Prospective Client Wants FT One Week And PT The Next

[trix23]

Been getting a lot of inquiries for

FT one week then off the next
FT one week then PT the next

And they all want to pay per use (like FT pay one week then PT the next).

I charge $150/week for 4-5 days and $115/week for 2-3 dsys, so I was thinking either $130/week for a FT/PT alternating schedule, or something similar as I need clients. Only have 1 drop-in and 1 part time currently. But I also don't want to sell myself short (ie: should I charge FT both weeks?)

Input!

[Blackcat31]

Been getting a lot of inquiries for

FT one week then off the next
FT one week then PT the next

And they all want to pay per use (like FT pay one week then PT the next).

I charge $150/week for 4-5 days and $115/week for 2-3 dsys, so I was thinking either $130/week for a FT/PT alternating schedule, or something similar as I need clients. Only have 1 drop-in and 1 part time currently. But I also don't want to sell myself short (ie: should I charge FT both weeks?)

Input!

So they want you to lose income every other week so they can save money?

Do you have other families interested in the opposite weeks this family doesn't need? If not, it seems to me needing care only on alternating weeks is the FAMILY'S situation to figure out, not yours.

~Unless you WANT to lose income saving space not used so someone else can save money.

[LysesKids]

Been getting a lot of inquiries for

FT one week then off the next
FT one week then PT the next

And they all want to pay per use (like FT pay one week then PT the next).

I charge $150/week for 4-5 days and $115/week for 2-3 dsys, so I was thinking either $130/week for a FT/PT alternating schedule, or something similar as I need clients. Only have 1 drop-in and 1 part time currently. But I also don't want to sell myself short (ie: should I charge FT both weeks?)

Input!

Im with BC... all my families know they are paying for the spot not the usage. I'm limited to 4 spaces & I'm not about to let someone else issues trump my income. I get full pay regardless if the child attends or not

[Snowmom]

I agree too.
I don't take a pay cut to benefit someone else's family.

I'd tell them that the spot is $150/week regardless.
OR
If they're not willing to pay FT for the spot... I'd enroll them at your rotating FT/PT rate and let them know that they will be bumped (lose the spot) when a FT family enrolls with you.

[childcaremom]

I would charge them FT regardless of whether their child is there or not as you are reserving the space for them.

[Cat Herder]

Tuition is $___ per week, attendance is not required.

As most PP suggested.

[AmyKidsCo]

So they want you to lose income every other week so they can save money?

Do you have other families interested in the opposite weeks this family doesn't need? If not, it seems to me needing care only on alternating weeks is the FAMILY'S situation to figure out, not yours.

~Unless you WANT to lose income saving space not used so someone else can save money.

This.

If they want to reserve a full week for their use they need to pay for it, unless you can fill in with another family. In which case you charge 75% the regular amount to each family so you end up being paid 150% your regular amount for the PT weeks.

If you allow them to pay actual use you're subsidizing their care. I don't know about you, but all of my families are better off than I am financially so I don't feel bad about refusing to subsidize their care.

[trix23]

Would you change your stance if you were a new provider needing income? Lol.

[Blackcat31]

Would you change your stance if you were a new provider needing income? Lol.

No. Personally, I wouldn't because I created policies that fit MY needs and if I waive or bend them now, I think it leaves the door open for resentment and stress to build.....

If you are willing to bend now because you need the money, you are always going to have to bend because we always need the money... it's a vicious cycle.

[childcaremom]

Would you change your stance if you were a new provider needing income? Lol.

No. With an exception. (snowmom's suggestion from above BUT I would need to be desperate to fill)

I agree with BC's reasons.

One of the things I've learned is that there are always parents who are looking for the 'deal'. Those are not good clients. Trust me. I get a lot of requests for this, as well. Typically from families whose income is more than triple mine. So, yeah, that's a no. I'm saving the spot for them, whether they attend or not. My business goal is to be full and I'd never be able to find someone to fill the gaps.

It is much easier to start off the way you wish to continue. I always state that full time tuition is due regardless of attendance. I may soften it a bit, depending, and offer that while I understand that this may not work for all families, it is what I've found works best for my business.

Or.... I just say for the schedule of one week FT and one week PT, as stated, the rate is xxxx. And quote them my full time rate. Then there isn't any quibbling.

[trix23]

That's true about the client looking for a deal. And I can definitely see how their income is double or triple my own, thus why do they need a discount. I've stuck by my policies and prices since opening in November but have had trouble even having 2 clients at the same time (not drop-ins).

[Jupadia]

No not again.

I did take one family on who had a rotating schedule. However if they did pay for all scedualded days. I did this when I first started out and regretted it. As I filled up it realy hampered me cause I never was able to fill the unused dsys cause most people need set dsys. I do not recomed it at all. The family was great but she is the one I cut when my ratios changed last year.

[Mike]

The only time I would allow varying hours with reduced rates is if I had others interested in the other hours. Even then, most available spaces will be for full time only.

[childcaremom]

That's true about the client looking for a deal. And I can definitely see how their income is double or triple my own, thus why do they need a discount. I've stuck by my policies and prices since opening in November but have had trouble even having 2 clients at the same time (not drop-ins).

I find things come in waves. Things have been slow here and are just starting to pick up again. It took me a while to fill up when I first started, as well.

You could always do as snowmom suggested. Take them as a filler family until a full timer comes along. Sometimes we have to alter things to make it work.

Good luck!

[JackandJill]

The only way I would do it, is that they understand that they will need to start paying the full-time rate or lose the spot if another full-time family comes along.

I know many people say don't bend your rules, and I agree, but I remember when I first opened, I made a lot of deals just to get families in the door.

The downside to this was I was not in control of my business in many ways, parents ran the show. But it kept the lights on and food on the table. As time went on I weeded out the bad apples and adjusted the hours, rules and fees for the families that I did want to keep.

Do what works for you, but just keep in mind that you may end up with much more stress along the way! Good luck!! :hug: