Trainer Payment Options Simplified
Discussion forums frequently rotate through the topic of how to pay a trainer and most responses focus on commission percentages. This is really the last step in deciding how to pay a trainer, so keep reading for the decisions you should make that will simplify your payment options.
Like every position in your business you need to determine the role or job description for a trainer in your business. What is your goal in adding training services to your business? Over twelve years at Urban Tails we actually had trainers serve in varied roles that resulted in different pay plans for each of them.
Following is a summary of the types of roles a trainer can have in your business.
- Trainer Uses Your Space – In this arrangement the trainer operates their own business and rents space from your business to hold classes. The benefit is you get rental income and have a training resource to refer your clients to. In most situations you do not have input to the classes and programs they offer or rates charged. Your marketing expense is often limited to promoting to your existing client base. Typically the trainer will provide their own insurance.
- Trainer that only focuses on Dog Training – You reach an agreement with a trainer to provide training services for your business. The types of training offered will depend on the trainer’s skills and background so ensure there is a good match to your goals. In this arrangement you should have input into the programs and rates charged. You will also assume responsibility for marketing the programs as you do other services in your business and providing insurance.
- Training and Off-Leash Play Behavior Assistance Trainers – Creating a good partnership with trainers that understand off-leash play can be a great compliment to your off-leash play services. They can assist with your dog evaluation process, trouble-shoot problem behaviors and help your daycare staff effectively use obedience as a leadership tool. These responsibilities would be in addition to offering traditional training program and services. In this arrangement it is important to have a pay plan to compensate the trainer for the time spent assisting in your off-leash play program.
Another point of discussion in chat groups is whether trainers are employees or independent contractors. You need to comply with IRS guidelines (or comparable authority in your country) and the type of role decision discussed above needs to be made first.
Following is a quick list of items that are required for someone to be paid as an independent contractor (IC):
- IC’s work for themselves; set their hours and provide their own equipment
- IC’s have special education, licenses and training
- IC employers control results, not means or methods
- IC hires and pays for their own staff
Now that you’ve decided on their role and understand the requirements to be classified as an independent contractor your last decision is how do you pay the trainer. Typically trainers are paid a commission based on training revenue earned. Commission is good for experienced trainers as it increases their earnings potential. It can be good for the business in motivating trainers to help grow the business to ensure clients are satisfied with their results.
For new trainers it can be challenging to make enough money on commission only pay plans. In these cases and when trainers work in your off-leash play programs you should consider an hourly wage plus commission type pay plan. This helps ensure the trainer feels fairly compensated when they are working in areas other than training.
| Trainer Role | Type Of Pay | Comments |
| Trainer Uses Your Space | Trainer pays you rent for using your space (not an employee or independent contractor. | Set a fee for use of your space and record as rental income on your accounting records |
| Trainer that only focuses on Dog Training | Commission – Employee Commission – Independent Contractor | You have more control with an employee and responsibilities for marketing, insurance, etc. |
| Training and Off-Leash Play Behavior Assistance Trainers | Hourly plus commission – employee | Hard to meet requirements for Independent Contractor |
There is definitely not a “one-size-fits all answer” to how you pay a trainer. You may have multiple trainer roles with varied agreements in your business. Be sure to clarify the roles and responsibilities of each party as part of your agreement with any trainer that works at your business.
The most important aspect in determining pay for your trainers is to ensure a win for your business and a win for the trainer. Trainers are important professionals that add value to your pet family clients. Set a goal of negotiating an agreement that makes both sides happy and creates a long-term working relationship.
