Offer A Referral Fee?

[renodeb]

Hi out there. I'm really hoping to get some input on this.
In the last 3-4 months my daycare has taken a huge hit as far as enrollment (the worst in 10 years!). I'm down to just one part time kid. I had an idea to offer a referral fee to my past and present clients if one of them recommends me to someone they know, they enroll and stay at least a month that I would give them $25.00. They all know I have spots open but I thought maybe an incentive?
What do you all think? I don't want to sound desperate but I kinda am! I' am advertising all over however, and where ever I can. Thanks.
Deb

[Thriftylady]

Providers do it all the time. I have been offering for the year and a half I have been open, but no one has used it. Some people it works well for. Are you using facebook groups to advertise?

[renodeb]

I found one face book group that is specifically for where I live. Do you have any other ideas? I figured I would try it and see.
Deb

[lovemydaycare0912]

Pass out business cards. Post fliers in grocery stores, libraries. Call your local dcf, domestic violence shelter. Make a facebook/instagram page and add people. I follow a nail salon closeby who has 5000 followers. I started adding moms and actuay gained a family that way. Good luck!

[Thriftylady]

I found one face book group that is specifically for where I live. Do you have any other ideas? I figured I would try it and see.
Deb

Search for yard sale groups for your area on facebook, and daycare groups as well.

Also you can make up some flyers with a little pocket on them to put in business cards. If business cards are not in the budget, just use a template at avery.com (there may be others but that is what I use) print them on plain paper and cut them apart. Put these flyers at the grocery store, laundry mat, library anyplace in your area that has a public bulletin board.


ETA: I have also done local parades (free entry), and tossed out goodie bags. The cheapest ones I tossed were baggies with 4 crayons I got on after school sale markdown and a business card in the bag.

Are there any community activities in your area? I know every year in June we have a family fun night and setting up a booth is only $10! I set up a game for the kids and give out prizes I get cheap. Such as a couple of pieces of sidewalk chalk, pencils or mini bubbles. All the parents of children who play the games get a business card. So see if there is anything like that you can do. The price to enter a booth is a tax deduction!

[Unregistered]

I've seen providers offer a Parents Night Out as incintive

[Blackcat31]

Hi out there. I'm really hoping to get some input on this.
In the last 3-4 months my daycare has taken a huge hit as far as enrollment (the worst in 10 years!). I'm down to just one part time kid. I had an idea to offer a referral fee to my past and present clients if one of them recommends me to someone they know, they enroll and stay at least a month that I would give them $25.00. They all know I have spots open but I thought maybe an incentive?
What do you all think? I don't want to sound desperate but I kinda am! I' am advertising all over however, and where ever I can. Thanks.
Deb

I like the idea of a referral bonus.

I also like when there are rules in regards to how it's given.

I would make sure the new family signs on and stays beyond the trial period and I wouldn't give the referral bonus as cash but would instead give them the incentive "off" there child care bill.

I would even consider doing it in increments such as $12.50 off each statement until the bonus ($25) is fully used. It's less of an impact on my finances.

[renodeb]

Thank you for all the great ideas. The problem is that there are fewer and fewer places with community boards. I have found a few but not very many. I have been trying to do as much other advertising as possible.
Deb