I want to share with you all an important shift in the industry. In the 80s, most schools were under billing companies that handled our receivables. However, those days are long gone. Now, the majority of schools use platforms to run their operations, including tuition collection. This shift is significant, and it’s essential to understand its implications.
Transition from Billing Companies to CRM Platforms
One of my close juniors, managing about 10 locations, recently transitioned from a traditional billing company to a modern CRM platform called Spark. This transition highlights the change in how billing and customer management are now handled. A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software is now a cornerstone in the martial arts industry, streamlining various processes.
The Importance of Centralized Billing
With centralized billing, there’s a direct responsibility on the school. Spark simplifies this with automation, but it requires setting up an admin email for direct communication with members. It’s crucial to adhere strictly to the terms of your agreement in every aspect.
Adhering to Membership Agreements
As a business owner, it’s tempting to bend the rules. However, your membership agreement is your bible. Whether it’s about cancellation policies or refunds, stick to it without exceptions. This consistency is vital, even in dealing with close relations or exceptional circumstances.
Training Staff on Policy Enforcement
Your staff should be well-versed in your membership agreement. They must guide members to the relevant clauses in the agreement when questions about cancellations or other policies arise. This approach ensures clarity and adherence to the set guidelines.
Continuous Improvement of Membership Agreements
Your membership agreement should evolve with your business. Modify it to address new situations that arise, ensuring that your organization is always prepared to handle similar future scenarios. This dynamic approach helps maintain operational clarity and efficiency.
Benefits of Centralized Billing: Protecting Reputation
Centralized billing has another significant advantage: handling student dropouts more gracefully. Unlike aggressive follow-ups by billing companies, a smoother exit process for students helps protect your school’s reputation. Positive experiences, even in departure, foster good word-of-mouth and safeguard your reputation, an invaluable asset that must be earned through consistent, positive actions.
I hope this insight into the evolution of billing in our industry and the importance of adhering to and evolving membership agreements has been enlightening. Remember, every action in your business shapes your reputation. Thank you for listening, and I appreciate your attention to this critical aspect of running a successful school.
Ready to transform your Martial Arts school management? Say goodbye to 80+ hour workweeks and hello to 20-hour weeks with Spark Membership Software. Streamline, automate, and boost efficiency in every aspect of your business. Take control of your metrics and member relationships. Elevate your school with Spark today!
