Have You Ever Lowered Your Rates?

[LeslieG]

Have any of you ever lowered your rates? If so, how much did you lower them and did it help with getting more families?

I've had a few families contact me over the past week asking what I charge. After I told them I never heard back from them. Maybe I'm charging too much. I'm kind of desperate to enroll more kids, since I'll be down to 1 in a couple weeks.

Thanks!!

[WImom]

I haven't lowered them but extended my open times and didn't raise them when normally I would since I would be open longer.

[butterfly]

I never have, but what about an introductory price? Something for a limited time only, to get them signed up and seeing how great your program is. Make sure to advertise this way so parents aren't shocked when the price goes up, but I think it would be worth a try...

[MotherNature]

I lowered them by $20 & filled up, with a waiting list.

[Unregistered]

I lowered mine just a little to new families, not existing. My problem was there was a non registered provider right behind me. She charges $80 a week!!! So everyone was going to her, she was/is well over her numbers. On days I see them outside I have counted as many as 11! I lowered my rates a little and it helped. If you do lower it make sure that you ask the family a lot of questions! Some times the lower rate can attract some not so great families. good luck!

[littlemissmuffet]

I never lower rates or extend hours...
When I have extra money coming in I save it up for times when I have a hard time filling open spaces.

You have to do what you feel is best for you though.

[Leigh]

I never have, and I never will. I already don't make nearly enough money for the work and expense that goes into it. My rates are a little higher than some others, but there are others charging much more than me, too. I tell people who complain about my rates that they'll get what they pay for. I told someone that in April, and never heard from her again...until last week. Her child starts here on Monday.

Rates that are too low tend to either attract the wrong kinds of parents (who would leave their kids with the cheapest possible option) or make other parents think there is something wrong with you.

Do what feels right for you, but I would NEVER lower my rate.

[cheerfuldom]

I lowered by $10 per week and that helped. This was about 2 years ago and I have not raised rates yet and dont plan too. The lowered rate helps me stay full. I also do not charge teachers for the summer break but this works for me because I have school agers of my own and we dont want to be tied down to the house all summer. I'd rather be full during the year and save up for the loss of income during the summer. do what works for you!

[Nebula]

I have lowered a bit of my rates, but it doesn't seem to help much.

Right now I am $150 week for the first child and $50 for each additional.

As far as the unlicensed center and over capacity? It would take me all of thirty seconds to put in a tip to state.

[coolconfidentme]

As far as the unlicensed center and over capacity? It would take me all of thirty seconds to put in a tip to state.

What she said!!!

[Scout]

This is why I began listing my rates on my ads. If I get a reply now I know they already know what I charge. The first reply I got since stsrting this enrolled the next week after our first contact. I have an ad out now and hopefully will get somethng here soon as I am losing siblings. Before I had the rates listed I got nothing but the same happening and it was too frustrating! Good luck!!

[Cat Herder]

, she was/is well over her numbers. On days I see them outside I have counted as many as 11! !

^^^As a mandated reporter, you should not feel guilty giving your inspector a heads up about the ratios of the neighbor. In reality, if you don't it could cause a few headaches for you if something bad ever happens; if not legally, just by getting you on your inspectors bad side Nobody wants to be there. IYKWIM? I'd call.

OP, I did not lower rates, but did have to purchase an exorbitant amount of preschool curriculum texts and supplies to appease demand locally. Parents want take home projects, worksheets and "goals" met EVERYDAY now. It is a new era...

I guess, in effect, I did lower rates as it cut my profit considerably this year. Luckily, I have hard copy of all and will use multi-year.

[Emsdayhome]

I used to charge $40 a day for full time, now I charge $37 and people jump on that. Funny how a few bucks makes all the difference in the world. I didn't lower for any families while in my care though, I've started fresh with new families, new set up, new expectations, new business.

[Maria2013]

Have any of you ever lowered your rates? If so, how much did you lower them and did it help with getting more families?

I've had a few families contact me over the past week asking what I charge. After I told them I never heard back from them. Maybe I'm charging too much. I'm kind of desperate to enroll more kids, since I'll be down to 1 in a couple weeks.

Thanks!!

no I have never lowered my rates, I'm very resalable for what I offer!
... you sure they were families and not other daycare providers or people interested in becoming a provider?

[Crazy8]

no, but I am kind of regretting raising them this year. Current clients did not complain but I think maybe they will be too high when its time to interview again. I am thinking of lowering them back to where they were.