Here are some things to consider if you just starting out as a scrapbook instructor:
First, you need to figure out what your costs are going to be and how much you will need to make to realize a profit. Most instructors will charge a registration fee. You shouldn’t make it too steep – $5-$10 will suffice. However, you need to decide if you will be supplying materials or if the people attending will have to purchase the supplies themselves or bring along their own. Keep in mind that you will be teaching people how to put together their own scrapbooks. This will be much easier if you’re teaching everyone with the same materials. Consider raising the entry fee a little and providing all entrants with the materials they’ll need to create a memorable scrapbook page.
Make sure your students understand from the outset what will be included in the class and what they need to provide, along with the time, date and cost. Good teachers do not assume that the retail store owner has provided all that information. Your store owner may be Wonder Woman but she will still have days when a crisis happens and she may not get your class members called.
Take the responsibility off her busy shoulders and call your students. You will make loyal learners by your cheery call. Tell them you’re glad they are coming to your class and remind them of cost, supplies they’ll need to bring and any added benefits…such as “Remember, you’ll get 10 percent off anything you purchase the night of the workshop, so bring your wish list!”
Ask if they have any questions ahead of time and add a request that they provide 24 hours notice if something comes up. Most stores now have a 24-hour cancellation policy unless there is an emergency.
You may also want to provide a free gift for attendees. One instructor reports that she likes to order bulk quantities of stickers and papers and hand them out at her classes to give her students the added satisfaction of getting something just for showing up. We all love free stuff, don’t we? Your students will too!