Personal Trainer Pricing Help

[TheYamin]

Hey Guys,

I' new here and have been taking in all the great advise from the members, but have not come across this problem here so hope you guys can help. Sorry if this has been covered before.

I am doing a personal trainer course, and am trying to prepare in advance so I can "hit the ground running" as they say when I have completed my course. I am stuck with trying to make up my package plan. As a new trainer I thought I'd start at maybe £15-£20 per session (be it 30-60 min, I'm working on that). My view on PT is NO COOKIE CUTTER PLANS.....FULL STOP, therefore I won't be providing this. But I wanted to know lets say 1-2 years down the line when I'm more experienced I would Ideally like to up the cost to £30-£50 depending on client needs. How would I do this without making the new and existing clients feel like I'm just over charging or ripping them off? when they will be aware of the older cost

Also, if you can suggest any other advise e.g marketing, sales, articles, websites, books etc it would be much appreciated.

Thanks in Advance

[ossumday1]

First ask around and determine the local market value. It may seem counterintuitive but you do not want to underprice your services - it makes you look less authoritative and less like an expert. I'm a fan of starting at a fair price so that I don't have to make a big jump such as the one you stated.

As for other info feel free to check out tumblr and twitter in my sig, working on a sales and marketing program right now.

[TheYamin]

That's a good point. I want my pricing to be what I value my services at (for now £30-£50 as I have no professional experience in PT, but have trained friends) and not have to compensate for others around me. Otherwise the next person can under cut me and so on and so on. Although I am doing a course, its something I've had an interest in for years (about 4 now), but have only now taken action to try to make a career of it. So I'm not a noobie I understand what your saying about the jump and I also believe in fair pricing too. Should I maybe meet half way £25-£35? this way it wont seem like much of a jump

[timk81]

Try a book called $100 startup

[TheYamin]

will do thanks

[TheProgressiveOne]

Stop selling sessions. Sell results.

Start speaking about 12 week packages instead.

[TheYamin]

Stop selling sessions. Sell results.

Start speaking about 12 week packages instead.

can you give me an example please. I have an idea what you may be referring to but just want to make sure. Do you mean like........"In 12 weeks time you should expect to have lost x number of lbs"

[Endevorforever]

can you give me an example please. I have an idea what you may be referring to but just want to make sure. Do you mean like........"In 12 weeks time you should expect to have lost x number of lbs"

Yes. Get the commitment. Don't play the session game.

[TheYamin]

Hmmm... that does sound a lot better. should I give a recommendation to the number of sessions that may be required or let the client decide how long they want to do? from the previous example 12 weeks could be 1 a week or 3 times a week. so would it be best charging by the week or by the session?

[KyleAaron]

I work at a community gym in the mornings, and train people in my garage in the evenings.

The community gym has the person decide on doing X half-hour sessions a fortnight, and the money for this goes out each fortnight by direct debit. These people tend to show up more often and keep doing PT for longer than those who buy packages.

In my garage I just charge them for 13 weeks, whether they come once that whole time or three times a week is up to them. Three months is about how long it takes newbies to establish the habit of exercise and to realise the benefits of training. For example, if they never ran before, if they're a healthy bodyweight they might get to running 5km in under 30', or they might go from never having deadlifted before to pulling their bodyweight off the floor, or if they were chubby or underweight and got their diet right, now they several kg closer to a healthy bodyweight, etc. Three months is thus long enough to see some results.

Of course, you can try to get people who are on the fence and make them committed - going from a 6 session package to direct debit 2/week, that sort of thing - but it's not common, and a lot easier just to find people who are committed in the first place.

[SerpentHearted]

can you give me an example please. I have an idea what you may be referring to but just want to make sure. Do you mean like........"In 12 weeks time you should expect to have lost x number of lbs"

in 12 weeks they're going to learn how to train for long term results, how to meet their nutritional requirements with their choice of foods on a schedule that suits their lifestyle. Mostly they're going to avoid and unlearn anything that's an unneccessary complication / detrimental to seeing results and general wellbeing, because they're training with a knowledgeable and responsible, no nonsense professional.

and hopefully at the end of 12 weeks they stay on with you even longer, but if not they've gotten more than just a session per week of your time, they've gotten a wealth of knowledge that will take them as far as they want to go in their fitness journey. So charge accordingly.

[TheYamin]

in 12 weeks they're going to learn how to train for long term results, how to meet their nutritional requirements with their choice of foods on a schedule that suits their lifestyle. Mostly they're going to avoid and unlearn anything that's an unneccessary complication / detrimental to seeing results and general wellbeing, because they're training with a knowledgeable and responsible, no nonsense professional.

and hopefully at the end of 12 weeks they stay on with you even longer, but if not they've gotten more than just a session per week of your time, they've gotten a wealth of knowledge that will take them as far as they want to go in their fitness journey. So charge accordingly.

