question for instructors

GG357 started this discussion · 9/30/2011

I recently started teaching a beginner class at a studio, the owner stated the only reason I would need insurance is for my own personal injury. But, I am treated as an independant contractor, so I'm wondering if I'm at risk for liability if a student is injured in class. I was also told I don't make enough money to need a business license and I'm not too sure about that one either. I'm thinking I need to get a business license and insurance if I'm teaching and bringing my x-stage places to perform. Just wondering what others do related to business/money/taxes and teaching and performing pole. I'm trying to get into a small business class locally, but my scedule doesn't allow it for a while. Any thoughts, advice, and shared experiences would be appriciated, thanks!

10 replies

PaulettePoles · 9/30/2011
I dont know about pole studios per say.. but I own a business and I know our workers comp and liability ins carriers require us to keep certificates of insurance onfile for every subcontractor we use. If we dont, when they audit us, they can back charge us for the subs insurance. Being that you arent an employee, but a contractor, I would wonder if that would place you liable if anyone resulted in injury due to your instruction? What if you were to have a fall or be injured? Or someone was injured while you were spotting? Would the studio cover you? It seems odd that you wouldnt need to be insured unless you were covered under their policy. I would ask more questions and protect yourself! :) Congrats on the new position!
litlbit · 9/30/2011
I own a studio and anyone that would come in as a Independent contractor MUST carry liability insurance. POLE specific! I do not use IC because they can schedule their own time and have to bring in their own students, I can not regulate them in any way shape or form. I can not collect ,omey for them, and we must have a IC agreement on the percentage they will pay me for use of my studio space. Found that out the hard way when the state came after me. I went on info from other people. Check with your states Job Service website, it has every piece of info you need regarding being an independent contractor, and what defines you as one and what you are required by law to provide.
pegasusaerialfitness · 10/1/2011
A lot of times you can look up a lot of info on the internet that is speciific for your city and state. Call your city and ask them too. Get insurance...It's never a bad idea. If you are an IC you need it to protect yourself from the "in case" that happened. Not sure about the biz liscence. In Cali..you need everything..I'm brick and mortar type biz so I have a business Liscence to do business in my city. Also, don't take anybody's word and think "oh...I only need to do that." Nobody is going to really care your business like you do. So find out the information for yourself and know for sure. Saying "I didn't know I had to do that" won't matter if someone is sueing you or the IRS is knocking on your door. Congrats, Jennifer
Mary Ellyn · 10/1/2011
Litlbit...you are one of the few who actually understands how to use an IC - sorry you had to learn it the hard way. There are differences from state to state but the differences are not that major. If an instructor is teaching YOUR program and not their own, they are not ICs. ANd yes, you will have major problems with your tax returns and SO WILL THEY. The business owner AND the IC are both responsible for doing it correctly as far as the government is concenred. AK Ride...you need your own insurance. Yes, the studio must list all ICs for their own insurance because they can still be sued by the student on premesis...however the student can also sue the IC and the studio's insurance will NOT cover the IC! If you are an IC you must be incorporated as you are required to report and pay taxes. For more information about insurance there is a new policy for pole dancers that was just launched whom we helped them develop their program so that they understood what our business is all about. It has excellent coverage at graet rates! http://www.INsurance4PoleDancers.com Mark Culp 630-853-7970 Mark really knows his stuff and understands our business well.
Mary Ellyn · 10/1/2011
I also want to emphasize what Jennifer said....don't rely on anyone or the internet for your information! Talk to a pro...accountant/tax perparer, lawyer and/or insurance agent. Preferably those that are already familiar with pole dance businesses.
GG357 · 10/1/2011
Thanks for the replies. Now I kinda know where to start. All I want to do is share poling with other because it rocks, but I better get on it and do it right.
pegasusaerialfitness · 10/1/2011
Hi Em...Where do you need to be Incorporated? Out in Cali it is not required. Love the referral for the Pole insurance. i pay big buck outs here and it was hard to find, got dropped by some after the fact..It was very annoying. As we all know how long it takes to try to change or find or deal with anything that is "insurance" related.
Mary Ellyn · 10/2/2011
Sorry I was typing and not thinking...you don't have to be "incorporated" but you have to choose a business structure...such as being incorporated, sole proprietorship, etc.
Mary Ellyn · 10/2/2011
If a studio doesn't have a waiver it's foolish but sadly it's also not going to prevent anyone from suing you and even if you're not at fault that doesn't mean they won't get a jury or judge to award them a settlement.
pegasusaerialfitness · 10/3/2011
Empyrean, Great info. It's great that this industry has some well informed leaders.