Daycare is a Cut Throat Business...

[Other Mummy]

Thanks for all the good vibes everyone

The signs were on city property, not on the private property of the mall. My flyers get ripped off as well in the past. Same vicinity as my lawn sign. The rest of the neighbourhood, my flyers go untouched. This is why I know it was the same competitor provider.

I "understand" why they did it, I just don't understand how they can sleep soundly at night. That kinda misdeed would lose me a months worth of sleep. I guess I just don't have that killthroat competition. If I saw another providers advertising, I would have gladly placed my sign far enough away as to not encroach on "her" space. KWIM?

I'm going to post my second vinyl sign on our front lawn. People would have to be pretty brazen to steal that sign off my property.

[cfred]

Aw, that stinks! I've had that happen many, many times as well. I gave up putting up posters ages ago as they always disappeared. Honestly, if you want to put your money somewhere, put it into a website and hosting. It's much, much more efficient at pulling clients in my experience. I just had to get an almost totally new client base due to moving. It took a few months, but I'm full and have just started a waiting list. Most people say it's because of the website. Even clients I didn't actually get said at the interviews that it was the website that initially got their attention. My brother in law did mine, but from a template available online. He said it was quite easy. If you want to respond privately, I can certainly let you look at mine for ideas. Lots of providers still use flyers with some success. I'm of the mind that we're dealing with a lot of young families most of whom likely turn to the internet first for most needs. I know I do.

I know it's hurtful. I've heard the same thing, about daycare being cutthroat. I've heard of some approaching other's clients and offering them lower rates, etc. This is why I've chosen not to get close to any providers in my neighbourhood which is just teeming with dayhomes. I'm keeping to myself....and keeping my clients to myself. I've befriended only one other provider....and that's only because she's out of my 'territory' so to speak.

I'm sorry your feelings have been hurt. I'm sure it wasn't personal (although it was certainly crappy). Give the website idea a try. It looks professional, no one can touch it and it's highly accessible to a large pool of prospective clients.

[gramma]

I went through the same thing once. I also had a woman on craigslist who continually copied the wording of my ads for her own. I take a great deal of time and thought to the wording of my ads and it frustrated me that she copied them exactly so it appeared like it was the same ad and i potentially lost out on responses. I sent her numerous emails nicely telling her how much i appreciated the compliment but she could take the time to write her own ads as it wasnt doing either of us any good. she didnt stop, so i changed my ad regularly and she finally gave up LOL. I did have someone who constantly took my mailbox signs down and its frustrating for sure. she must have alot of time on her hands to be doing it. just perservere and repost signs. as for the ones that cost you money, i'd probably sit and watch to see who comes to take it down. You can check out Vistaprint, you can order magnetic signs for your car and they are really inexpensive. good luck and hopefully the karma gods are watching.

Thanks for all the good vibes everyone

The signs were on city property, not on the private property of the mall. My flyers get ripped off as well in the past. Same vicinity as my lawn sign. The rest of the neighbourhood, my flyers go untouched. This is why I know it was the same competitor provider.

I "understand" why they did it, I just don't understand how they can sleep soundly at night. That kinda misdeed would lose me a months worth of sleep. I guess I just don't have that killthroat competition. If I saw another providers advertising, I would have gladly placed my sign far enough away as to not encroach on "her" space. KWIM?

I'm going to post my second vinyl sign on our front lawn. People would have to be pretty brazen to steal that sign off my property.