Other providers emailing and pretending to be clients!

I've gotten a bunch of very strange emails the last few days in response to an ad I have up on kijiji. One-line emails with no spelling or grammar, asking what my rates are for b/a school, no other information. I found the person on facebook, and they are friends with my neighbour. My neighbour just confirmed that this woman is a provider around the corner from me. I'm assuming she wants to know my rates to be able to undercut me or something.

Anyone had this happen before? I'll probably just ignore it, but I'm considering sending some sort of response just letting her know that I know she's a provider, so please stop pestering me. It's getting annoying, and frankly, a little creepy.

I've never had that happen before, but have had providers come for fake interviews (I'm pretty sure). I'd definitely send an email back....just to let her know you're on to her. I think it's incredibly rude and, yes, creepy as all get out. I'd think a well worded email might just be enough to get her to back off.

That being said, I emailed another provider last night. I'm trying to put together a list of providers to send clients I turn away to. I'm not one to hang out with other providers and I'm not comfortable referring anyone whose daycare I"m not familiar with. Now I'm thinking I've come off as creepy......best laid plans :(

I would also let her know that you are on to her. Now personally if another dcp emailed me and introduces themselves as such, then asked my opinion etc I would have no problem with helping them out. I don't understand why they have to lie. My guess it's just because they want to undercut but I'm sure most parents would catch on.

I would write a nice email back and say

"My rate for BS/AS care is $xx. However, (maybe I am mistaken but) I was under the impression you also do daycare. Your name and contact information sound very familiar. Are you looking for someone else to send some of your daycare BS/AS kids to?
:p

Creepy yes - annoying yes - more than common that I wish over the years yes. However, given what many of have said given Bill 143 there are going to be lots of caregivers contacting other caregivers trying to get a handle on options for their own kids if they go back to work so your other option is to approach it from that standpoint saying oh under impression you were caregiver - are you looking to leave daycare and need care for your own kids. If not that should really put them in a bit of an embarrassing state.

Don't waste your time, just leave it alone. I actually always respond as if they are a potential family. My rates are not a secret.

I agree with Torontokids. I had a lady that recently emailed me asking me what my rates were and I responded. I than noticed that a new dc ad was posted within the hour and it was the same name. She never responded to me so I am assuming she was just another dcp wondering what the going rate was. If I remember right, her rate was the same as mine.

Like Torontokids, my rates aren't a secret. If another dcp wants to offer a lower rate than that is their decision. I set my rates around the same as others but a bit higher than some. I am confident enough in my dc and the quality of care that I provide that I don't worry about the ones who want to offer lower fees. I also set rates that keep me in business. If a parent wants to choose a cheaper dc than so be it, I don't judge them for this.

I have also had many dcp's email me and ask for help and I have always helped them out. Mickyc helped me out (and still does!) and I pay that forward whenever I can. Positive energy and positive karma are 2 big things I believe in :)

I can understand why some may feel differently but for me, life is too short to worry about things that I have no control over and I don't like to play into drama. (but sometimes I don't succeed!! lol)

I wouldn't have minded if the person had been honest, for example, "hey, I run a daycare around the corner from you, mind me asking how much you charge?"

I would have answered truthfully, and been glad to make the connection. This job is pretty isolating, finding more providers to chat with and maybe hang out at the park with would have been nice.

What annoys me is that she's not being truthful. Clients are pretty hard to find here right now, and getting a response to my ads gets me excited and hopeful and eager to discuss the possibility of a new child. How many other providers have had their hopes gotten up and then never heard from her again?

The other day I had a phone call from a daycare provider in a different town wanting to ask me about things I claim on my income tax. It took me by surprise but I helped her out as much as I could. My rates are not a secret and I put them in my ad when I advertise. If someone thinks I charge too much then I don't have to waste time talking to them.

I would reply back letting her know your rates and that is it. If she undercuts you then so be it. I don't have time to worry about what others are doing in their daycare. Maybe she wants to charge the same as you and isn't sure what the going rate is? Maybe she is thinking of going back to work and inquiring for her own children? Maybe she wants to send potential clients to you?

It`s standard business practice to price check the competition. There isn`t really anything wrong with sending an email asking for a price. I`d be a bit annoyed if they lied and interviewed and took up lots of my time...but even then all that would happen is I lose some of my time and someone leaves knowing more about my daycare which they may use to improve theirs or to spread word (hopefully good).

Years back I worked as a florist and regularly had to call all the other flower shops pretending to be a customer price checking. I hated it, I hated it just as much when I got the same calls in return. But, it needs to be done to stay in business.

I completely agree with 5LM and Toronto kids. I would just leave it be.