Kinda Rude Vibe

[mommyneedsadayoff]

I see both sides. I think that it is important to be upfront with rates and I think a parent who seeks out the info could be a great dc parent, as they are making sure they can financially afford the care, versus asking for discounts or concessions after the fact. However, I do not think your reply was snarky, but just asking for more info so you could give her a more accurate rate. Her response did sound snarky to me, though. She could have just answered the questions and then repeated the question about rates. Instead, she gave you half the info. Asking about how long you are licensed and giving very little info makes me think she is another provider seeking info on her competition, so I would maybe play the game a little longer and let her fish. I would probably reply back with "Until I know the number of days and the times you will need care, I can not offer you an accurate rate. If you would like to give me more information, I will get you a definite rate."

[Josiegirl]

I don't necessarily see it as rude either(unless there was a general tone about her). But I do think if rates are a priority with dcps then it probably won't be a good fit. I'm probably one of the cheapest around(am currently upping my rates to what everyone else charges) but I'd be afraid as soon as they find someone cheaper then they'd switch. There is no benefit to changing caregivers constantly for that reason. But I can also see that rates would be a major concern for some dcfs.

[Jupadia]

I've had emails that just basically ask my rates. Depending on any additional information suppled such as age and days wanted. I do send back a response that includes my rates. Also let parent know that I only now offer full time care so their are no part time rates available. I will also add in some of the benifits if my program and urge parents to call and set up a viewing. I get it cost is a huge factor when it comes to childcare. I know I would not want to waste providers or my time if the cost was not something I could afford.

[Second Home]

I am usually asked 2 things right away
1. how long I have been doing child care , I reply with Lic since 2003 .
2. what are my rates . I reply with it depends on your child's schedule . And ask what hours they need care for .

So while the questions do not seem odd to me the way she replied would turn me off a bit .

[Snowmom]

Yes, I totally understand wanting to know rates upfront.
But yes, the way she responded would not receive a reply from me.

Although, when I get those kind of emails (How much or what hours are you open or even a quick "do you have an opening"), I respond with a very specific email stating what I need from them in order to move forward.

I start by thanking them for their interest, then I ask:
What age is your child?
Regarding rates: I am not available open-close, I charge by pick up time, therefore I would need to know the exact hours you need care. Please include all days of the week.
What date do you need to start care for your child?
Has your child been at an in-home daycare before? Why are you seeking a change?


If I had a snarky one line response to those questions, I likely wouldn't answer after that.

[finsup]

Almost every time I've gotten a reply like that it's been another provider fishing for rates (thank you google). Super annoying because really, if you're honest and just say "I'm starting a daycare and have no idea on rates, I was wondering if you could help?" I'd be more then happy to give them an average. Generally I reply "I understand you are looking for an exact rate. However, my rates are not set. They are determined on a case by case basis and depend on how many days as well as drop off and pick up time. If you can provide me with that information, I'd be more then happy to give you an exact rate. Thanks!"
The other providers never reply. If it's a parent who replies and still doesn't give me an exact schedule, I move on. I will ask, and then ask once more with an explanation and after that if they still can't answer, I'm done. It's not a hard question

[daycare]

for me, text is too hard to read.
I would say meet in person and go from there.

If you can't figure out by the email she sent, then meet in person and try to decide.

If you are really needing people that bad.

[Controlled Chaos]

Rates matter. I don't want to waste anyone's time if they can't afford me. I will happily tell a prospective parent or another provider my rates.

People ask me all the time how long I have been lisenced. They just want to know how experienced you are.

[Meeko]

I am always happy to tell parents my rates. I would personally hate to shop for something and not know the price until I got to the checkout, as it were.

[daycarediva]

I am always happy to tell parents my rates. I would personally hate to shop for something and not know the price until I got to the checkout, as it were.

YUP. I put my rates on EVERYTHING. I still get a few 'rate check' inquiries, but I don't mind at all giving them out.

I have specific rates for FT, 4, 3, 2 and drop in days, regardless of pick up time.

[storybookending]

I'm all for giving out rates as well. I would hate to waste anyone's time if they couldn't afford my care. And waste my time explaining policies to someone who would never enroll. I think what OP was trying to convey was the way that the parent asked about it was rude. I would have replayed to the first email something like "I would be happy to discuss rates but my rates are different for everyone and based on a number of different factors. To give you an accurate quote could you please tell me the age of the child in question, how many days a week care is needed an an approximate time frame?"

[Ariana]

I always get the "what are your rates" mostly from people who cannot afford my rates. I know this because every time I tell those people my rates the convo dies and they are never to be heard from again. Anyone who can afford my rates only asks me right before they sign on so they know how much my desposit is!

[CalCare]

Well in the the end, I never replied and that was that. I didn't like the tone. I've had a number of people want to know rates. Their emails go something like this, "Hi, I saw your ad on xxx, Do you take infants? Can you send me your rates?" Or "Hi! Your pictures are beautiful! Do you offer earlier drop offs at all? Can you send me your rates and other info? Thanks! -name"

[Ariana]

Well in the the end, I never replied and that was that. I didn't like the tone. I've had a number of people want to know rates. Their emails go something like this, "Hi, I saw your ad on xxx, Do you take infants? Can you send me your rates?" Or "Hi! Your pictures are beautiful! Do you offer earlier drop offs at all? Can you send me your rates and other info? Thanks! -name"

Oh wow, at least they try to be somewhat polite! Most of the convos I get are "what are your rates"....they literally don't even form a complete sentence. I write back with "hello and thank you for your inquiry, my rates are xyz". And then crickets super rude. I don't know what happened to common human decency.

[Mom2Two]

Well in the the end, I never replied and that was that. I didn't like the tone. I've had a number of people want to know rates. Their emails go something like this, "Hi, I saw your ad on xxx, Do you take infants? Can you send me your rates?" Or "Hi! Your pictures are beautiful! Do you offer earlier drop offs at all? Can you send me your rates and other info? Thanks! -name"