Feeling really frustrated

[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