Have You Ever Offered A Lower Price??

[kendallina]

I'm so frustrated with myself! I spoke with a friend-of-a-friend a couple of weeks ago about watching her child full-time. Her daughter would be in the preschool 4 days/week and then stay after until 3:30. I quoted her $135/week. I think it's reasonable, and she was very gracious for meeting with her and she stated that it was more than they could afford. I would also have every other Friday off. A GREAT schedule!

I understand and I wasn't going to back down but everyone else that wants full-day needs care until 5:30 or 6 and I really really don't want to do that!! I should have not quoted her so high.

I really want to call her and ask her to meet with me so that we can figure something out. I know she really really wants the preschool but they just can't afford a whole lot.

So, have you ever lowered a price for a family who couldn't afford it. Honestly, I'm new in this full-time childcare thing and I guess I just quoted too high... but I really want this family. *sigh*

I'm meeting with a different family tomorrow that wants until 5:30 5/days a week, so no day off and no afternoons with just me and my daughter...

Booo...what would you do?

[kendallina]

And how do I do this without appearing desperate. Or is it too late for that? ::::

[nannyde]

It's risky starting the relationship with a concession and discount. It sets the tone that you will "deal".

If you believe you have overquoted the amount then just call her and tell her that you made a mistake and the slot she is interested in is X dollars per week and to let you know if she is interested. You can tell her that you offer a discount for early departure and hadn't calculated that in.

[kendallina]

It's risky starting the relationship with a concession and discount. It sets the tone that you will "deal".

If you believe you have overquoted the amount then just call her and tell her that you made a mistake and the slot she is interested in is X dollars per week and to let you know if she is interested. You can tell her that you offer a discount for early departure and hadn't calculated that in.

I like that...

When I asked playgroup friends what they pay for childcare in my area, it ranged from $120 to $157. The $157 is for someone that works some kind of crazy hours, so that may have affected the priceI figured that since I offer the preschool, don't watch tv with kiddos and with my background, I figured I could offer on the higher end of the scale.

But, really, this mom only needs care until 3:30 and I didn't really consider what a huge benefit that would be to me...I quoted her $135-140 (I wasn't exactly sure of the hrs she needed). Now I think that was probably pretty stupid.