Just Curious About Rates

[NiNi.R.]

You have to do what works best for you but I'm with blackcat.

I have one child that stays until 5:30 the rest are gone by 430 at the latest. I make the exact same amount of money I would if I charged them all the same flat weekly rate because the weekly rate of the latest person makes up the difference that the earliest person picks up. Only difference is I'm working less hours.

I suppose I only "loose" money if every single one of my clients picked up at the lowest weekly rate. That's why when I chose the rates I made sure that if that were to happen I'd still be able to make a little money at the lowest rate. Anything over that rate is just extra!

[Blackcat31]

You have to do what works best for you but I'm with blackcat.

I have one child that stays until 5:30 the rest are gone by 430 at the latest. I make the exact same amount of money I would if I charged them all the same flat weekly rate because the weekly rate of the latest person makes up the difference that the earliest person picks up. Only difference is I'm working less hours.

I suppose I only "loose" money if every single one of my clients picked up at the lowest weekly rate. That's why when I chose the rates I made sure that if that were to happen I'd still be able to make a little money at the lowest rate. Anything over that rate is just extra!

YES! My lowest rate is what I base everything else off of.

I used to charge a flat daily rate so that is what my lowest rate started out as. Anyone using more than that is just a bonus.

For example: if the going rate is $30 per day, I charge $30 for the earliest pick up and add to it for each additional pick up time.

Every family is still paying the $30 daily rate but those that leave their kids longer are paying more.

[lovemykidstoo]

YES! My lowest rate is what I base everything else off of.

I used to charge a flat daily rate so that is what my lowest rate started out as. Anyone using more than that is just a bonus.

For example: if the going rate is $30 per day, I charge $30 for the earliest pick up and add to it for each additional pick up time.

Every family is still paying the $30 daily rate but those that leave their kids longer are paying more.

That makes sense, I'll have to keep that in mind. So what is your highest paying customer of the day if you don't mind me asking.

[Blackcat31]

That makes sense, I'll have to keep that in mind. So what is your highest paying customer of the day if you don't mind me asking.

I have a DCM who is a nurse and works longer shifts. She pays me about $40 per day.

If you PM me your e-mail address I will send you my rate sheet so you can take a look at it if you want.

[Country Kids]

BC has it ever been a deal breaker with a parent when they find out they would be paying more then someone else?

[Blackcat31]

BC has it ever been a deal breaker with a parent when they find out they would be paying more then someone else?

I tell ALL my families that their rate is based on seveal things.

Rates are set on purely individual factors. Sometimes just a few, sometimes many....depends on the family.

In my handbook it says:
Rates are calculated and dependent on each family's individual needs and schedules. (This information will be discussed privately with each family).

So I guess the answer would be no, it has never been a deal breaker for a family since they all know up front that everyone DOES pay a different rate.

Kind of hard for a family who uses 10 hours of care to be mad that they pay more than a family who only uses 8 hours of care....kwim?

Just like any job, you get paid more if you work 10 hours versus working 8 hours so same concept. (Unless you are salaried...which I am not).

[MMk9987]

I have a dilemma see I discovered an ad on craigslist and the dcm wants me to come to her house from 830 630 and watch her child I just am not sure what to charge her for a 10hr day. it would be everyday. it works out better because I am still in the middle of taking test to get my licenses i do not mind doing it at her house.

[MarinaVanessa]

I'm southern CA and I charge $160 a week for 50 hours mon-fri. It's a flat weekly fee AND the parents are on contracted hours. I have one DCG in preschool that I pick up at 11:20am and gets picked up at 5pm (most times closer to 4:30pm) and they still pay $160 a week (because I pick her up everyday from school and so that days that school is out are covered. I also help with homework). I'm in the middle for my area. The lower income side of town is at around $130 per week and the higher DC homes charge $175-$200 but they have pre-school curriculum or some other specialized child care program. My price is fair for what I provide.