Feeling really frustrated

[jodaycare]

I have had a full time spot open now for 6 weeks. I have had a couple of calls where they only asked my fees then said they would call me back, they never did. I have had four schedule interviews, 2 did not show up, 2 came but I never heard from them again. I had an email inquiry yesterday, but after we set up an interview, she asked my hours then said that those hours don't work. UGHHHHH! I am just so fed up, I have been in this business for over 20 years and I have never had such a hard time filling a space! I am open from 6am-5pm, have my ECE, an amazing playroom and what I think are reasonable rates. I don't want to work longer hours and I am not lowering my rates!!!!! Thanks for reading if you got this far.

[BlueRose]

I have just filled a spot that has been open since last October, and I have 2 agencies who are suppose to help me find clients. the girl starts next Monday. It is really hard to find clients right now.

I also have had the emails about rates and no show interviews, so I understand your pain.
Its not your hours or your rates, so don't change them. I am convinced there is something in the area. lol they will start coming, it might take some more time, but you will find someone.

I wish you all the best in finding a great family soon.

[Fun&care]

I hear ya. It's so annoying when parents ask about fees then never call back. Or no shows for interviews...been through all of that too. Not fun. Maybe there is just lots of competition in your area? I know there is in mine.

[cfred]

It seems to be drying up for the moment. I had all my spaces filled, but one had a change in circumstance and gave up her spot 2 days before she was to start. What???? So of course, now all the people on my waiting list have placed their kids. I'm getting lots of inquiries and some interviews, but most for end of summer and many for part time. I've had to increase my part time rates with the notion that I may have to take one of them on. I'd already torn apart my basement for the contractor I hired with that final bit of income in mind, so we're past the point of no return there.....it has to be done. Back to the drawing board. I hate interviewing. I enjoy most of the people, but there are enough that come through here and just pick, pick, pick. I'm ECE, loads of experience, have given my entire main floor to the daycare and keep it very well. It hurts my feelings when the odd clip board mom comes in and shreds me, my home and my business. Blah.......

Thank doG I'm outta here next month! Soooo in need of ME time!

Chin up Jodaycare - it's stinking a little over this way too

[Artsand crafts]

I reduced my hours and increased my fees (to the upper end of fees around the area) some months ago. Before that I was getting inquiries all the time and people interested. After that it has been hard to fill out 2 spots I have available. Everybody was telling me that the hours did not work, but nobody complained about the fees. So, a few days ago I enrolled a new family, but they will be paying a premium for keeping the kid 30 minutes after closing time... Maybe, we have to find out what the market is looking for and be a little flexible. I love my current hours, but it could take several months until I find someone that need the hours that I have (8 to 5:30PM). I am planning asking the same premium to the next family that gets interested if they want to stay until 6 (at least I can feel that I have something in return for my time). Have you check what other providers in your area are doing? Maybe they are reducing their fees because the market is slow and they are the ones that are getting the clients? I always try to market hard my strengths and the value that the families will get from my service.

[cfred]

My hours are 6am to 6pm so I'm pretty golden there. My fees are low to mid for full time, high for part time. I think there's a bit of a lull as lots of people seem to be feeling it. It'll pass

[Artsand crafts]

Yes your right Cfred it could just be the market and I am blaming my hours, but I cannot afford loosing the few potential clients that are interested in care for 30 min more. Hope you guys find clients soon as well. For what I can see you are very qualified.

[Momof4]

Oh dear, those are long hours and NO you shouldn't work longer hours and you shouldn't lower your rates for anybody. If you've been in business for 20 years have you been relying on word of mouth? Do you advertise everywhere?

[Fearlessbaby]

What area are you in?

[Spixie33]

Oh my ! You guys are making me tired with the mere mention of 12 hour and 11 hour days. lol. I do 10 hours and that is plenty. I don't think you need longer hours.

I think there are slow periods and I notice a lot of parents are using grandparents now or else looking for PT because they have the grandparents helping at least some of the week. I think some people are retiring earlier and since people are having kids later it works out for them.

Bad for us but good for them

It sounds like you are doing everything you could possibly be doing. The right family will come along.