Starting a Tutoring Business from Home

Tutoring is a low-cost business that works well for stay-at-home moms, home schooling parents, even college students who want to earn income on the side. You can tutor students who need help with their academic work. You can also tutor foreigners in studying English or helping them in their studies, which are hindered by language barriers. The important element of this business is your knowledge of the subject matter. While a college degree or teaching certificate may not be required, you need to have a full grasp of the subject matter especially if you are going to tutor high school or college students.

Decide on your area of expertise – e.g. High school science, or elementary, or college math -- and focus on that (though there are some who tutors elementary to college level clients). The location where you are going to tutor is of prime importance. If you are a college student whose “home” is the dorm, consider tutoring in a library, study room or even the student’s home.

To market this business, approach schools in your area. You can talk with the principal or the teachers letting them know of your skills and qualifications (bring your flyer or brochure). Request permission if you could promote your business in the school by posting flyers in their bulletin boards or in places where the kids hang out. Or better yet, ask them if they could refer students to you who may need a private tutor. Also talk to school counselors and ask them for referrals. Advertise in school newspapers, yearbooks or other school publications. Think of materials that are being sent to parents and whether you can advertise on them. You can also hand out your flyer to parents picking up their children after school. You can also create a website that will serve as your online brochure. It can also be an efficient way to communicate with clients, where you can post course materials or exercises. You can market your website locally and post it in online directories in your area.

Check the rates of tutors in your area. In some places, tutors can charge as much as P700 or more per hour, while in some places, P300-P400 per hour is the norm. Your rates will also depend whether you do house calls and tutor the client in their homes.

source: http://www.powerhomebiz.com; photo from http://www.gradebook.org