Kundenabwanderung durch starre „No Pay No Play“- und Vorauszahlungsregeln

Definition

Some studios operate strict payment policies where students are not permitted to participate in classes unless fees are paid by a set deadline (“No Pay No Play”), although payment plans can be negotiated.[1] Others require that term fees be taken only via a specific direct‑debit platform, refusing payments at the studio, and levy non‑refundable enrolment/admin fees that do not credit against tuition.[3] Trial classes are often payable upfront and non‑refundable, though they may be credited if the student enrols promptly.[1][3] These policies can create friction for families who prefer alternative payment methods, miss initial deadlines, or dispute non‑refundable components. While they protect cash flow, they also increase the risk of students leaving rather than entering payment plans, particularly when there are additional compulsory charges such as concert/costume fees per class and exam fees.[1][3] Logic: if 3–7% of students at a 300‑student studio discontinue each year primarily due to fee disputes or rigid policies and each student is worth ~AUD 900 per year in tuition plus ~AUD 250 in extras,[1][3] the revenue forgone from these lost customers is significant and is directly tied to the fee‑collection process design.

Why This Matters

The Pitch: Australian 🇦🇺 dance studios lose 5–10% of annual tuition from families who drop out after payment disputes or rigid fee rules like ‘No Pay No Play’. Introducing flexible, automated fee plans and clear digital communication can retain a portion of these at‑risk students, preserving AUD 15,000–45,000 in tuition per year for a mid‑sized company.

Affected Stakeholders

Studio owner, Front‑desk/administration staff, Teachers (who must enforce attendance restrictions), Parents/guardians

Related Business Risks