Kicking Myself - Need To Vent

[littlemommy]

I haven't posted forever, since we were moving. Maybe some of you remember me.
I am starting up my new daycare, in a new city, and am having trouble staying positive.
I'm advertising as cloth diaper friendly, gluten free, and clean eating (lots of organic/local, from scratch-cooking!) I had one interview, and have been holding two spots for over 5 weeks for this family (for one kid, one on the way.) We totally clicked, and have talked many times. We met up last night at a park, and they were scheduled to start Monday. I got a message this morning saying that they won't be starting, that she wants to stick with her current provider so there aren't so many changes at once for the older child. I understand that, but talk about short notice!

I did not get a deposit. I'm kicking myself for that. I held these spots for 5 weeks!!
To top it off, all the other interest I've had has been on the opposite end of town.

[e.j.]

Five weeks is a long time to hold a spot and get nothing for it. lI'm so sorry that happened to you. Live and learn, I guess. I've never required a deposit and so far (knock on wood), I haven't had anyone change their mind at the last minute like that. The possibility of it happening is always in the back of my head, though. Getting a deposit really is a good idea.

I'm a little confused...is it a problem for you that the interest you've had is on the opposite end of town? Are those parents not willing to drive to your end of town for some reason?

[blandino]

I had that happen once, the weekend before care was to start. It's just so infuriating. Now we don't hold spots without a deposit, and at the longest for only 2 weeks. Now that you've had this happen, it will serve as a learning experience and it won't happen again. :hug:

[littlemommy]

Thanks ladies. Yes, it's a learning experience!! I guess I was open to holding the spots for that long because they were my first family with interest in my new daycare, and they were willing to drive 15 minutes one way to get here.

As far as everyone else being on the other side of town, if I were looking for daycare, it'd be worth the drive for me. We're not in a bad neighborhood or anything, but time is important to people.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I had that happen once, the weekend before care was to start. It's just so infuriating. Now we don't hold spots without a deposit, and at the longest for only 2 weeks. Now that you've had this happen, it will serve as a learning experience and it won't happen again. :hug:

Same here.

I apply their deposit to their final two weeks of tuition should a written notice be given. So, they can actually USE their deposit at no extra expense to them should they follow policy.

[preschoolteacher]

Recently, someone posted on here about Vista Print selling you a customized mailing list for very cheap. You can specify your area and then narrow the results down to every family with a three-year-old, for example. The price is something like 6 cents per address, and you can choose how many to purchase. Maybe a targeted mailing would help you find clients!

Think about what kind of parents would like your program and what other choices they might make in their lives. Where can you find these families? Can you post flyers in local co-ops? Does your area have an Attachment Parenting chapter? How about a yoga studio that caters to families or pregnant women? Are there private or charter elementary schools that are similar to your philosophy (Montessori, Waldorf, etc.) where you can somehow make connections and advertise to families with younger siblings? What about holistic pediatric clinics? Natural/organic baby boutiques? Whole Foods? Hipster coffee shops? These are all ideas I have for advertising my own daycare.

GOOD LUCK! Your type of program is very cool, in my opinion, and those people are out there who will agree.

[preschoolteacher]

I had another idea. I've found that many families who live these kind of lifestyles have also made other choices so that they can spend more time at home with their children. Are you able to accommodate part-time care? You may get more interest if you can work with parents who only need care a few days per week, or half-days.

[AmyKidsCo]

I think it happens to all of us at one time or another. Don't kick yourself too hard, just learn from it.

I hope you fill your spots soon!

[littlemommy]

Recently, someone posted on here about Vista Print selling you a customized mailing list for very cheap. You can specify your area and then narrow the results down to every family with a three-year-old, for example. The price is something like 6 cents per address, and you can choose how many to purchase. Maybe a targeted mailing would help you find clients!

Think about what kind of parents would like your program and what other choices they might make in their lives. Where can you find these families? Can you post flyers in local co-ops? Does your area have an Attachment Parenting chapter? How about a yoga studio that caters to families or pregnant women? Are there private or charter elementary schools that are similar to your philosophy (Montessori, Waldorf, etc.) where you can somehow make connections and advertise to families with younger siblings? What about holistic pediatric clinics? Natural/organic baby boutiques? Whole Foods? Hipster coffee shops? These are all ideas I have for advertising my own daycare.

GOOD LUCK! Your type of program is very cool, in my opinion, and those people are out there who will agree.

Thank you for the advertising ideas!! I hadn't thought of coffee shops or yoga studios. There happens to be a gluten free bakery VERY close to me, and he encouraged me to bring in a flyer. Now I need to make up a catchy looking flyer!!

[daycarediva]

Consignment shops, farmers markets, Mommy & Me classes, pediatrician and pediatric dental offices, maternity wards, large local businesses, banks are other great places for flyers.

How frustrating! I hope it picks up for you soon!