Why not just charge what everyone else charges?

A published market rate does not know your rent, your award wages or the van you still owe money on. Two businesses can charge the same course and one of them is losing money. Use the price index to see the market, then use this calculator to see whether that market rate actually pays you.

The hall is free at my vet. Do I still need a venue line?

Set venue hire to 0 and use the host retainer or per-pup cut instead. Free rooms are rarely free. Someone is taking enrolments, reception time or a percentage.

What if I cancel a term that does not fill?

That is already in the fill rate. If you only run a class at six of eight seats, type 75%, not 100% with a prayer. Refunded terms belong in a lower course count for the year.

Why does worn-out equipment sit in the price?

Because you will buy it again. Spreading the cost over its useful life is a replacement reserve, not a depreciation lecture. If you skip it, the next dryer, treadmill or fence comes out of the pay you thought you were taking home.

Are these figures GST inclusive?

They are whatever you type. Use the same basis on every line. If your prices include GST, enter costs the way they hit your account. Mixing a GST-inclusive price with GST-exclusive costs will understate the gap.

Is this financial advice?

No. Every figure comes from the numbers you typed. The minimum price is the point where your enrolments cover operating costs, the equipment reserve, card fees and the pay you said you wanted. It is a planning tool, not tax, accounting or financial advice.

What you need to charge per course

Fill rate and venue hire decide this. A half-full class has the same hall bill as a full one.

Step 1 of 6Your target

Planning model from the numbers you type. Not financial, tax or accounting advice.

Your target

Floor$1,127.71

What you want to take home, and what you charge now.

What you want to earn per year

What the business should pay you, before tax. Super is added on the next line.

Super on that pay

12% is the Australian guarantee if you pay yourself a wage. Sole traders still need to put this aside.

What you charge now per course

Full enrolment, not a casual drop-in week. A common Australian 6-week pup class sits around $250 to $350.

How this one works

The hall costs the same for five pups as for eight. Fill rate is the price.

A course fee that looks cheap per week can still be too cheap per hour of teaching plus admin.

Every figure comes from the numbers you entered. The minimum is the point at which revenue covers operating costs, team wages, the equipment reserve, card fees and the pay you said you wanted, across the enrolments you realistically complete in a year. It is general business information, not financial, tax or accounting advice. Last updated August 2026.

All nine calculators · Puppy school software