no packages and/or "deals". I do give clients a "free" session (hate the word "free") for a referral, though. The economy really hasn't seemed to impact my business. Honestly, Hurricane Gustav kinda put a dent in things for a while (Baton Rouge was hit HARD and the rest of the country really didn't know about it). I lost one client b/c of it...she owns a mortgage company and almost lost her business.
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Yeah it's definitely important that your clients and their friends continue to perceive your sessions with extreme value - Ha ha, speaking of extra incentive, I touched on this in a recent popular post on my blog -
Interesting article in your blog about independent contracting in gyms. I had never thought to approach gym managers with that proposal. I workout at some local gyms and they don't have too strong of a training staff so when people see me doing my workouts they come up and as questions. I recently spoke to a guy at one of the gyms I am a member at and after talking to him for a few minutes he wanted my business card. I gave it to him and then a day later there were signs posted around that gym talking about "if you are caught soliciting outside services on the premises or you will be asked to leave". So now I feel like I need to go talk to the manager to clear up that I wasn't "soliciting". I’m sure it’s simply about them getting their cut so perhaps I will discuss this idea of independent contracting.
Just curious how much the independent trainers on this board are charging now that the economy is pretty slow. I know there are a variety of factors that comes to play (i.e. average disposable income of clientele).
I was just about to post a related question, asking how the economy is effecting people's business. Nice to see fairly positive responses suggesting that most people (at least on here) are doing okay and haven't had to cut their rates to attract business or keep clients. I'm a little suprised to read that Manhattan/NYC gyms are suffering though. I would have thought that a higher concentration of more affluent clients in the city would mean places likes NYC would fair better than most areas of the country.
Interesting article in your blog about independent contracting in gyms. I had never thought to approach gym managers with that proposal. I workout at some local gyms and they don't have too strong of a training staff so when people see me doing my workouts they come up and as questions. I recently spoke to a guy at one of the gyms I am a member at and after talking to him for a few minutes he wanted my business card. I gave it to him and then a day later there were signs posted around that gym talking about "if you are caught soliciting outside services on the premises or you will be asked to leave". So now I feel like I need to go talk to the manager to clear up that I wasn't "soliciting". I’m sure it’s simply about them getting their cut so perhaps I will discuss this idea of independent contracting.
Hahaha damn! They may feel threatened by you or whatever - Yeah it's almost ALWAYS a good idea to form relationships with the mangers of these types of clubs - Just make sure when you're talking to him to talk in terms of HIS benefits -
How much are independent trainers charging in this crap economy?
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