Thank you, YES! that's exactly what I was thinking but wasn't sure how to get the point across. My idea is to equip them with the knowledge and know how to not only be able to reach their goal but to instill them with the motivation to want to go further and beyond that. To get them to want to keep up that lifestyle and see continues improvement without it seeming like a chore or laboring task.

@Kyle - That sounds like a much better approach to go about the training and costs. I suppose it's similar to how driving instructors charge. Either per session or block bookings. I suppose I can discount the block booking a little.

on a general note, I was thinking of something like a loyalty scheme where, if the client has been training with me for say.....6 or 12 weeks, they would get a gift of some kind. Am I over thinking it or does it seem like a good idea?

[timk81]

You're sounding like bedros keuilian. Check him out

[TheYamin]

You're sounding like bedros keuilian. Check him out

haha thanks I have actually. I discovered him not long ago and am checking out his videos

[TheYamin]

I apologize in advance and thank you to those who reply to this

Right so this is what I've come up with. If my calculations are right it should hopefully work out ok. Charging by the week, there will be no limit to the number of times they can see me, (1, 3, 4 pw etc) and also I am planning on setting up a FB page and website where they can contact me and ask questions when I'm not with them. I will get to the costs in just a moment, its......quite long but hopefully easy to follow.

So the package will offer the following:

1 - A tailored workout plan to suit client needs
2 - Nutrition plan (what foods to eat and not to eat)
I will try to make it as easy as I can i.e. eat chicken, fish, eggs. don't eat, MacDonald's, fat cakes(cup cakes), high sugar stuff
3 - Ask the Trainer (FB+email)
4 - Training log to track progress (BMI, fat loss, muscle gained etc)
5 - 1 on 1 sessions
6 - Group Sessions if they want to bring a friend (discounted)
7 - Homework assignments e.g. Additional exercises, stretching, foods to cut, more of certain foods to eat etc
8 - Fortnightly or monthly payments

So this will be available to everyone. I was thinking for nutrition, to break it down more. Like try to eat x amount of protein, x amount of carbs, x amount of fats (good), recommend recovery vitamins and supplements and so on, I'm sure you get the idea.

As this will take more time to customize for each individual, should I'd advise there is an additional charge, or should I rework the price to include it in the package cost?


Now, on to the package. I was thinking of something like this. I have tried to find out about the going rate but the response I get each time is charge what you want, it's your business. I was also thinking to keep block sessions to a 4 weekly basis. I feel this will help clients to manage money better. The below is 4,6,12, but i can change that if its better to go for 4 weekly. I have worked it out on a 1 client a day and worst case 1 a week. SO here is what I have so far.....

====================================
1 client a day @ £25 pw for 7days
====================================
£25 @ 7 dwk = £175
£175 pw for 7 clients
£175 x 12wks = £2100
£175 x 6 wks = £1050
£175 x 4 wks = £700


£25 pw with 1 client pw
£25 x 12wks = £300 pp
£25 x 6 wks = £150 pp
£25 x 4 wks = £100 pp
IF 2ppl @ 350 pw for X wks

====================================
1 client a day @ £27 pw for 7days
====================================
£27 @ 7 dwk = £189
£189 pw for 7 clients
£189 x 12wks = £2268
£189 x 6 wks = £1134
£189 x 4 wks = £756


£27 pw with 1 client pw
£27 x 12wks = £324 pp
£27 x 6 wks = £162 pp
£27 x 4 wks = £108 pp
IF 2ppl @ 378 pw for X wks

====================================
1 client a day @ £30 pw for 7days
====================================
£30 @ 7dwk = £210
£210 pw for 7 clients
£210 x 12wks = £2520
£210 x 6 wks = £1260
£210 x 4 wks = £840


£30 pw with 1 client pw
£30 x 12wks = £360 pp
£30 x 6 wks = £180 pp
£30 x 4 wks = £120 pp
IF 2ppl @ 420 pw for X wks

[KyleAaron]

Too many options. When people have too many options they tend to think short-term and go for the cheapest and least hassle. For example, yesterday a woman had sought me out for PT, she'd contacted me outside the community gym so I gave her the option of either that or my place (ACE), link below.

She chose the gym, since that's closer to her home. They gave her a lot of options. At the front desk they blathered on about direct debit vs casual and how each were cheaper if you were a member as well but she could just be an aquatics member if she wanted and also if she had a family member join and it all came from the same account then she'd pay membership at a concessional rate and then but also when you pay for PT you're paying 2 weeks in advance so she'd have to pay a pro rata for that and... and she got confused and just bought a 10-pack.

Since she only wanted to do 2 PT sessions a week and not all that other stuff, her real choices were,

- direct debit. $100 joining fee and then $40 per session, ie $150 plus $160 a fortnight
- casual, no joining fee and 10 sessions for $421, ie $41.20 a session

So she opted just to give them $421 now. Too fcking many options.

Note that this was more expensive than her other option of training at my place, which would have been $500 for 3 months, or half as much as she's paying. But she'd've had to drive 30 minutes to my place instead of 10' to the gym. To save herself 80' of driving each week she paid $40/week more. So really all this fussing about with $3 here or there on the prices is unnecessary.

