self employed as a fitness instructor

[Shahla]

Hello. I have recently been offered a position to work for a health club as a self employed fitness instructor, I have never been self emplyed before and as you can imagine, I have many questions that need answering. Im finding out alot of information via the internet but 1 question keeps popping up which is, how on earth do I charge my clients and what methods of payment can I accept? Is it un-professional to expect cash in hand or are there more professional methods of payment?
Hope someone could help

Shahla.

[pthub]

Hi Shahla

congrats on your new opportunity!

There is no problem in accepting cash at all
most trainers do
but remember that if someone pays you for 10 sessions up front then these sessions can last for a while before you get paid again
its best to bill for half upfront and half mid way through
helps your cash flow

why not also accept cheques?

You could also sign up to google checkout (free) and email invoices that can be paid by debit and credit cards

i'd advise opening a business bank account too

[Shahla]

Thank you for the information. You have given me some good options! Thanks again. :D

[James Harris]

Being a fitness instructor requires patience and discipline. You must lead to follow. Goodluck.

[Johnhill.inspiringfitness]

Hi Shahla, best of luck with the new venture! You will love it, I agree with PT hub, business account is a must and try and get people on standing order monthly, it's better for cash flow and creates a long term mindset. Whilst cash is ok, I find it a little unprofessional.

Good luck!

John

[chrissifleet]

Rbs have two years free business banking. I don't work for them but have just set my accounts up with them

[Kyle87st]

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[Ryan w]

Hi Shahla,

Its not un-professional to accept cash in hand just make sure you do give your client a receipt with any purchase. You can pay by card and sometimes you can pay online as well.

Hope this helps

[AboveandBeyond]

There are so many ways now; paypal, standing order, cheque, cash etc.

e-formats are so much easier for people now though.

www.revolutionfunctionalfitness.co.uk

[Danplantpt]

I normally take 10x sessions upfront. This way they are binded for 10xsessions from the onset and you can book the 10x sessions well in advance so you can keep your diary on track.

Once i receive the money I normally invoice them with the dates they will train and mark my copy off once the session is done if there is noshows etc.