Just Curious On WYWD

[DaisyMamma]

I changed hours last fall that caused me to lose a kid that's actually a close family friend (bff with my aunt and always at family gatherings even Xmas). So what happened is that I was actually sorry I let them go. I had a hard time since I missed the kid.
I've since changed my hours back so I asked for the girl to come back. Well of course they've made new friends and the new dc is closer to work.
How can I compete except with cost? Since they're struggling financially I was going to offer xx$ which is less than going rate by $25-$30/week. xx$ is the exact amount more I need for fall.
I don't know what they're actually paying new dc. I wish I did!
The other catch on my end is that they may even need another half hour than what I am already offering, which makes me not want to offer the low rate or even take the kid back. I have 2 kids of my own. I don't know what new dc thinks of that half hour.

:confused:

As of right now I'm letting it alone because I can't decide. I told them I could compete with pricing but didn't give a price.

[Play Care]

Honestly? I would NOT take the child back. There is a reason you changed your hours. If they wanted to stay with you, they would have made it work. They didn't.
Have you had any more bites changing your hours back?

Now they need additional time on top of what they had before? Why? Because the center they went to had that extra time and they decided they liked having the "me" time at the end of the work day? Or did they actually change jobs and need the additional time?

The bottom line is you can't get/keep every client. I've had to come to a peace with knowing what I am willing to offer and that sometimes it won't be enough for some parents. If I changed my program every time I thought it might get a client, I would be a miserable wreck.

[Shell]

Honestly? I would NOT take the child back. There is a reason you changed your hours. If they wanted to stay with you, they would have made it work. They didn't.
Have you had any more bites changing your hours back?

Now they need additional time on top of what they had before? Why? Because the center they went to had that extra time and they decided they liked having the "me" time at the end of the work day? Or did they actually change jobs and need the additional time?

The bottom line is you can't get/keep every client. I've had to come to a peace with knowing what I am willing to offer and that sometimes it won't be enough for some parents. If I changed my program every time I thought it might get a client, I would be a miserable wreck.

Yeah, don't do it. I've considered this myself, and always decide that I made the right decision the first time. Mine was ds' best friend, but I could no longer take the long hours they needed.

[DaisyMamma]

Let me specify a little better because in this case I went from being open 5 days a week to 3 days a week. (So it was an understandle move).

The new dc has the same closing hours as I, however, there *might* be a job change. I have no idea if new dc will even allow the extra half hour.

I'm open 5 days again and filled right up. I'm not desperate. I just have the one spot available.

[Laurel]

If there is a job change, are you willing to work the extra half hour? If so, you made it known that you would like to have them back. I would just wait and see what happens from their end. I wouldn't offer anything (like reduced rates) other than what you already offered and wouldn't ask them about it again.

Laurel

[DaisyMamma]

If there is a job change, are you willing to work the extra half hour? If so, you made it known that you would like to have them back. I would just wait and see what happens from their end. I wouldn't offer anything (like reduced rates) other than what you already offered and wouldn't ask them about it again.

Laurel

I told them I would be willing to do the half hour. I'm feeling like I regret this now that I've had a couple days to consider it more thoroughly. But I go back and forth in my mind constantly. For example, two hours from now I might feel like I want to do it.
I've also got so many other things going on and my emotions are running high.

[Play Care]

Let me specify a little better because in this case I went from being open 5 days a week to 3 days a week. (So it was an understandle move).

The new dc has the same closing hours as I, however, there *might* be a job change. I have no idea if new dc will even allow the extra half hour.

I'm open 5 days again and filled right up. I'm not desperate. I just have the one spot available.

In that case, I really wouldn't do it - especially if they are having financial issues and you might be discounting - more work for less money. I would find myself becoming very resentful after a few months of that.

[snbauser]

I wouldn't do it. You can't keep every client happy no matter how much you like the kid. You begging to get them back is going to make them feel "special" and once they have that feeling, you are setting yourself up to be taken advantage of at every opportunity.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I told them I would be willing to do the half hour. I'm feeling like I regret this now that I've had a couple days to consider it more thoroughly. But I go back and forth in my mind constantly. For example, two hours from now I might feel like I want to do it.
I've also got so many other things going on and my emotions are running high.

When I have gone back and forth on a business decision and can't commit to what I really want I usually end up regretting it if I make the choice for longer hours/lesser pay/etc.

If there is a job change, they might need 5 days a week for longer hours. How would you feel about that since you would be making less pay?
The only clients that I accept less pay from are the clients that don't come here 5 days per week every single week. I based my rate off of that when I quoted them and specifically told them that for THESE hours on THESE days it would be x amount. It took me awhile to be comfortable with accepting a slightly lower rate but it has worked out great. It is not much lower than my regular rate, they are getting a great deal, and I am not having 3 of my newest clients here every single calendar day I am open! Win win win.

[DaisyMamma]

In that case, I really wouldn't do it - especially if they are having financial issues and you might be discounting - more work for less money. I would find myself becoming very resentful after a few months of that.

You're absolutely right

I wouldn't do it. You can't keep every client happy no matter how much you like the kid. You begging to get them back is going to make them feel "special" and once they have that feeling, you are setting yourself up to be taken advantage of at every opportunity.

Omg I didn't think of that!

[spinnymarie]

I agree with the being resentful - and that is a hard feeling when you see the person at family events, and I unfortunately know this from experience.

[NightOwl]

If they contact you and want the spot, say I'm sorry it's already filled! That'll teach them to sit around and wait, because I'm sure that's what they think you're doing. And that will get you out of your "deal".

[kathiemarie]

What I have learned over the years is that any time I CHASE a client I regret it. They know you have an opening if they wanted it they would have jumped on it. I say its time to move on and find and new client.

[Crazy8]

move on, fill the spot with a new client. If you go after a client like that they will feel they have the upper hand and next thing you know they will demand more and more.

[TwinKristi]

Just keep advertising at your normal rate or even just $5 less and see if you can fill it first before offering a discount. I agree that you'll end up regretting it if you discount the rate that much.