Thinking of just giving up! Ugh :(

[momof5]

Ok so as you all know if had so many hassles these past few months, This one family that have been with me since March 1 ft and a before school, asked me to give them a "summer rate" since they both will be ft. I was being overly cheap and gave them my price. Tonight she tells me they are not paying the amount! They are going to find somebody else possibly cheaper!! The price i gave them was $50, thats for 2 ft kids and 9 hours a day!!! I even told them i was taking a huge income loss by doing this for them! She wants to pay$30 total for both of them! So now i'm left with 1 ft only 4 days/ week and not guarnteed to stay as moms job was cut with the new budget cuts! Ugh no successful interviews, and all the money spent on new activities for the summer months! I sure didn't see this coming! Sorry for ranting, nobody else seems to understand how much time and effort i have put into my daycare to make things fun for all ages, now i'm left empty by her being cheap! I know 2 ft kids at $30 is just not feesable (sp) and that's with me providing everything! So frustrating and heart breaking!!

[Inspired by Reggio]

Oh wow could luck to her trying to find someone to work for that ... seriously??

No discounts ... two kids would cost her $70 a day here and I have two siblings sets in care who do not even question fees time two!

Sorry you are struggling

[Bookworm]

Wow! Hugs to you. That lady will not get a good quality daycare for that price, if she even finds one at all. It sucks starting out and trying to find good clients. I opened my daycare in January and was lucky to get a ft and 2 pt, however, it has taken me until the past two weeks to get any other interviews. I find its feast or famine with the interest. Can you go to the schools close to you and let the secretary know that you have openings in your daycare. Maybe advertise for summer care for some older kids just until you get some ft clients? I find most people who are looking now are looking for September starts.
Good luck to you! I hope you find some clients soon.

[mom-in-alberta]

Yikes!! Something tells me she is going to look around and realize how ridiculous she is being. $30 doesn't even cover my daily fee for ONE child. WTH is she thinking?? That barely covers food for two kids all day. Apparently you should work for free?
Grrrr.

[Crayola kiddies]

Some people just want something for nothing ..... I wonder how she would feel if her boss doubled up her work load and then said oh by the way I can't pay you as much as I was paying you so too bad ...????? I'm sure she won't find anyone to look after her kids for that price unless its a family member. Even a teenager wouldn't work for that price

[michellesmunchkins]

Not a chance would I work for that money. I've done the $50/day for siblings too and trust me that's not even worth it unless you really do need the money. I no longer provide sibling discounts. they both get the exact same service so why should I lose money? You don't want this family if that's how they think!

[apples and bananas]

No discounts ... two kids would cost her $70 a day here and I have two siblings sets in care who do not even question fees time two!

(

Same here, I just gave a quote to 2 existing clients both wanting to hold a spot for baby number 2. No sibling discounts. One will be $70 for both kids a day. The other one I started her at $30 a day so i'm leaving her rate along, but her baby sibling will be $35. That's my new rate for a new client, so that's her new rate. She's lucky i'm not raising the first ones rate.

I'm sorry your struggling. But stick with your origional prices. If you discount too much to save a client you'll feel like you're not getting paid what you deserve and end up hating it! I hope things turn around soon for you.

[playfelt]

The best she is going to find for the summer is a teen looking for a babysitting job and if she ok with that then she doesn't deserve you anyways. I know that doesn't help you at all in the pocketbook. Are you willing to take school age children for the summer as there is always a demand for that come middle of June and parents realize their afterschool person has no intention of taking them all day. At least that would fill some of the gap till Sept.

Almost all the contacts I am getting now are for Sept/Oct so am trying to budget myself for a lean summer although I sort of planned it that way by not advertising my spaces earlier. I am looking forward to the break just not the financial break that comes with it.

[dodge__driver11]

Hi,

I lowered my rates....but it was after careful consideeration, and realizing that though I was worth that price I must stay competitive in my area, but I do not give sibling discounts and I reserve the right to charge based on hours not the # of days a child attends.

Don't sell yourself short. Honestly its not worth it.

But if you feel you must take an honest look at your program and fees then do so. I know I feel much better for doing that.

[momof5]

Thank you all so much for the support!! I know i might sound crazy with this idea, but do think maybe if i redo my basement and move the daycare down there instead of using just my main floor for play, crafts, and naptime? Could this possibly help attract people???
I'm willing to advertise for Sept and take a loss over the summer to tackle this idea if it would possibly attract more clients?? Opinions? I've already invested every penny into this so far, i don't think i have anything to lose?
You all give such good advice and opinions which i honestly value!