Royal Icing Courses

Fabienne, I just want to make sure I understand your question. Are you being asked to deliver the class (as the guest demonstrator) or are you wanting to bring in other people to demonstrate (and you'd be the host)? I'd answer the question slightly differently depending on your answer, so let me know.

 

If you are going to be the demonstrator, are you seeking content advice (ideas for what you should demonstrate) or advice on how to structure the terms (fees, prep support, etc.) with the host venue? I can provide advice on both topics, but want to be sure I'm answering the questions you really need answered. Thanks!

First bit of advice: if they want you to demo full projects, which many places do, don't shortchange the basic technique instruction upfront. Many people (especially beginners) will/can get frustrated diving immediately into projects without understanding how to do the basic techniques (i.e., outlining/flooding, stenciling, or whatever) that the projects call for.

 

Second, I also recommend choosing projects that are YOUR signature - that you've done before and are comfortable repeating. I wouldn't rely too much on others' ideas, as what's most important is showcasing your best work and teaching it in the most instructive way.

 

Third, the number of projects chosen depends on class length and what is doable in that time frame, of course. Also, whether the class is strictly a demo or involves a hands-on class participation component. You need to establish the latter upfront - it will take you much longer to get through the same project in a hands-on class than it would if you were only to demo it.

 

I'll post more later on the business terms you should pin down before any work starts. Got to run now.

More thoughts regarding the financial and other terms you should strike before starting any work/prep/planning for a class, especially if it requires long-distance travel:

 

1. Date, length, and content of class

2. Prep support (meaning who purchases ingredients and does any advance prep; I typically ask the venue to do all of this)

3. Payment terms (your daily or hourly teaching fee, and when and how it gets paid; do not expect it in advance, but do not leave the city/class without the money in your hands)

4. How many assistants, if any, you will have and who pays them (typically the venue should provide this support)

5. How will translating of notes and class itself be handled, if you don't speak the language (should be at their expense)

6. Travel and accommodations (personally, I don’t do classes requiring travel unless airfare and accommodations for the duration of the class are completely covered by the venue)

7. Marketing (what level of marketing support can you expect from each other?)

8. Exclusivity, if any (are they comfortable with you teaching classes in the same country/city or other countries? If so/not, what are the terms wrapped around this? Country-only exclusivity? City-only exclusivity? Ability to teach in same country once this class is sold out? I try to negotiate for no exclusivity, because it's hard enough to make money off these classes, and I like to do as many as possible if I'm already on the road. But this is often a sticking point and I've handled it differently with different places.)

9. Ancillary sales (if you have books or videos or other resources that you sell, how will these transactions be handled? For instance, who buys and ships the books to and fro the venue? Are they priced into the cost of the class or not? Who reaps the profit margin - it should be the buyer, but some people will ask you to buy them and also to share in the profits. This is usually a deal-breaker for me.)

You're welcome, Fabienne!

Nice tips Julia!

I have a friend called Fabienne in France. She is from Madagascar and lived in Rio some years ago. Is that you?

Hello Julia, I just came across this post. I'm considering hosting and demonstrating a very small class (2-3 students) on the basics of RI decorating.  It will be in my home. Are there any specifics I should know before doing this in my home? I don't really know where to start as far as fees, any advice would be very much appreciated!

I think a lot of the same advice (above) applies to classes in the home. The first step is figuring out how long the classes will be and what the content will be - in order to determine the quantity of prep work and actual class time that you will be teaching. Once you know your total labor hours and ingredient costs, you can more smartly price classes so that you make money. It's also wise to get benchmarks for similar class pricing in your area - though the best way to price is to know your costs first and to apply some mark-up. It could very well be that others in your market are under-pricing their classes, so using them as the sole benchmark for pricing could be dangerous/lead you to lose money.

Thank you Julia for time, I appreciate it!