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No Refund For Coaching Offer

by Epicurus
8 replies
Hello Folks

I'm thinking of offering a coaching upsell with my next product launch but am toying with the idea of not offering a refund on the coaching part.

My thinking is that if I've spent my valuable time with people and they decide to refund at the last minute then I won't be best pleased.

Plus, I think it will put off quite a few time wasters and serial refunders if I make this clear up front.

Thoughts please :-)
#coaching #offer #refund
  • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
    Whenever I take on a coaching job, I have a contract drawn up that the
    student must sign and in it, it specifically states that there are no refunds
    on my time.

    Have it in writing. That way, if they dispute it, you can take it to a lawyer
    and then to court if you have to.
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    • Profile picture of the author Epicurus
      Good idea...thanks Steven!

      Have you had any problems in the past that has required you to do this?
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      • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
        Originally Posted by Epicurus View Post

        Good idea...thanks Steven!

        Have you had any problems in the past that has required you to do this?
        None so far. Of course I turn down 99% of the people who apply for my
        program so that helps.

        Yes, I pre screen. I don't want to deal with certain types and I can spot
        them a mile away after they answer my interview questions. Some I can
        spot from the initial emails they send me.

        Like...

        "How much for coaching?"

        Yeah, that's it. No introduction. Nothing about themselves. Not even
        a signature. Don't want folks so lazy that they can't even take the time
        to write me a proper email.

        Those people will usually demand a refund within 3 days after the coaching
        is done because they haven't made their fortune yet.

        Nope, don't need the headaches.

        So yes, pre screening will save a lot of grief down the road.

        The catch 22 of this is if your business model depends on getting
        coaching students, well, you're essentially self limiting your income by
        being a picky ass SOB.

        But since I don't need the money, I don't care.

        You have to do what's best for YOUR business. I can't make that decision
        for you. But if you're depending on this coaching being a substantial
        part of your income, you're going to have to learn to bend to allow some
        people in who I wouldn't give the time of day to.

        And when you do that, you open yourself up to problems.

        There are no two ways about it.

        Just understand this, be prepared for it, and you'll be fine.
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  • Profile picture of the author goalpower
    When it comes to digital products/intangibles/coaching I offer NO REFUNDS. Oh sure I get a complaint every now and then - about 1 in 100, but since I use paypal - and they don't offer refunds on digital products - no problems. Most complaints are bogus theft attempts anyway (as long as your products/services are solid).

    If someone is outright lying to customers about their systems/services - yeah they may need to reconsider their strategy.

    My feeling is this. Buyer beware. Don't offer a warranty on coaching - you're opening up a can of worms. State up front there's no refunds - and you'll have no issues. I know I've sold over 100k in coaching for anywhere from $2000 a pop to $10k. What inevitably happens with coaching students is some will end up not making coaching appointments and most simply won't follow through with their end of the deal. That penalizes you for doing your job (if they get a refund later).

    Just my thoughts.
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    Steve Meade - Master Motivational Hypnotist and IM Pro

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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Mayo
    I'm pretty blunt about the no refund for my coaching.

    I tell them this,

    "    there are no refunds available. Why? Because I can't get my time back
    therefore, you can't get your money back. I will be happy to work with you
    to make you happy ... but if you're looking for a guarantee for a refund, then
    this isn't for you. Please don't sign up!"

    You have to make it very clear upfront so they can make the decision if they are OK
    with it before you start the coaching.     I've never had anyone request a refund for my
    coaching.

    Have a Great Day!
    Michael
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      Originally Posted by Michael Mayo View Post

      I'm pretty blunt about the no refund for my coaching.

      I tell them this,

      "      there are no refunds available. Why? Because I can't get my time back
      therefore, you can't get your money back. I will be happy to work with you
      to make you happy ... but if you're looking for a guarantee for a refund, then
      this isn't for you. Please don't sign up!"

      You have to make it very clear upfront so they can make the decision if they are OK
      with it before you start the coaching.       I've never had anyone request a refund for my
      coaching.

      Have a Great Day!
      Michael

      Michael, curious...do you pre screen your applicants? In other words,
      do you ever turn people down?
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      • Profile picture of the author Michael Mayo
        Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

        Michael, curious...do you pre screen your applicants? In other words,
        do you ever turn people down?
        Steven, Yes I have turned down many people in the past for a multitude of
        different reasons.

        If I don't feel the chemistry between us then I don't take on the task or If
        I truly believe that the person needs a more specific/specialized type of
        training I will refer them to someone that I think will be able to help them.

        Have a Great Day!
        Michael
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  • Profile picture of the author Epicurus
    Thanks guys, some great info there for me to consider.

    I also work as a freelance VA and handle several support desks so I know the type of people that are in this market and some of them can be 'challenging' to say the least.

    Pre-screening is definately the way to go I think.
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