What you want is 3 options.

Option A - cheap, don't get much
Option B - expensive, get a lot
Option C - insanely expensive, get a lot

Options A and B alone, people will just go for A every time. But the contrast of Option C makes B seem more reasonable and most people go for that, with the occasional cashed-up lunatic going for C.

See below. Prices are just examples. Payments could be fortnightly, or weekly. Whenever people are most commonly paid in the UK, here it's fortnightly. Because if you're paid weekly but your bills are monthly or vice versa it takes a lot more thinking and planning to manage your budget, if your income and outgoings happen at the same time it's easier.

General gym-goer: Workout plan and monthly checkin, measurements and adjusted routine, £50 now, £30/month ongoing
Results package: 2 PT sessions a week plus programme for other days, £200/month
Movie star option: up to 5 PT sessions a week plus meal plans, £1,000/month

Also, nobody is doing homework. They're paying you because they don't want to think about this sht, they just want to be told what to do.

But more important than what they can offer you (money) is what you can offer them. Where are you training them from, what equipment do you have, can you coach a squat, have you any qualifications or experience in nutrition, whatever. If you can offer a lot then people will pay a lot.

[TheYamin]

Just to clear any confusion, the prices I listed are what I'm thinking of and still working on. I'm not offering those 3 in particular. The second example you gave Kyle is what my "Homework" is, additional program/activity outside the gym. What I can offer is listed 1-7 with 8 being on client finance flexibility. Example 3 is the in depth meal plan i was thinking of. Again do i charge more or work it into my cost and package plan? I have had a thought though, it's probably best to limit PT sessions up to 5 times a week. That leaves me time to manage the admin side and other business aspects.

Basically what I'm trying to say is at the end of the day, they are not paying to be told what to do and what to eat. Its your time and your knowledge and the 1 to 1 interaction. And so I want to be available as much as even if I'm not physically there, hence no.3 on my package list.

I would appreciate further feedback from others on my plan so far.

[SerpentHearted]

good advice from Kyle as per always.

IMO set it up the way that (a) is conducive to best results and (b) suits you. Not too many options or they'll spend too long weighing them up instead of just sealing the deal.

(Disclaimer i have a reasonably successful online business so i can afford to have a "my way or the highway" attitude about working with people in person)

only part i was concerned about was

2 - Nutrition plan (what foods to eat and not to eat)
I will try to make it as easy as I can i.e. eat chicken, fish, eggs. don't eat, MacDonald's, fat cakes(cup cakes), high sugar stuff

At risk of derailing the entire thread... don't tell people what to eat. Give 'em their guidelines of what their energy / protein / fiber requirements are, and encourage them to make the best choices that suit them. That's within our scope of practice aka sports nutrition.

[TheProgressiveOne]

Shot a quick video for you dude...these are just some of the factors, but a couple of considerations.



Plenty more videos coming up at http://ptprophet.com

[TheYamin]

I appreciate all the feed back and would love continual support on the matter. I have a much better understanding of how to get past this stage. This is what I will be doing.

I will have only 1 package that offers all of the following 1-8 below. No choosing, all is included. There is only going to be 2 prices ranges. Normal and student discounted. Upto 5, 1 on 1 sessions a week by clients choice, 1 minimum but max 5, at the gym I will be working at when I start. For those not wanting or can't train at a gym. I have a very good home setup in my garage like Kyle. Just need to fix it up and make it presentable. Even after the sessions, and outside the training environment I will be available to offer advise and answer questions via email or FB page I will set up. Will try to set up a site too if I can manage in the timescale, but will have one eventually. Additional follow up advise to further aid with the desired results.

So the package content is as follows:

1 - A tailored workout plan
2 - Nutrition plan
3 - Ask the Trainer (FB+email)
4 - Training log to track progress
5 - 1 on 1 sessions
6 - Group Sessions if they want to bring a friend
7 - After Hours Support
8 - Fortnightly or monthly payments

So this is it. Straight up, no bs style service. no standard plan. no plan A get this, plan B get this but loose something else.

[TheYamin]

[QUOTE=TheProgressiveOne;1276370281]Shot a quick video for you dude...these are just some of the factors, but a couple of considerations.


Thanks dude for taking the time out. Much appreciated

[timk81]

Are 3 and 7 not the same thing? Be careful with nutrition plans? Are you qualified to be paid for them or even to do them? Personally, I'd go with Kyle's A, B, C model. The book I mentioned above says the very same thing and is what I will do.

[TheYamin]

[QUOTE=timk81;1276996401]Are 3 and 7 not the same thing? Be careful with nutrition plans? Are you qualified to be paid for them or even to do them? Personally,

not quite, check my earlier post with the plan layout. I've just renamed 7. I will be when I complete my course, and it will be from an advisory point of view. Suggestion to eat x, y, z to aid the results they want