Do You Offer Sign Up Discounts?

[shelby]

Do you offer sign up discounts?

I told my husband that I am thinking about offering a sign up discount for any new parents between now and the fist of the year...

Not much, just $25 less a week from now till Jan, 2013... What do you think? Will it cause a huge problem for me come Jan?

Advice much appreciated!

Right now my rates are 100 a week, (pretty much the going rate around here is between 75 and 125 a week).

[EchoMom]

I absolutely do not, would not. To me it communicates desperation and that you just can't get anyone so you're trying to entice people. Not trying to be rude, sorry, just my feeling about it.

However I don't know your area. In my area I have zero trouble filling spots. If it were a different situation I might consider it to.

[tenderhearts]

Yes I have. If they sign up during a certain period for full time the enrollment fee is waived and $10.00 off first 2 weeks of care ($10.00 each week totalling $20.00 savings). Some people have no idea and don't mention it but I'll still do it and others have mentioned it. For part time I only waive the enrollment fee. I don't do this often only in the cases where I've had a few openings at a time to quickly fill the spots.

[Blackcat31]

I don't offer a sign up bonus/discount but I will offer a current family a referral bonus/discount for referring me to new families.

I give the current family a $25 discount on their billing AFTER a family they referred to me signs on and stays. The discount is applied after the new family has attended for 30 days.

[HappyHearts]

I do. I offer $20.00 off the weekly full-time rate for the first 4 weeks enrolled.

I also offer a referral/bonus discount of $25.00 to my current parents for any family they refer and enrolls with me.

[Sugar Magnolia]

Me too. I do 50% off the first week. I have a $100 registration fee that I "waive" if I do a tour that has a very desirable family.

[littlemissmuffet]

I don't ever offer any kind of discount. I am a low-ratio childcare, and I have a very strict yearly budget that I need to meet every month.

[biglou]

Don't give away your services. Believe in yourself and your product

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I tried it once and no one signed up. Plenty of interviews but nothing came of it.

For some reason, I get plenty of clients when I offer nothing extra. It's a sign.

[Blackcat31]

For some reason, I get plenty of clients when I offer nothing extra. It's a sign.

It's because when you value and respect yourself and your policies others do too!

When you act professional, people will be more inclined to treat you as such

[shelby]

Thanks for the advice. After your responds I don't think I will. My problem I for saw was when the discount period ended... so glad I asked the "professionals"! (even though I been doing this for 15 plus yrs..)