Impatient... and Curious

[KDC]

So I had an interview for a spot I have opening up. She was 15 months, and a cutie, had no issues with the child. They are leaving their current provider because it's basically a SAHM that also cares for her child and takes her everywhere with her family (grocery shopping, teacher conferences, restaurants) and they don't always know where their child is, or if their child's schedule is being respected. While they were here, she mentioned my hours don't work for her. I close at 5, and she said her husband and her both have a 9-5 job about 45 minute drive. I just said I could probably compromise to about 5:30, but that would be my absolute latest. My kids have sport activities and they go to bed at 8, I need my time with my children and I'm not willing to compromise that time with them (I have three ages, 3, 5, & 7).

So, last night she calls and leaves me a voice mail. She has made a decision and would like to discuss it with me. She left her cell number and told me to call back after 4:30. But, it should be an interesting call since, I'm fully prepared for the negotiations she may be throwing my way. Depending on how this call goes, I just may pass - I would REALLY like to close at 5, and I can afford to pass it up, and maybe find someone who will better align with my existing hours.

She may just pass... or negotiate, or just accept. My mind is reeling with possibilities. Makes today interesting =) I would much prefer e-mailing...

[NeedaVaca]

Keep us posted! When she said "discuss" it makes me think "negotiate" but who knows Good Luck!!

[JLH]

You're providing the service to her, not the other way around. If she wants to hem and haw her way through either accepting your terms (which, as kindly as you've been, have even been altered for her to get you to staying open longer), then it might not be all that worth it.

I've found that there are some parents just waiting for the instance of being given an inch, because they have miles to go on your time and dime.

Personally, I wouldn't have extended the hours in the first place, but perhaps set up some kind of additional charge, not a late fee, for staying open past your closing hours on a regular basis. The air of mystery that this person is placing around a relatively simple decision leads me to believe that this may not be the most pleasant, punctual, up-front and forward customers.

[CrackerJacks]

I wouldn't have compromised on the 30min either...I already see it now, she's already said it takes 45min to get back after work. She'll most likley be late, a lot. Some parents don't mind paying a late fee, no matter how hefty.

[mema]

Keep us posted! When she said "discuss" it makes me think "negotiate" but who knows Good Luck!!

Yep! Or tell, not discuss or ask. Stick to what you want, especially if you can afford to pass and wait for someone with your hours. Good luck!

[MyAngels]

I wouldn't have compromised on the 30min either...I already see it now, she's already said it takes 45min to get back after work. She'll most likley be late, a lot. Some parents don't mind paying a late fee, no matter how hefty.

I agree with this. First they will try to "make it work" but as time goes on they will start showing up later and later, especially with a commute time of 45 minutes.

If you do decide to extend your hours make sure you make it worth your time by charging extra for it.

[MamaBearCanada]

Think of it this way 30 extra mins between 5pm and 8pm is a 1/6 of the time with your family which to me is a lot. Plus that is if they are going out your door at 5.30, which doesn't seem likely to me if they have a 45min commute.

[cheerfuldom]

stick firm on the 5, its not too late! if you get talked into 545, I can guarantee you that it will be 6 or 615 most days. dont get baited into a situation like this!

[daycarediva]

Don't take her with later hours if you don't NEED to! Trust me, there is a LONG wait time between 5-5:30 with that one kid left.

I am also jealous of your 5pm closing! I wish I could do that!

[KDC]

They decided to go with someone else, only due to my hours. (She called at 6, and was on her way home from the dentist that she squeezed in after work.) Oh... I would have ended up resenting them - BIGTIME! She said I was great, close by and just what they were looking for, but knows she couldn't meet my closing deadline without major stress and didn't want to do that to me or her. She said if this next provider doesn't work out, she'll be back (only she'd have to have better hours for me to take her ::. On the good side, she knows of someone else nearby that is looking for quality daycare and she would like to forward my information along, said my references were excellent and she's heard only good things from the neighborhood about my care =)