Commission fees: Simple, Transparent, and Affordable?

As an educator, choosing the right platform involves more than just finding students—it’s about understanding how much of your hard-earned income you actually keep. Many platforms charge commission fees that quickly add up, cutting deeply into your earnings. Let’s explore how platforms like Preply, AmazingTalker, and iTalki structure their fees and compare their financial impact to LokaLingo’s simple flat-rate pricing.

How Much Do Other Platforms Take?

Preply

Preply operates on a sliding scale commission model that varies based on the number of hours you’ve taught. Here’s a breakdown:

• First Lesson: Preply takes 100% of the first lesson’s fee.

• Subsequent Lessons: The commission drops as you log more teaching hours, starting from 33% and decreasing to 18% after you’ve taught over 400 hours.

Example: If you charge $20 per lesson, the first lesson will earn you $0 (since Preply takes 100%). After 20 hours, you’ll earn $13.40 per lesson, and after 400+ hours, $16.40 per lesson.

AmazingTalker

AmazingTalker employs a regressive commission system, meaning the more you teach, the less commission they take. However, English teachers face significantly higher commission rates, especially early on.

• Starting Fee: AmazingTalker charges up to 30% for new teachers, decreasing gradually as you earn more.

• Additional Fees: A 5% regional tax and a 3% transfer fee apply when receiving payments.

Example: For a $20 lesson, new teachers earn $14 per lesson. Even after earning $1,500/month, teachers still pay significant fees, such as $6 per lesson in commissions and taxes.

iTalki

iTalki’s commission model charges a flat 15% rate for all lessons, regardless of teaching hours.

• Fixed Fee: If you charge $20 per lesson, you’ll receive $17 per lesson after the 15% commission.

• Lesson Packages: iTalki also allows students to purchase bundles of lessons in advance. For a $100 package (10 lessons), iTalki takes $15, leaving you with $85.

The Math: A Direct Comparison

Educators often find themselves calculating how much they’ll actually earn after platform fees. Platforms like Preply and AmazingTalker take significant percentages, particularly for newer teachers. Even with iTalki’s fixed 15% rate, the deductions can add up over time.

Why LokaLingo is a Game-Changer for Freelancers

As an educator, I understand the value of predictable income and transparency in fees. LokaLingo’s $6 per user flat rate ensures that I keep more of what I earn, simplifying financial planning. Unlike commission-based models, this straightforward approach means I can focus on teaching rather than tracking escalating fees.

If you’re looking for a platform that prioritizes your earnings and offers a transparent, hassle-free experience, LokaLingo is worth exploring. Its innovative pricing model makes it a standout choice for freelancers who want to maximize their income.