Rates Too High? Or Parents Too Cheap?

[DashaW]

I'm in NC and I care for children out of my home of course. Lately I've started advertising my services again and have gotten a lot of inquiries but after hearing my prices people seem to never contact me again . Are my prices too high or are they just cheap?

Standard 8-9 hour day
$35 a day or $175 a week for 1 child,
$45 a day or $225 a week for 2,
$60 a day or $300 a week for up to 3!

$20 for up to 4 hours for 1,
$35 for 2,
$50 for 3.

[nanglgrl]

That would depend on your area. In my area (in Iowa) standard rate is $25-30 a day or $125-150 a week for up to 10 hours a day.

[Jazzii]

I'm not sure but I am in NY where I know COL is typically higher, we are in home and do:

230 for infants (up to age 2)
205 for toddlers (2-4)
Before and After Care: 50$ per session so 100 if they need both

and the prices are 47 infant daily, 42 toddler and 36 school age.

Maybe the set up of your pricing throws people off? I would wonder why it cost the same to watch a newborn as it does a potty trained 2 y.o.

I would also increase the daily or lower the weekly- typically daily rates are more expensive than the weekly fee- it's an incentive in a way to be FT

[midaycare]

I wouldn't discount for siblings - just a standard rate for everyone. See if there is any way to find out prices for other daycares in your area. I have trouble with that, myself.

When I opened, I started low at $25 a day. I could have my pick of clientele. Now I'm up to $30- $34 a day. Plus the good clients I started out with refer their good clientele friends

[Poptarts22]

In my area (nw Ohio) the standard rate -unless you are licensed and accept subsidy-is $2/hr per child.

[LysesKids]

I'm in NC and I care for children out of my home of course. Lately I've started advertising my services again and have gotten a lot of inquiries but after hearing my prices people seem to never contact me again . Are my prices too high or are they just cheap?

Standard 8-9 hour day
$35 a day or $175 a week for 1 child,
$45 a day or $225 a week for 2,
$60 a day or $300 a week for up to 3!

$20 for up to 4 hours for 1,
$35 for 2,
$50 for 3.

I'm assuming you are licensed & not a drop-in home; And I agree, why the sibling discount? Here in TN I could never get 175 week unless I was a center; between 125-150 is norm for infants & a little less for older kids. I do not offer discounts because it does not cost less to feed or care for a sibling - AND I am limited on the # of kids I can have at anytime

[Snowmom]

I agree, no discounts.
You don't do less work with 2 kids and it's a higher risk (losing 2 income slots at the same time when they leave).

Research your area. Contact your local CCR to see if they have an average rate sheet for your county.

In my area, one child averages $160 for over 2 yrs old and $185 for under 2.
Just depends!