If You Are Full ...

[MsLaura529]

If you are full (which is where I nearly am, I do have an opening for Friday every week, but I'm going to leave it as that) and you get voicemail messages asking about your daycare prices and stuff like that, do you call back?

I don't answer my phone if I don't recognize the number while the kids are awake. I have received 2 voicemails in the last 2 days, one didn't leave me her number to call back, haha. The other one left me a message after seeing my info on care.com (first one from there). I'm wondering if it is bad to not call back or bad to call and say "I'm full"??

[butterfly]

I ALWAYS call back. I just think it's more professional to call back and say I'm full then to not call at all. When I do call them back I ask if they'd like to be added to my wait list and I offer the phone number to the local referral agency to help them locate another provider who may have an opening. I like to try to be as helpful as possible.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Yes, I do. Some of them like to be added to the waiting list and I ask them if they're interested in doing so. Granted, when I e-mailed all those on my waiting list a few months ago when I needed to fill spots I only had ONE person still interested.
I also make sure to tell them about our state website so they can search for another place and tell them that they can check to see if there have been any deficiencies when the state has come and inspected each of those places. I let them know EXACTLY where to find those deficiencies on each place's page on the state website. They are always appreciative.

[Blackcat31]

Yes! I always return phone calls.

I also interview every time some one is interested in setting one up, whether I am full or not.

Things change so quickly in this business that nothing is a sure thing....kwim?

[melilley]

I always call back and offer to put them on a waiting list. I have even done interviews when I was full just so they can see my space and be put on the waiting list. I actually have a waiting list for babies and have done an interview with an expectant couple-you never know when you need to fill a space! Plus it just looks more professional should you have an opening in the future and they seek care from you then.

[Play Care]

I always call back! Though a few weeks ago one of my own kids erased the answering machine and I didn't call someone back. I feel terrible about it
I even wrote up a sheet of what to say to the parent so I wouldn't feel so bad telling them I was full Only because when I feel bad I have a tendency to offer way too much to make up for it - something like "No I don't have spots, but I'll buy you a new car!"::

Maybe that's just me

[LK5kids]

Yes, I always call back too!

[originalkat]

I ALWAYS call back. I just think it's more professional to call back and say I'm full then to not call at all. When I do call them back I ask if they'd like to be added to my wait list and I offer the phone number to the local referral agency to help them locate another provider who may have an opening. I like to try to be as helpful as possible.

This is what I do

[TwinKristi]

I always call back and let them know if I'm full or not. I have a few friends I refer to as well so I leave that info as well.

[MsLaura529]

Thanks ladies. I just did call the most recent one back, and she was very appreciative that I called.

[spud912]

I always call back and answer questions, sometimes it ends up being an addition to my waiting list....it helps down the road when an opening does become available.

[Brooksie]

I ALWAYS call back. Even if I'm full. Which I am for infant and those are the biggest calls I get. Most people are very thankful that I call back even if I don't have a spot for them. Its just more professional and I think gives a better impression. You never know, your kids could fall through next week and that's someone you could call back and they would already have a good image of your professionalism.

[Familycare71]

I ALWAYS call back. Even if I'm full. Which I am for infant and those are the biggest calls I get. Most people are very thankful that I call back even if I don't have a spot for them. Its just more professional and I think gives a better impression. You never know, your kids could fall through next week and that's someone you could call back and they would already have a good image of your professionalism.

Yes- I see it as building my reputation even if I cannot provide the care. I answer any general questions and give my states referral info.

[heyhun77]

I change the message on my daycare phone to indicate that I am full but accepting names for my waiting list. I don't answer that line if I don't know who it is because I am busy enough with the children I already have in my care so if they really want to be on the waiting list they will leave a message that they want to be on the waiting list.

[Lucy]

When you say that you don't answer if you don't recognize the number -- I assume you have caller ID? If so, that should give you the number of the person who didn't leave theirs in the message.

And yes, I would also call back. (I know you already did. Just throwing my 2 cents in!) I feel like it builds a good reputation for you. Otherwise they're thinking, "Jeez, that lady never even called me back. She must not want the business that bad!" Or "Why'd she even advertise if she isn't even going to call back???"

But if you call back and refer them to Resource & Referral, it gives them a positive feeling about you, and they may remember you if and when they need someone in the future.

Also, you could add something to your outgoing message after the usual "you've reached John and Betty Smith. We're not able to take your call right now", etc..... then say "If you're calling about Childcare, I am currently full, but would love to put you on my waiting list or refer you to an agency that can help you. Please leave your number...." blah blah.