Starting out- when to cut rate

[treeholm]

I began in September, and was full before I opened. My rate is standard for this area. I did not want to charge a "beginner" rate and be perceived as a beginner. I'm a grandma, so I have tons of experience raising my own children, and then being with my grandchildren. I wanted to attract clients who were willing to pay to have a grandma-like environment, and I'm also a retired university professor, so they knew the children would get lots of music and storytime. No one seemed the least bit bothered by the fact that I was just starting. I've said before, however, that I think the biggest factor was having a very popular daycare provider send me the clients she couldn't accommodate. Even though I've been full since I started, I get one to two new inquiries a week, and they almost always say Bethany sent them LOL. So, my advice, is fine a daycare provider who shares your philosophy on things, and who is full. If she will recommend you to her overflow, that is golden! You still have to sell them on yourself when they meet you, but you might get more inquiries.