Pros and Cons of ClassPass for Students and Studios

Pros of ClassPass for Studios

1. Increased Visibility and Marketing
   ClassPass offers studios exposure to a large audience via its homepage, search engine, and map feature. This can be especially beneficial for new studios, giving them a way to be found by users searching for specific classes or locations, potentially attracting a broader audience.
   
   Another option, our search, filter and sort table here on YogaVersus, allows students to find yoga studios easily, directly and at no cost.
2. Opportunity to Fill Empty Spots
   ClassPass can help fill unsold spots, providing an option for new or smaller studios to bring in students during non-peak hours. This can add income that may otherwise not be earned from under-booked classes, although typically at a reduced rate.
3. Monthly Revenue Stream
   With a consistent flow of students, studios receive a regular monthly income from ClassPass, which can help with cash flow stability. For new studios, this can offer a financial buffer during quieter months.
4. Review System for Feedback
   The platform’s review system allows students to leave feedback on classes, providing studios with insights into what clients enjoy or areas for improvement. However, this feature is double-edged, as reactive, personal, or unkind reviews can impact a studio’s reputation unfairly.

Cons of ClassPass for Studios

1. Reduced Revenue per Class
   ClassPass generally pays studios at a lower rate per class than what they would earn from direct bookings. Over time, this can affect profitability, as the volume from ClassPass users may not offset the reduced income per head. Tied into ClassPass promotions offering free classes.
2. Less Direct Client Relationship
   Since ClassPass users are technically customers of the platform, rather than the studio, studios miss out on building direct relationships and loyalty with these clients. This limits a studio’s ability to nurture a returning client base who may otherwise be inclined to purchase packages or memberships directly.
3. Reliance on ClassPass
   As studios grow accustomed to ClassPass as a revenue source, they may become overly reliant on the platform. If terms change or competition increases, studios may find themselves in a vulnerable position, struggling to transition to a more self-sustaining business model.
4. Potential Negative Feedback
   The review system, though useful for feedback, can sometimes harm the studio or teacher reputations due to impulsive, personal, or unkind reviews. This reactive approach can impact the studio’s image, especially if reviews don’t reflect the overall experience.
5. No Retention Funnels
   ClassPass holds emails and contact information so unless studios directly request contact details for marketing there is no way to reach out to ClassPass clients.

Pros of ClassPass for Students

1. Access to Multiple Studios and Class Types
   ClassPass offers flexibility for students to try different studios and class styles. This is particularly appealing to those who want variety or are unsure about committing to a single studio.
2. Global Access
   With credits usable at studios in over 2,500 cities worldwide, ClassPass allows students to continue their practice while traveling, offering consistency and convenience for a mobile lifestyle.
3. Free Trials and Promotional Offers
   ClassPass frequently offers promotional deals, such as a free month, introductory credits, or discounted re-enrollment offers. This allows students to try a range of classes and studios at a low cost.

Cons of ClassPass for Students

1. Limited Availability in High-Demand Classes
   ClassPass users may find it difficult to book popular classes, as some studios limit the number of spots available to ClassPass students. This can lead to disappointment if a preferred class fills up.
2. Cancellation Restrictions and Fees
   ClassPass enforces strict cancellation policies, often requiring 12 hours’ notice, with high fees for late cancellations. This lack of flexibility may frustrate students, especially those with unpredictable schedules.
3. Higher Per-Class Costs Than Expected
   Though ClassPass markets itself as a cost-effective option, some users find that the credit system can end up costing as much as paying directly, especially for premium classes or high-credit studios.
4. Less Opportunity to Build Studio Loyalty
   By hopping between studios, ClassPass users miss out on the chance to become regulars at a single studio, potentially losing the deeper connections and community-building that many studios cultivate.

Final Thoughts

While ClassPass offers undeniable benefits for both students and studios, it’s important to consider the limitations. For students, if you find a studio you love and want to support them, consider booking directly whenever possible especially small independent studios that don’t have big capacities but also if your local studio isn’t offering a price point you can afford reach out them directly as most independents will offer community rates or free spots in class for those that can’t afford them. For studios, balancing the exposure ClassPass provides with the need for sustainable revenue and client loyalty can be challenging. Evaluating both sides can help users and studios make informed decisions on how best to use ClassPass.

Are you a new studio opening soon and unsure whether to use ClassPass then you can reach out to Rebecca for expert advice 📧.