There are various platforms on the internet that connect tutors and students, but Preply stands out as a platform where professional tutors tend to gather. This is mainly due to two key factors:
- Fixed schedule system
- Tutors do not receive payment for the first lesson
Fixed Schedule System
On Preply, tutors set their availability for specific days and times each week. This structure makes it difficult for tutors to work flexibly, such as picking up extra hours on free days or taking off on busy days.
Language teaching is often seen as a job that any native speaker can do, making it a popular choice for side jobs or extra income for stay-at-home parents. However, these individuals tend to choose more flexible platforms and avoid Preply.
As a result, many professional tutors who intend to work full-time are on Preply. Students can schedule regular lessons at the same day and time each week, making Preply ideal for those who want to study languages consistently.
Tutors Do Not Receive Payment for the First Trial Lesson
This might surprise students. While students pay the full fee for the trial lesson, all that money goes to Preply. In a previous article, I mentioned that Preply’s 18% commission is reasonable, but considering that they take all the fees for the first lesson, some might think it is high.
I initially thought so too. However, fewer students than expected stop after the first lesson, and many continue with subscriptions. I am truly grateful to my students. Before starting on Preply, this was my only concern, but considering it as a fee for connecting me with students, the 100% commission for the first lesson seems reasonable.
Tutors Must Create Lessons That Encourage Continuation
Even so, tutors cannot sustain their livelihood if most students only take the trial lesson. Tutors need to create lessons that encourage students to subscribe and continue. In my opinion, lessons that are likely to be continued include:
- Structured lessons where students can learn grammar and phrases
- Lessons where students can easily feel their language proficiency improving
I strive to provide such lessons. These kinds of lessons are not possible for just any native speaker; they require tutors with a certain level of experience.
Tutors Who Do Not Encourage Continuation Naturally Disappear
The 100% commission on the first lesson is tough for tutors, but it benefits the platform by ensuring that only professional tutors remain. Preply likely wants tutors who encourage students to continue taking lessons. Tutors who do not offer lessons that keep students beyond the trial lesson do not earn any pay and naturally leave the platform.
With tens of thousands of tutors worldwide, it is impossible for a small management team to control the quality of all lessons. By taking a 100% commission on the first lesson, they maintain a certain level of tutor quality.
I once saw a tutor saying he wanted to sue Preply because his student subscription rate was below 10%. While this is impossible as we work under Preply’s terms, I understand his frustration.
Preply Reflects the Competitive Society of America
At the online school where I previously worked, the texts used were predetermined, and all teachers worked with similar lessons and pay. This ensures equal pay for all teachers but can also lead to teachers who do not strive for improvement.
Preply, a company founded by Ukrainians but established and headquartered in the USA, reflects the freedom and competitiveness typical of America. Tutors have full freedom to decide their lesson content and prices.
While competitiveness is often viewed negatively, it provides tutors with the necessary motivation to deliver better lessons. Learners should benefit from learning with tutors who strive to offer better lessons. I regularly review my lessons and materials to ensure I provide the best possible lessons.
Find Your Best Tutor!
Preply is a unique online language learning platform where students choose one tutor and continue learning with that tutor. While the quality of tutors may vary, there are generally many professional tutors.
Finding a good tutor who suits you can significantly enhance your language skills. You should definitely try to find a tutor on Preply that fits you! Sign up through the link below to get 30% off your first lesson!
