Do I Even Respond To This Potential DCM???

[Unregistered]

Hi all!
I'm a former DCP getting back in the game after about 6 years. I'm looking for potential clients at this point. I had a woman respond to my ad and we've emailed back and forth a few times. She seemed very excited and asked to interview on Saturday. Then I see that she's put up her own ad, literally 2 minutes after asking to meet on Saturday, as a sahm looking to watch kids. WTH?! Should I still schedule this interview or just cut my losses and move on?

Advice is appreciated!

Thanks!!!!

[cheerfuldom]

No, I would respond.

"Hello Trisha. I know we have been discussing your childcare needs but I see that you have placed an ad and plan to begin watching children in your home. It looks like you have decided to go another direction and no longer will need my services. Thank you for your interest and good luck with your new job!"

Most likely she was fishing for info from you.....but better to maintain your professionalism and end it in a mature way. I hope you didnt send her your contract....

[Unregistered]

Thank you! I thought the same thing - she was just fishing. Fortunately I did not send her my contract, handbook or anything else! I felt like I'd already given her enough to determine if she wanted an interview or not. I almost did send her everything but decided it was in my best interest to only do this at in interview where the parents want to sign up their kids.

In her last email she said "I would LOVE more information!" HA! Yeah, I bet. Why don't I just do you a great big favor and go ahead and set up your daycare along with my own? Lol.

I like your response so I'll just email her back something similar.

Thanks again!

[DaisyMamma]

No, I would respond.

"Hello Trisha. I know we have been discussing your childcare needs but I see that you have placed an ad and plan to begin watching children in your home. It looks like you have decided to go another direction and no longer will need my services. Thank you for your interest and good luck with your new job!"

Most likely she was fishing for info from you.....but better to maintain your professionalism and end it in a mature way. I hope you didnt send her your contract....

She is definitely looking for info., I like this response.

[Blackcat31]

I personally would call her out on your suspicions and simply ask her if she is fishing for info for her own child care, if so I would appreciate he being honest about it as I have zero issues sharing info and/or mentoring new providers.

We are all in this together and I have never viewed another program or provider as competition as we are all unique and have something different to offer potential families.

The only thing that would bother me was that she was being somewhat deceiptful in her actions by not saying anything in the beginning and pretending to be a prospective client, but I can kinda see why when alot of providers are not at all willing to help out another.

[lil angels]

I had a daily for almost 8 months and mom quit her job and was having a hard time finding another but kept bringing her kid. She didn't want to loose her spot is what she said. After two months of not working I found a add on Craig's list for a SAHM going thought life changes that was looking to care for a family. And it was her I just kept waiting for her to pull. Then she got a new job and i still have her child.

People do some strange things I would have to say something since she hasn't even started yet. Just tell her you saw it and thanks for your time.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

No, I would respond.

"Hello Trisha. I know we have been discussing your childcare needs but I see that you have placed an ad and plan to begin watching children in your home. It looks like you have decided to go another direction and no longer will need my services. Thank you for your interest and good luck with your new job!"

Most likely she was fishing for info from you.....but better to maintain your professionalism and end it in a mature way. I hope you didnt send her your contract....

I would say this as well.

[Unregistered]

Thanks,ladies. I have a lot of experience and honestly don't mind helping out others that are just getting started. I know how hard it is in the beginning and I'm happy to help. What bothered me is that I felt like she contacted me under false pretenses. She may very well need care, but I can't trust her motives now so she's burned her bridge with me. No worries though, I signed two kids this morning so I'm happy