All about the money parents

[Spixie33]

I agree i wouldn't buy a $500 car just because it's the cheapest, but if I had a budget I would only look at the $500 cars first to see if i could get what I want in my price range.

I used to pay $30 a day when I had my kids in care, I started charging $30 a day, then I realized the rest of the area was at $35 so I went with the flow and have never had a problem or question about it.

I don't think I've ever had a client ask me for price first, but then again I post my prices so they know what they are when they start.

I think a client is a client and just because they ask how much you charge doesn't mean they are going for the cheapest daycare, it may mean that they're concious about money and making sure they get the best bang for their buck.

I know people in my area who have amazing programs, much better then mine, and they charge the same amount that I do.

Maybe when clients call and ask about price have something to tell them that no one else has. Maybe you don't charge for vacation time... or maybe you supply all of the milk... maybe you can focus on healthy meals and snacks... maybe let them know that there are plenty of good daycares in the area, everyone offers somthing different, so suggest they make an appointment with you anyways because daycare is all about finding the right match!

Good luck filling your spots, I hope it comes quickly.

I think buying a car makes people think of what they want in terms of features/mileage etc and then the price tends to match accordingly.

Same with daycare. The type of care, food etc all play a part in what rate you should be willing to pay and seriously - you cannot put a price on safety and trust.

I have my price right on daycare bear so I am not sure why these parents contact me and then say I am too expensive or contact me saying they only have a budget between $55-$60 a day for their two children. My ad clearly states my rate. My ad also clearly states all about my program, foods etc. It seems they contact me liking what they read but then thinking I will back down when they mention budgets or how others are cheaper in the area. Sorry but I work really hard and $35 is a great deal IMO for what they get. lol

I hear what you are saying about selling our daycare and how great it is, what I offer vs others but I would never want to waste my time on these type of parents. Telling me their budget and knowing that I am over their budget just screams NOOOOO to me. lol I wouldn't want to waste my time interviewing, or even sign one of the 'price focused' parents because I feel like they would leave if a better rate comes along.

I just feel like these parents could be trying to 'guilt/pressure' me to lower rates based on their price and that would be the most awful way to start a daycare relationship and would mean I back down on my policies.