"Niche Market"

[Josiegirl]

I saw this term pop up in a thread this a.m.(thanks CH) And was wondering if any of you are filling a niche market in your town? If so, what niche did you fill?

Infant care is always difficult to find most anyplace due to the limitations in numbers. I know 1 person in our small town who takes 3 infants and they age out at 12 months. She never ever has to worry about having openings. The trouble is you can only have 3 and it wouldn't pay enough.

So I'm curious if any of you offer something different that attracts clients?

[craftymissbeth]

I saw this term pop up in a thread this a.m.(thanks CH) And was wondering if any of you are filling a niche market in your town? If so, what niche did you fill?

Infant care is always difficult to find most anyplace due to the limitations in numbers. I know 1 person in our small town who takes 3 infants and they age out at 12 months. She never ever has to worry about having openings. The trouble is you can only have 3 and it wouldn't pay enough.

So I'm curious if any of you offer something different that attracts clients?

Currently I am an infant and toddler only daycare, but I can have 3 under 18 months and 3 over. I'm seriously considering no longer taking infants, lower my rates, and only accept 18 months and up. Infant care is hard to come by here, but it's just too limiting for me. I'm going stir crazy not being able to load up and take a walk or even just get our energy out in the backyard.

[Leanna]

I was looking for that thread where someone (cat herder I think) mentioned that they were "highly niche" but I missed what that niche was...

[blandino]

I was looking for that thread where someone (cat herder I think) mentioned that they were "highly niche" but I missed what that niche was...

I believe it was the poll about number of open spaces.

[daycarediva]

organic here. I am the only one in a 30 mile radius.

[Blackcat31]

I was looking for that thread where someone (cat herder I think) mentioned that they were "highly niche" but I missed what that niche was...

Here is her reply

Medically Fragile/Special Needs, Full Care. lovethis

[LaLa1923]

Here is her reply

I wonder what this means?? How do you do this? I have CNA training so I think I would be fine here in MD.

[TwinKristi]

I would like to do infant/toddler only care but I worry that it won't be enough since I have so many of my own kids filling my spots for now. In Jan-Feb things will change a bit so maybe I will revamp come Jan and start fresh. I currently have only infants and toddlers in my daytime group but after school we have SA kids here so it's kinda hard. I can do 3 and 3, but like I said, with my SA kids taking up spaces its difficult. I have a 7, 9 & 11yr old plus an almost 2 yr old. By Feb my 9yr old will be 10 and won't count and one of my SA kids will be 10 and won't count either. So then my son won't be an infant anymore and I will have more flexibility. I think we have so many daycares in our area, but many are mixed ages or "preschools" so they can only have 2 babies. I would be limited to 3 infants and only 1 other child with my youngest 2 still in ratio after Feb.

This is a good thread! I really need to revamp my daycare (after only a year... ) and this kinda helps!

[nanglgrl]

I guess I could be considered a niche daycare but never really thought of it that way. Where I live a lot of people prefer centers to home daycares. I know part of it is cost, most people around here don't want their child going to the cheapest place (even if its awesome), they like the dedicated, child activity saturated space of centers but also love the low numbers and feel of home daycares. So I charge more than most and spent a lot of $ remodeling our basement into a dedicated space that has a center look but a home feel. It's hard to explain really but it works and Ive noticed other providers in the area doing the same.

[Blackcat31]

I wonder what this means?? How do you do this? I have CNA training so I think I would be fine here in MD.

Be a provider that takes medically fragile infants?

I am not sure what that requires but I do know that Catherder has some big time EMT/paramedic type training and experience in that field.

I would check your state requirements to be sure.

[Leanna]

organic here. I am the only one in a 30 mile radius.

Do you serve all organic foods? What about toys? Cleaning supplies? Curious as we do organic, local foods and I am thinking about doing more with other aspects of my program.

[Blackcat31]

I wouldn't necessarily consider this a niche but it is unique that I have a family child care in a house that I do not live in.

It isn't rare but it is different enough that it's been a factor for several clients over the years.

[Sugar Magnolia]

I wouldn't necessarily consider this a niche but it is unique that I have a family child care in a house that I do not live in.

It isn't rare but it is different enough that it's been a factor for several clients over the years.

I am sooooo similar. I guess my niche is small center with home like atmosphere. Its also a rare situation in my area too, but this is a positive factor for most clients as well.

Great thread! I am also heavily considering going infant toddler only. It would be a MAJOR change for me. I'm envisioning a baby boutique focus. I want to go more "high end" and younger. Make any sense?

[Michael]

I know this is about daycare and being an internet observer I also want to say the future is going to be more about niche markets and segregation and I don't mean segregation in racial terms. People want to coalesce around likeminded or similar people. This forum is a good example.

While there are few men here and mostly providers, most here tend to want it this way and feel more comfortable IMO.

[Familycare71]

Well- I want to find my niche!! :confused: what shall it be!? This is a good thread!