Calls From Other Providers

[Oneluckymom]

I've heard you guys have had calls from other providers and I'm sure I have too but I was wondering how you know you are getting a call from one. Is there something that gives them away. I'm getting calls but its hard to get someone to come interview.

[Blackcat31]

Caller ID?

Are you asking how you know a caller is really a potential client and not a provider just looking to swoop in on your business info? I guess I am not all here today and require additional instructions.

[Cat Herder]

What is your rate? What do you offer for that?

[Solandia]

"Hi, I am a sahm, in the very beginning stages, thinking about going back to work. I was wondering how much daycare would cost me for a newborn & a 3yo".

[Oneluckymom]

Caller ID?

Are you asking how you know a caller is really a potential client and not a provider just looking to swoop in on your business info? I guess I am not all here today and require additional instructions.

Haha....yes exactly. thought I would get some tips from you pros::

[Oneluckymom]

What is your rate? What do you offer for that?

Lol...got a call just like this thismorning!

[Cat Herder]

Lol...got a call just like this thismorning!

Sorry...

IMHO, most parent calls start with them telling you all about THEIR needs and wants.

Few start by asking what you offer.

Occasionally they will start by asking what you charge, but I typically don't interview those. A learned Red Flag.

[sharlan]

A lot of ummssss to my questions.

The last one was so obvious, I hung up on her. She sounded older, a web search said she was 70, but she needed care for her 7 yo son. Ok, could have been a grandson. I asked what hours, 6 AM to 6 PM, few people need those hours. I asked for his school, it took her several seconds to name a school on the other side of town, one that was on a main st, but not the one near where she lived. I told her that I didn't provide transportation that far away. "Oh, ok, well that's fine. What are your daily and hourly rates, anyway? What do you provide?" I kept taking the conversation away from rates, she kept taking it back.

Finally, I hung up on her. Had she been up front and honest and said that she was interested to start a daycare and wanted info, I would have provided all the info she wanted.

[MamaBear]

• About 99% of the time they block their phone # on the caller I.D.
• Their first question is what are your rates
• They get confused easily when you ask how old their child is / exact month & year of birth... gets them every time.
• They ask very basic questions of if you offer food and how many kids you have
• They get off the phone quickly before you can ask them too many questions
• They wont give you their return # when you ask.

I get these calls almost once a week. It's bizarre to me. A lot of times I just dont answer the calls that have a private # or caller I.D. blocked #.

[Blackcat31]

Haha....yes exactly. thought I would get some tips from you pros::

If you don't want to share any info with just any one, I would not give out a bunch of your info over the phone then but rather ask what their needs are and if that fits into your program, tell them you can set up an interview so that you can share your policies and program requirmements with them face to face since that is the best way to begin a financial agreement.

If they want to know all your rates and hours and etc BEFORE hand, I would just tell them each family has a separate contract and payment plan so it isn't something you can just give out over the phone but have no issue doing it during an interview.

I personally don't care if a snoopy provider calls me or a potential parent calls, I give out my info freely. I have never had an issue with it and until I do.... well, I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

[Oneluckymom]

Exactly...I don't understand why someone cant just be honest? If you want info and are a provider just say so. Don't waste my time pretending to be a parent.

[Christian Mother]

Ok, I'll admit it...I've called other daycares...once...I was calling bc I had a sick child once where the parents where upset bc I send him home...I wanted vindication I did the right thing. I got great advise here...but I wanted to call another daycare just to see what their policies where. heheheh!!

I did however tell them exactly who I was and that I was sorry for calling if they where busy but I just needed to ask a another provider a "sick" question. How they handle certainly situations... I ashually was able to talk 15min or so and got some great advice about school system rules and state rules they adhere by....She was very pleasant to talk to. I think at first she was suspicious but as soon as I told her why I was calling she her voice totally changed.

[Unregistered]

Sorry...



Occasionally they will start by asking what you charge, but I typically don't interview those. A learned Red Flag.

As a parent, I don't see what would be wrong with asking up front what you charge. If you charge way more than I'm willing to pay, we can save ourselves both a lot of time and info by cutting to the chase. If I'm looking for a $25 a day provider and you tell me you're $35 a day, there's no need in asking any further questions, much less setting up an interview.

[familyschoolcare]

I do not get any of these calls. Because all my advertising is very detailed by the time parents call me they already know they want to set up a meeting.

In fact most of my calls go like this
me: this is Mrs. *****
parent: I saw your day advertised at ****, I was wondering if we can set up a time to meet?

Now I have only had 7 interviews and 3 of them signed on.

PS. most of the parents have said that they appreciated the detailed add because it saved them time.

[Michelle]

usually when I ask how old their child is and they have to think about it..::::::
Everybody knows how old their kid is!