Why Do I Stink At This???

[wahmof3]

DCM I have had for almost 4 year texts me asking for a discount bc her DCK is going to preschool.

It only affects my services with her on Mondays.

I already discount her 1 day a week ($50 a week) bc DCKs don't come one day a week.

Her fee should be $250 week for an infant and preschool DCK. I only charge her $200.

My full time rate is 3 days per week or more and/or over 20 hours. The DCK will be here 3 days per week and 27 plus hours per week.

Why do these parents think we are "price negotiators"??

What would you say to DCM? and not sound horrible??

Please send thoughts of courage to me. CccCCourage (in my best Lion voice)

[Cradle2crayons]

DCM I have had for almost 4 year texts me asking for a discount bc her DCK is going to preschool.

It only affects my services with her on Mondays.

I already discount her 1 day a week ($50 a week) bc DCKs don't come one day a week.

Her fee should be $250 week for an infant and preschool DCK. I only charge her $200.

My full time rate is 3 days per week or more and/or over 20 hours. The DCK will be here 3 days per week and 27 plus hours per week.

Why do these parents think we are "price negotiators"??

What would you say to DCM? and not sound horrible??

Please send thoughts of courage to me. CccCCourage (in my best Lion voice)

I would remind mom that her rate is for three days a week and over 20 hours. Since she attends over that minimum, her rate will not change. And then I'd remind her she already gets a discount and that if shed like to find care elsewhere, you need your notice

[daycare]

I have learned that with some families, if you give an inch, they will take a mile. If you give in once, they will expect it again.

I stopped offering anything and even agreeing to anything outside of my contracts.

I just tell them that legally, if I give you a discount, I have to be fair and offer it to everyone else too or I could be found in a discrimination law suit, which I refuse to allow that to happen.

Adults act just like kids do at times. If you allow it once, they expect it again and if you say no, they will try to negotiate it with you. So in order to stop this from happening, it's no every time................just follow your contract......

[wahmof3]

Thanks so much!! I love that I can come on here and get help/advice

[Blackcat31]

What would you say to DCM? and not sound horrible??

Please send thoughts of courage to me. CccCCourage (in my best Lion voice)

She wouldn't like me then because the kids that only attend part days/weeks actually get charged more than a regular attendee...

My reasons? It's too hard to fill the space around that kind of inconsistency.

When parents start making alternate/partial attendance arrangements their rate goes up.

If I were you, I might be sarcastic and tell her that if she can find a family willing to fill her gaps in attendance due to the DCK going to preschool, you'll cut her a break. If not, then her rate will be going up so you can accommodate the lower attendance status.

On a serious note, whenever a parent attempt to bargain with me about rates and such, I say something along the lines of "I understand that you are trying to save money where you can but I do not appreciate you feeling as though you can do that with my services. I offer quality care and expect parents to understand that is what they are paying for.

If you would prefer to have a cheaper daycare rate, I know a neighboring provider who parks the kids in front of the TV all day and provides discounted supervision for a really low rate. If you want her number, let me know. Your choice."

.................then I smile really really big so that the parent isn't really sure if I am joking or if I am serious.

btw~ I am serious.

[daycare]

She wouldn't like me then because the kids that only attend part days/weeks actually get charged more than a regular attendee...

My reasons? It's too hard to fill the space around that kind of inconsistency.

When parents start making alternate/partial attendance arrangements their rate goes up.

If I were you, I might be sarcastic and tell her that if she can find a family willing to fill her gaps in attendance due to the DCK going to preschool, you'll cut her a break. If not, then her rate will be going up so you can accommodate the lower attendance status.

On a serious note, whenever a parent attempt to bargain with me about rates and such, I say something along the lines of "I understand that you are trying to save money where you can but I do not appreciate you feeling as though you can do that with my services. I offer quality care and expect parents to understand that is what they are paying for.

If you would prefer to have a cheaper daycare rate, I know a neighboring provider who parks the kids in front of the TV all day and provides discounted supervision for a really low rate. If you want her number, let me know. Your choice."

.................then I smile really really big so that the parent isn't really sure if I am joking or if I am serious.

btw~ I am serious.

girrrlll I need to learn to say that....

I just did my first stint at using my BB big time and was shaking after the DCM left. Hours later I felt sooooo good though.....

I also charge a higher rate for PT.....

[Crystal]

Tell her sure, after I raise your rate to the regular rate I will discount the rate to what you are paying now

[daycare]

Tell her sure, after I raise your rate to the regular rate I will discount the rate to what you are paying now

girl you are on a funny role......... that's good...I will have to use that.....

