I’ve posted a link to this thread in the official chess.com coaches group which has staff members in it. Maybe someone will reach out to help resolve for you. Good luck
Problems with a chess coach

sad

Not going to speak to your specific case, but title level and young age are not mutually exclusive. There are young players at all title levels.

I’ve posted a link to this thread in the official chess.com coaches group which has staff members in it. Maybe someone will reach out to help resolve for you. Good luck
Thanks, I appreciate it. Not sure there's much we can do about my situation. But at the very least, it might keep someone else from finding themselves in my boat.

it seems like he's seeking recourse for a violation of a verbal contract with someone who, instead of attempting to settle the issue, is abusing him verbally. why so caustic?
This seems like a pretty dumb response! The fact that the lessons weren't expensive seems irrelevant at best. After all, it was the coach who set the rate, not the student. So your implied criticism of the OP seems wildly off the mark. In fact your whole comment seems snarky and ignorant
Most people try to keep their appointments, but _occasionally_ are unable.
Some people don't make any effort to keep their appointments, they think it's totally normal to cancel at the last second or just not show up. This second type of person, since they think what they did is normal, is bound to become quite irritated if you object in any way. They are not defensive at all, if you object then in their mind _you_ are the unreasonable one. If you try to publicly shame them, be prepared for a heap of abuse.
And no, it's not by age, gender, race or any other characteristic. In all times and places there have been some some people just like that.

Main thing is that I hope OP will solve his issue, will be refunded and will find a coach that will suit their learning style.

Yes, I've had similar experiences. Thanks for sharing, and glad it didn't cost you more than that. in the future ask if they'll do a 20 min free trial lesson or for $5 or something, so that you can see if they're a good fit before sending them money for lessons in advance. I know how enticing it is to buy packages in advance though.
Main thing is that I hope OP will solve his issue, will be refunded and will find a coach that will suit their learning style.
Overreacting is contagious, I caught it too

I hope you find resolution! But Taking a different track here… being a chess coach is a business. Hiding bad behavior behind a “name and shame firewall” is exactly what bad characters can and will do. In all aspects of business, customer referrals are critically important. Chess.com should investigate the bad apples and block them from the site. Live and learn, report, and hopefully find a good one next time. I would say this example is precisely what keeps me from engaging in an on-line coach from who knows where. The anonymity and distance of the internet only helps the nere-do-wells.

As one of chess.com coaches I am very sad that this happened to you. I hope you will work this out trough. It is not definitely your fault as you took cheaper coach...
My recommendation for you would be to do at least one or two sessions before taking whole package, that way you can see if person fits you with explaining and is he professional and then you decide to take package or not.
Hope that you will work this out and Best regards Ivan.
From personal experience of being a locality level coach myself, I would suggest go a for a local high rated player.
He/she can share his/her knowledge with you for cheaper rates. Give you more time.