Calls From Other Providers

[Cat Herder]

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.

I understand what you are saying, I do.

This is publicly available information through the State. I do not advertise locally, I am a private home. I typically only have openings every 4 years or so.

My States website AND Parents Resource Referral Agencies list my price, hours, ages accepted, services offered, menu samples, training, inspections, background checks, etc.

I have no secrets. ::

So for me, if a prospective client is calling and asking "What do you charge?" they most likely have not taken the time to research or even read two bulleted paragraphs on their own.

IME of 17 years of doing this.... A client who does not take the time to research providers BEFORE calling to schedule an interview is going to be a client I have to "spoon feed" all policies and procedure to constantly.

I specialize in medically brittle children and simply don't have the time or energy for that. I do childcare, not adult care. I hope that makes sense??

[Unregistered]

I understand what you are saying, I do.

This is publicly available information through the State. I do not advertise locally, I am a private home. I typically only have openings every 4 years or so.

My States website AND Parents Resource Referral Agencies list my price, hours, ages accepted, services offered, menu samples, training, inspections, background checks, etc.

I have no secrets. ::

So for me, if a prospective client is calling and asking "What do you charge?" they most likely have not taken the time to research or even read two bulleted paragraphs on their own.

IME of 17 years of doing this.... A client who does not take the time to research providers BEFORE calling to schedule an interview is going to be a client I have to "spoon feed" all policies and procedure to constantly.

I specialize in medically brittle children and simply don't have the time or energy for that. I do childcare, not adult care. I hope that makes sense??

Ah...gotcha. It's not a requirement in my state for anyone to be registered with the state if it's just a smaller family home daycare, so researching online wouldn't necessarily yield me any of that info.

[Cat Herder]

Ah...gotcha. It's not a requirement in my state for anyone to be registered with the state if it's just a smaller family home daycare, so researching online wouldn't necessarily yield me any of that info.

Oh, wow. That would be hard.

Do you have access to a Childcare Resource and Referral Agency? They are great at keeping up with and recomending care options.

There are listings of providers with openings here at daycare.com, too.

I think care.com also has pretty great listings. I know I had to submit a criminal records check just place my availablity information on that site.

[AnneCordelia]

I never answer the phone. My message lists my daycare and asks anyone looking for info about it to leave a message with the start date, hours needed and ages of children, and that I would call them back with availabilities.

[Unregistered]

Oh, wow. That would be hard.

Do you have access to a Childcare Resource and Referral Agency? They are great at keeping up with and recomending care options.

There are listings of providers with openings here at daycare.com, too.

I think care.com also has pretty great listings. I know I had to submit a criminal records check just place my availablity information on that site.

There are always ads in the papers and signs on the road. I guess that's why I was a little shocked that nobody seems to want to give out the price up front when the only info you get from an ad or a sign is a phone number. The first thing I'd ask is the price so I know if I should continue asking other questions. I really wouldn't want to interview a daycare provider without knowing her prices or at least a price "range" before I got there. We could easily be wasting both of our time. Maybe it's just a rural thing.

[wdmmom]

There's a very simple solution to this.

YOU ask the questions. If they stutter or stammer, you know they don't know what to say and it's probably a scam or another provider.

Ask them for kids ages, names, if they have daycare experience (center or home), etc.

If the first thing out of their mouth is asking you your rates, tell them

"I DON'T DISCUSS MONEY OVER THE PHONE."

If they are interested, invite them over to meet with you so they can see what you have to offer. Then discuss scheduling, rates, etc.

[mom2many]

There are always ads in the papers and signs on the road. I guess that's why I was a little shocked that nobody seems to want to give out the price up front when the only info you get from an ad or a sign is a phone number. The first thing I'd ask is the price so I know if I should continue asking other questions. I really wouldn't want to interview a daycare provider without knowing her prices or at least a price "range" before I got there. We could easily be wasting both of our time. Maybe it's just a rural thing.

I have never had an issue when a prospective client calls about my daycare and asks how much I charge. My rates are on the higher end, but definitely within the norm in my area. I understand that they are basing a decision on if it will be affordable or not and why waste the time if it isn't. I believe you get what you pay for and my prices are firm.

[dave4him]

I dont have a listing that would show up on caller id But i have not had the nerve to call anyone else in town to get ideas... kind of figure if i am following the plan right things will be okay. I am on here so obviously i am already looking for tips just in a more open forum way