How To Deal With Rising Costs At Kids Clubs

Rising Costs For Kids Activity Providers 

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As costs to run your kids club rise, you’re bound to have this on your mind. Parents at your club are worried about the cost of living too. Finding the balance between running a viable business and supporting kids to have access to your activities can be tricky. But it is achievable! So how can you do this?

• [.pink__text]Facilitating a consistent income[.pink__text]
• [.orange__text]Venue costs and considerations[.orange__text]
• [.green__text]Price adjustments where necessary[.green__text] 
• [.blue__text]Giving back to parents at your club[.blue__text]

A reliable income 

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A steady income is crucial for your business, especially with rising costs at kids clubs. How can you make it easier to bring a steady revenue stream into your club?

• [.pink__text]Simplify payments for parents by encouraging them to pay via subscription payments over the year i.e split over 11-12 months. They’ll know exactly what is coming out each month and you’ll know what’s coming in! Peace of mind all round. [.pink__text]
• [.orange__text]Help parents plan for the cost of your classes by paying in more manageable chunks rather than larger, unmanageable payments.[.orange__text]
• [.green__text] You’ll be more likely to retain customers if they see the cost of your club as value for money - it’s time to show parents why their outgoings to you are worth keeping.[.green__text]

‍Try this: ask parents for feedback on your services. Use this to highlight the value you provide and where this can be improved. 

Viability of your venue(s)

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Rising costs for kids activity providers are likely to have you assessing the costs of running your kids club. From heating and lighting indoor venues, to paying staff and maintenance costs, what can you do to reduce your outgoings?

• [.pink__text]Combine sessions - try merging classes to save on running costs. You could trial larger class sizes i.e. of sessions covering the same skills to use your facilities for less periods of time.[.pink__text]
• [.orange__text]Consider other areas where savings can be made - turn to providers for advice: can they offer you a deal? Are there any services you don’t need that can be done in-house, such as cleaning?[.orange__text]
• [.green__text]Search for alternative venues - if the cost of hiring premises is overwhelming, it may be time to look at alternative venues. If you own the premises, you have to be realistic about all your outgoings and make cuts where necessary.[.green__text] 

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Inside Scoop: With ClassForKids, you can easily communicate venue changes with parents and list multiple venues to your booking schedule if applicable. 

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Assessing your pricing 

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Whilst price increases can cause worry over lost customers, you have to consider if this is the right option for your club. If you decide this is the right choice, you’ll be wondering how to tell parents about a price increase. The good new is you can communicate these changes in a way that parents will respect and most likely will understand: 

• [.pink__text]Communicate price changes well in advance, clearly and in writing[.pink__text]
• [.orange__text]Be honest about the reasons for changes - often parents will understand the need to increase and will value the transparency[.orange__text
• [.green__text]Welcome open communication and questions from parents[.green__text]

The gift of giving 

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External funding - look into external options for both your club and for parents who may struggle with price increases. Ayrshire Gymnastics provide free places for 80% of kids attending their camp sessions, thanks to securing external funding. 

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Special offers - Retain parents with limited time price reductions i.e. consider a lower rate for the first term. Thank loyal customers with thoughtful gifts or offers. 

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Trials - This will be a difficult time to reach new customers. Invite parents to bring a friend to your classes to give them a taste of your club. While they may not be ready to join immediately, you can keep in touch with them. 

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The spirit of giving - help all kids at your club feel equally valued with small gifts such as merchandise, certificates of achievement, novelty trophies and so on. You’ll know best what your students would love most! Ask parents if kids have a favourite colour, character, hobby and tailor to them to make this extra special. 

There you have it! Our key advice on how to face rising costs at your kids club. From doing all you can to facilitate a steady income to the cost of your facilities and how to tell parents about a price increase, you can still run a viable, profitable business when times are tough. 

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Need some more inspiration on-the-go? Hear from industry expert Cerys Kenneally on helping children's activity providers grow their businesses by partnering with schools and nurseries.

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