Bikram Yoga Decatur

Hi Erin, Thanks for the feedback.

I'm keeping the idea of simplified pricing on my long term "to do" list but since we're not getting a lot of response to my query we aren't likely to be making any significant changes to our pricing any time soon.

Also, from my perspective, your response actually reads like an argument for keeping things the way they are. I'll explain:

There are two reasons for class card expiration dates. The first is to help us maintain a certain level of cash flow. Any business needs a steady stream of income in order to meet their monthly financial obligations like rent, utilities, salaries, etc. The second is to encourage people who purchase classes to maintain a regular practice -- "use 'em or lose 'em" being a pretty effective motivation. Even if we did simplify our prices, we would still need to have expiration dates on class purchases.

Discounts for bulk purchase are mutually beneficial. We get an increase in cash flow and the student get's a better price per class. That's why a 20 Class card costs less per class than a 3, 5 or 10. Specifically we've got 3 "per class" prices: $16 (drop-ins), $14 (3, 5 & 10 class cards) and $13 (20 class cards). We actually offer further discounts but these rates serve to illustrate my point. The reason we have the 3, 5 and 10 class card options are exactly for someone like you. You still get a discount even though you aren't buying a lot of classes up front.

I will also point out that with any of our numbered class cards (3, 5, 10 or 20) you only need to attend class once every nine days in order to use all the classes before the card expires. If you were only in town for a couple weeks at a time you could still easily work through a 3 or 5 class card before reaching the expiration date.

If you're asking to be able to buy a 20 class card at the $13 rate but not to have an expiration date then there is no longer a cash flow benefit for us.

If none of the above options work for you I would consider working out a compromise. If you're willing to pay $14 for a 20 class card I would be willing to extend the expiration date from 6 to 9 months.

I was thinking about reducing the options but you suggest adding one more... while it's not what I had in mind, it's also not a bad suggestion. I'll give it some thought.

First let me apologize for the delay in noticing and approving this comment -- I'm still trying to figure out how to get email alerts when someone posts a comment.

I'll add "middle-aged Dads with three kids and a spouse to support" to the list of requested discount categories, alongside "starving artists," "school teachers," "just got laid off" and a kazillion others.

Seriously, the simple solution you recommend is inherent in our basic price structure. It's $16 per class but if you buy quantities it gets cheaper ($14 for 3, 5 or 10 classes, $13 for 20 classes, and even less per class for people who come often enough to justify an unlimited card). If we just left it at that, it would be pretty simple. The thought behind this topic was that maybe I should just leave it at that or even make it simpler.

But I'm too open minded for that, apparently. I'm pretty sure I have more discount options than any other Bikram Yoga studio in the country, possibly more than any other kind of yoga studio. And we're adding more (CDC employees is next).

If none of the existing (or impending) discount options don't apply for you we are also starting a program whereby we will list opportunities to buy discounted class cards from other sources such as Charity Auctions and web site coupon sites. Alas, this in the works and it may be a month or two before we have our first listing page.

Finally, I will quote something from our pricing page: "Don’t Let Money Be an Obstacle - There is always a way." Meditate on that and if it doesn't inspire you in some way call the studio and talk to me.