I think this woman is totally playing you. She has a preschooler, this issue with daycare for a sporadic schedule isn't news to her. What was she doing for care before she came to you? I bet she left her previous provider (who was charging her a fair rate for full weekly access) because she was getting care for a steal from you. On top of it, you are transporting her kid to and from preschool - that is a sweet deal for her, of course she is bummed to lose it. I would insist on the new contract starting January 1st. If you are pretty sure you will lose her and won't have a replacement, you might consider offering an intro rate for a month or two, but your services are worth the $125, and I'm sure she actually knows this. If you do give her some type of discount for Jan or Jan & Feb, make sure it's clearly spelled out that the ongoing rate is $125 and she is getting X# of weeks at a discount.
This is your business now, so remember that the parents don't set the rate or other terms. She isn't deciding if you can change your policies or determining the rate herself, she is deciding if she wants to continue care based on your new rate/policies. (an important distinction, IMO) She doesn't get to negotiate or counteroffer.
This is your business now, so remember that the parents don't set the rate or other terms. She isn't deciding if you can change your policies or determining the rate herself, she is deciding if she wants to continue care based on your new rate/policies. (an important distinction, IMO) She doesn't get to negotiate or counteroffer.
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