Collecting is the least talked about part of the coaching job. This practical guide reviews price models, payment methods, invoices and how to avoid defaults. If you're starting, look first at how to start as an online coach without paying for software.
Rapid response: to get paid by your athletes, define a clear price model (monthly fee, closed plan or packages), write it down with what it includes, charge in advance with a comfortable method (domiciliation, payment gateway, transfer or Bizum) and issue invoice if your activity requires it. Tax obligations depend on your situation: consult with your manager.
Price models
| Model | How it works | For whom |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly assessment | Recurrent payment every month | Continuous monitoring during the season |
| Closed plan | A price for a goal (e.g. 12 weeks for a race) | Athleticians with a specific objective |
| Service levels | Different quotas according to follow-up (only plan, plan and weekly feedback, calls) | Coaches with varied profiles |
| Packages | Meetings or consultations | Ratings, tests, punctual plans |
What should include your proposal in writing
- Which includes the service and what doesn't.
- Price, periodization and method of payment.
- Stay or notice to unsubscribe.
- What if the athlete gets injured or pauses.
- Response time and communication channels.
Methods of payment
| Method | Advantage | To take into account |
|---|---|---|
| Banking settlement (SEPA) | Comfortable for monthly dues | Needs a signed mandate; the athlete can return receipts |
| Payment gateway (e.g. Stripe) | Card and automatic subscriptions | Committees per transaction |
| Transfer | No intermediaries | You have to check every payment by hand |
| Bizum | Fast for small amounts | Less practical for recurring collections |
Invoices and taxes
In Spain, invoicing obligations are regulated by Royal Decree 1619/2012. If you charge as a professional or company, you must generally issue an invoice, and the applicable VAT or withholding tax depends on your activity and your situation. This guide is not tax advice: confirm it with your manager or advisor.
How to avoid defaults
- Charge in advance, at the beginning of each month or plan.
- Automates recurring collections.
- If a payment fails, notify soon and with kindness.
- Stop the service if the default is maintained, as you wrote it down.
Calculate your costs
Before setting the price, add up what each athlete costs: planning and tracking time, tools, payment fees and taxes. With the current version of TrainingForever you have all the features free up to 5 athletes; then, 0.99 € per active athlete per month, with a maximum of 49 €/month. For your athletes it's always free. You have more context in the best software for coaches.
So that tools don't eat your margin at first, compare free programs for personal coaches: what each includes and when it pays.
What a Coach Says
‘I write the price from the first day and charge in advance. That's how we talk about training, not money." — Marc Bañuls, coach with more than 15 years of experience
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I charge as an online coach?
It depends on your experience, the follow-up you offer and your costs. Calculate how much time you spend on each athlete and compare with coaches in your area and specialty.
Do I have to bill my athletes?
If you charge as a professional or a company, in general you do. Specific obligations depend on your situation: consult with your manager.
What is the best method of payment for monthly fees?
Bank domicile or a payment gateway with automatic subscriptions are the most convenient for recurring collections.
How much does TrainingForever cost to me for a athlete?
In the current version, all features are free up to 5 athletes and then €0.99 per active athlete per month, with a maximum of €49/month. For the athlete, always free.
