A quick poll.
My goal was to set up the shopping cart for my online photography classes so that students could pay a deposit to hold their spot in class and then pay the remainder of the balance two weeks prior to the class start date.
Sounds easy enough.
However, I spent the last couple of days going over the logistics of how to make this happen and it turns out it's not so easy after all.
And while I could make this decision on my own, I honestly have no preference, so I am going to leave it up to all of you who are planning on taking the class.
So here's the question I am polling (and I will go with whatever the general consensus is):
Option A
Would you rather have three different class dates available when you register so you can choose in advance the particular class date that works best for your schedule (knowing that you have to pay in full at the time of registration even if your class is 4 months away)?
For example, I would open registration on May 5th for the same class, taught three different times (class one beginning on June 2nd, class two beginning on July 28th and class three beginning on September 22). Students would choose which class they would like to take and pay in full for that class on May 5th.
or....
Option B
Would you rather have one class date available to register for at a time, with registration open approximately 4 weeks prior to the class start date (and payment due in full at registration), knowing that this option would not allow you to secure your spot in future classes.
For example, I would open registration on May 5th for the class that starts on June 2nd and would not begin registration for the July 28th class until 4 weeks prior to the class start date (June 28th).
Just leave me a comment in the comments section. You can just say "Option A" or "Option B" (feel free to leave any additional comments or questions you have too).
Thanks a ton.
And a post just isn't a post without a picture, so here's a really old one of Courtney Lee (back in 2005, when her hair was still curly).
Option B (in case I don't get into the 1st one)
Posted by:Wendy Updegraff | April 29, 2008 at 05:09 PM
Option B. I like the deposit idea the best (for both you and I)... too bad that couldn't have worked out. Thank you so much though for your work in trying to accomodate everyone!
Posted by:shabbyVTchic | April 29, 2008 at 05:21 PM
I guess Option B as well. Yeah, too bad the deposit thing didn't work out. That would have probably been best for everybody. So if I understand correctly how it will work, if I try to sign up for the first class and don't get in, I just wait until the next registration and try again for the next date? If this is the way you end up going with it, make sure to let us know when all the registrations dates are for each class. Thanks and good luck!
Posted by:Terri Porter | April 29, 2008 at 05:30 PM
I like option A. It would be nice to know if I got into a class even if it is down the road.
Posted by:emily | April 29, 2008 at 05:32 PM
Option B...
Posted by:Andi Sexton (rrlscrapgal) | April 29, 2008 at 05:34 PM
I think option A but isn't this a possible logistical nightmare for you if things get changed due to unforeseen circumstances? Oh well, I'm sure you have a better handle on these logistics than I do.
Posted by:Susan G | April 29, 2008 at 05:51 PM
I like A... to know that I'm "in"... even if it is down the road.
Posted by:Lindsay | April 29, 2008 at 05:55 PM
I like option A.....I know I want to take the class and this way you know you are in for sure even if it is down the road.
Posted by:Shonia | April 29, 2008 at 05:59 PM
Option A is the best for me. Thanks for being so flexible with everyone!
Posted by:Amy | April 29, 2008 at 06:12 PM
Option B
Posted by:barb | April 29, 2008 at 06:16 PM
I'm a planner. I'm really hoping to get into the first session, but if that doesn't happen, I'd like to KNOW I made it into the second one. I don't want to be "rushed" through the registration twice (or more). So, I very much prefer OPTION A. I can't wait!!
Posted by:Terri | April 29, 2008 at 06:39 PM
I'm a planner. I'm really hoping to get into the first session, but if that doesn't happen, I'd like to KNOW I made it into the second one. I don't want to be "rushed" through the registration twice (or more). So, I very much prefer OPTION A. I can't wait!!
Posted by:Terri Benson | April 29, 2008 at 06:41 PM
I like option A...even if the class is a while away, it will give me incentive to get things done and put aside before the class begins. I like to know that my class is paid for and I have no worries!! Now, I just have to get in to my desired time slot! I can't wait! Thanks for offering so many options Karen.
Oh yes...must mention that my DH bought me a D80 for my birthday a couple of weeks ago!!! I am soooo ready for this class!
Posted by:Birute | April 29, 2008 at 06:43 PM
Option B
Posted by:Rachael | April 29, 2008 at 06:54 PM
Option B
Posted by:Sara | April 29, 2008 at 06:54 PM
Option B because even though I may (which I don't) have the money on May 5th I still won't miss out on your class!
Posted by:Kim | April 29, 2008 at 06:55 PM
Yeah! for "A" :-)
Posted by:Libbi Moore | April 29, 2008 at 06:58 PM
I like option B better even though I would not be guaranteed a spot right away...It's tough to put out the money so far in advance for me personally. It's awesome of you to offer options for us!!
Posted by:Julie Johnson | April 29, 2008 at 07:03 PM
Definitely Option B!! It also will allow the technical issues to be resolved from the first registration (if there are any!) YOU ROCK!!!
Posted by:Megan | April 29, 2008 at 07:04 PM
Definitely option A!!!
Posted by:Linda | April 29, 2008 at 07:10 PM
"A" please!!!
Posted by:Robin | April 29, 2008 at 07:12 PM
option B please.
Posted by:Melissa | April 29, 2008 at 07:16 PM
Option A- I want to know when I 'll be taking the class so I can kinda plan things around it
Posted by:Jessica | April 29, 2008 at 07:21 PM
option A
Posted by:danni perez | April 29, 2008 at 07:33 PM
I'm all about Option B - commitmentphobic??? :O
Posted by:Peggy Lucas | April 29, 2008 at 07:38 PM