I'm sorry to disagree, but I feel that this complaint is unwarranted. I have tutored with Wyzant since 2010 and although in the beginning, I too felt the phone-number blocking policy was a bit extreme, I have come around to the realization that it is very sensible.
To set the record straight: Wyzant does NOT demand PAYMENT up front. They only ask that the customer show that they have the ability/authority to pay by asking for PAYMENT INFORMATION up front. This helps reduce the possibility that people who should not be ordering tutoring-for-payment services, including potentially millions of enterprising web-savvy children in grade school acting without their parent's permission, cannot order and receive tutoring and then say "I'm sorry I didn't know this wasn't free. Therefore I don't owe you anything. Tough one, Wyzant.", or "I'm sorry I don't have that much" (or any) "cash on me today", "Can I pay you back later?", etc.
If you don't receive satisfactory tutoring from Wyzant, you don't owe anything -- and you get up to one hour to evaluate whether or not the tutoring is satisfactory. They keep your payment information safe until the tutor bills them for the completed session. It is a much better option than paying $20 just for the privilege of talking to tutors (3 months free or not)