[wahmof3]

See I totally agree! In fact I pulled up your rate sheet BlackCat to see what you charge... DCM would probably crap herself.

This DCM tried to negotiate a cheaper rate last winter when the newborn began care. I told her that I already discount her rate and cannot go any lower. She gave me some attitude and said something like "what so I am paying for the day they don't attend" I said no you are paying a set rate and then added additional fees if she needed wednesdays.

I have lost several families in the past few months and have been without an income for 6 weeks HOLDING 4 spaces for these DCKs (3 different DCFs) without any fees (I know my fault) BUT then I get this message that she wants even more of a break. WHO is going to pay my bills??

I just know that when I respond I risk losing this family, but I keep telling myself- what will DCM want next?

[daycare]

do you have that letter BC posted about why DC is so expensive?

I know that you really want to keep this family. I have been in your shoes. BUT you have to take care of your first before you can take care of anyone else.

I would just tell DCM. Sorry, I only do one discount and I have already given it to you. I would tell her that you don't get your lights, food, water, etc discounted, so you can't possibly go any lower than that. I hate to have to say it, but you might have to tell her that if she can't afford your already discounted rates, then she should start looking for care else where......

It stinks that parents back us into these coroners sometimes. DON"T let them. You work hard and deserve every penny you charge....

[wahmof3]

Yes I have that letter nicely placed in my daycare forms folder- ready to whip out at any time .

I keep telling myself "Their problems are NOT my problems and I can only have 6 spaces" These spaces pay my bills.

Yet it is difficult, I have had this DCF for going on 4 years and hate to lose them, but I guess it is what it is.

[daycare]

Yes I have that letter nicely placed in my daycare forms folder- ready to whip out at any time .

I keep telling myself "Their problems are NOT my problems and I can only have 6 spaces" These spaces pay my bills.

Yet it is difficult, I have had this DCF for going on 4 years and hate to lose them, but I guess it is what it is.

OMG 4 years you have been dealing with this???

I have a mom that is hard on me. BUT I find that the more I put my foot down, the more respect I get out of her. She thought she could push me around and I think she liked doing it too. As soon as I stood up for myself, she respected me more...

Just think about it like when you see on TV girls bully the younger or not so popular one.....the bully pushes them around until finally the one getting picked on stands up for herself and demands respect..........Everyone sees the new confidence and leaves the unpopular girl alone or they end up backing her............Sad that adults do this to each other, but don't let her bully you....Stand up for yourself....

besides I have a great left hook.....Ill be flying soon, I might drop in.....

[wahmof3]

Tell her sure, after I raise your rate to the regular rate I will discount the rate to what you are paying now

lovethis

This actually crossed my mind!

Along the lines of since you are changing the terms of our contract, You will now come in at a much higher rate and I will discount you to $$$. Oh thats what you are paying now and then some ::::

[wahmof3]

OMG 4 years you have been dealing with this???

I have a mom that is hard on me. BUT I find that the more I put my foot down, the more respect I get out of her. She thought she could push me around and I think she liked doing it too. As soon as I stood up for myself, she respected me more...

Just think about it like when you see on TV girls bully the younger or not so popular one.....the bully pushes them around until finally the one getting picked on stands up for herself and demands respect..........Everyone sees the new confidence and leaves the unpopular girl alone or they end up backing her............Sad that adults do this to each other, but don't let her bully you....Stand up for yourself....

besides I have a great left hook.....Ill be flying soon, I might drop in.....

LOL!! In reality this is a great DCM. She just has a hard time dealing with paying when the child is not in attendance! When I first started I did charge a daily rate. Then after not being able to make ends meet, I charged a per space fee, but didn't increase their rate. So DCF was here 4 days I just charged the daily rate X 4. That was 3 years ago. I sort of see what she is trying to do, but our latest contracts say "This is a weekly fee and fees are due regardless of child's attendance". The preschool DCK is sweet but can be a nightmare. Cries A LOT and makes herself vomit- almost on demand.

I just sent DCM a response. I just said they are attending full time and her rate per our contract will be the same.

[Blackcat31]

Yes I have that letter nicely placed in my daycare forms folder- ready to whip out at any time .

I keep telling myself "Their problems are NOT my problems and I can only have 6 spaces" These spaces pay my bills.

Yet it is difficult, I have had this DCF for going on 4 years and hate to lose them, but I guess it is what it is.

Here a couple motivational pictures. I have them both printed and pasted on one of my cupboard doors.