I own a Music academy and I state the payment policy very clearly before people sign up. We take a whole year of postdated cheques all dated the first day of the month. Or they authorize us to charge the monthly fee on their credit card on the first day of the month. If the do not wish to forward posted dated cheque, they need to give us the cheque before the last day of the month or the lessons on the coming month will be cancel or a late fee of $15 will be applied on account.
I’m in Canada and economy in my city is one of strongest and people are still able to pay for lessons in full (whole year) sometimes.
Policy are verbally explained and sign on this back of registration form.
That’s how we do it.
Jessica