Lesson packages on SwingMatch help both instructors and golfers commit to ongoing improvement in a simple, cost-effective way. By pre-purchasing lessons (or “credits”), golfers often receive a better rate and can conveniently book individual lessons without worrying about payment each time. Below is a detailed overview of how lesson packages work, from purchase to redemption and beyond.
1. What Are Lesson Packages?
Lesson packages act like lesson credits. A golfer pre-pays for a set number of lessons with a particular instructor. In return, they may receive a discount or other special pricing for committing to multiple lessons upfront. This mutual commitment benefits:
Golfers: Lower cost per lesson and simplified booking.
Instructors: Guaranteed student commitment and upfront revenue.
2. Purchasing Packages
Golfer-Initiated Purchase (Online or Offline)
Golfers can purchase a package directly from the instructor’s profile.
Online Payment: Processed via credit card (Stripe) at the time of purchase (if credit card payments are enabled).
Offline Payment: Arranged directly with the instructor (e.g., cash, membership), tracked within the SwingMatch app (if offline payments are enabled).
Instructor-Initiated Purchase
An instructor can add a package to a golfer’s account directly from the golfer’s profile that can be navigated to through the Students tab.
The package details are pre-populated based on your current services that were specified in your Schedule.
The price and number of lessons in the package is fully customizable.
When an instructor adds a package on behalf of the golfer, offline payment is automatically assumed.
Communicating Expiry Dates
While the SwingMatch platform tracks the number of lessons remaining, it is the instructor’s responsibility to communicate expiry dates for packages. This ensures both golfer and instructor stay aligned on usage deadlines.
3. Booking Lessons with Packages
Automatic Credit Deduction
Once a package is purchased, each lesson the golfer books with that instructor automatically deducts one “credit” from the package.
Both the golfer and instructor can see the number of lessons remaining at any time.
Golfer’s View
Golfers see their remaining lessons on their Home Screen and in the Lessons tab.
A direct “Book" next lesson link is provided so golfers can easily schedule new lessons.
Instructor’s View
Instructors also see how many lessons remain for each package from their dashboard.
They can keep track of package usage and ensure students are aware of upcoming expirations.
Lesson Invites
If an instructor invites a golfer to a lesson (rather than the golfer booking it themselves), the system will deduct a credit from the package as soon as the golfer confirms the invite.
4. Modifying Packages
Sometimes, instructors may need to adjust an existing package after it’s been created:
Adjusting the Number of Lessons
Instructors can increase (or decrease) lesson credits—useful for extending packages, adding promotional lessons, or correcting an error.
Adding Private Notes
Instructors have the option to attach private notes to each package.
Golfers cannot see these notes—only the instructor can, which is useful for recordkeeping or special instructions.
Closing Out or Expiring Packages
If a package has reached its expiry date, you can set the number of lessons to zero.
This helps maintain an accurate view of active vs. complete packages.
5. Tracking Package Usage & Status
Remaining Credits
A clear count of remaining lessons is visible to both the golfer and the instructor.
Each time a lesson is booked or an invite is confirmed, the credit count automatically updates.
Active vs. Complete
Active packages have unused credits and are within their valid date range.
Complete packages are either fully used or have expired.
Communication & Reminders
While SwingMatch provides convenience, it’s still crucial for instructors to remind golfers about any upcoming expirations or remaining lessons to be scheduled.
6. Use Case: Single Lesson Packages
While most packages involve multiple lessons, single lesson packages can be a powerful sales tool. Here’s why:
Closes the Sale Quickly
If an instructor and a potential golfer meet (e.g., at a tournament or event) but can’t pin down a specific lesson date, offering a “1 Lesson Package” gives the golfer a chance to commit to a future session without scheduling on the spot.
This captures the golfer’s interest—and payment—right away, preventing the common scenario where a golfer says, “I’ll reach out later,” and never follows through.
Easy for the Golfer
The golfer knows they have a lesson ready to be booked whenever schedules align. This eliminates the need for last-minute payment negotiations.
Great for Marketing
Instructors can promote a single lesson package as an introductory offer, encouraging new students to try out a session with minimal commitment.
If that one lesson goes well, it often paves the way for a multi-lesson package purchase.
Seamless Integration
A single lesson package functions the same way as other packages: it’s purchased, appears in the golfer’s account, and deducts a credit when the lesson is booked or confirmed through an invite.
7. Notifications & Reminders
To keep everyone informed:
Text Reminders and Confirmations
Both instructors and golfers receive text notifications when a lesson is booked, confirmed, or canceled.
This ensures clarity on lesson schedules and package credit usage.
Automatic Booking Links
Golfers have easy access to an instructor’s schedule, making it more likely they’ll use their remaining credits before they expire.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a golfer partially pay online and partially pay offline for a package?
Currently, packages are either fully paid online or offline. If a hybrid approach is needed, discuss a custom arrangement with your student.
What if a golfer wants to purchase multiple packages at once?
Golfers can purchase additional packages at any time. Each package is tracked separately, showing the total remaining lessons in each package.
How do I handle refunds on packages?
Refund policies vary by instructor. If a golfer needs a refund, the instructor should manually adjust the package details and arrange the refund based on their agreed-upon policy.
What happens if the package expires but still has remaining lessons?
This is up to the instructor’s discretion. The instructor may extend the expiry date or mark the package as expired if they choose to enforce the original terms.
Is there a time limit to use the single lesson package?
It depends on the instructor’s policy. Some may set a specific expiration date, which should be communicated clearly to the golfer.
Final Thoughts
By using lesson packages, both golfers and instructors benefit from streamlined scheduling, cost savings, and a commitment to ongoing training. Whether purchased online or offline, packages allow for an easy, automated process where credits are deducted each time a golfer books a lesson or accepts an invite. Single lesson packages in particular can be a powerful way to close a sale when schedules aren’t yet solidified, ensuring that an interested golfer stays committed.