"Are your prices negotiable?"

[Skysue]

I have only had about 4 enquiries so far and TWO of them have asked if my prices are negotiable.

Full time care in my area is between $35.00-40.00/day. I'm charging $40.00 because I only buy organic meat/dairy/soy and corn products and MOST of our fruits and veggies. It's expensive, but it's what I feed my kids so that's what everyone will eat. I know some parents don't appreciate this, and I get that but then pick another provider for crying out loud. I'm not selling bongs at a booth in the Flea Market for the love of God!

So frustrating that parents are trying to get blood from a stone when it comes to someone who is going to be providing care for their children!!! A 10 month old no less.

Is this very common?

People that are motivated by price are not loking for quality care there looking for cheap daycare. Hot dogs and alphagetties... sorry if I have offended anyone but thats the bottom line in my opinion!

[horsegirl]

You don't want a family in your daycare that is always trying to negotiate a better deal. I have dealt with parents like this before and I explain to them that I charge $40.00 per day and that this works out to be $3.81 per hour ( I am open 7am-5:30pm). I ask them if they don't think that their child is worth this small amount. I also ask them if they would work for this amount per hour.

I have a paragraph in my contract that explains why I charge what I do. I state that I do not have a medical or dental plan, nor do I have a pension fund, I cannot take off emergency days, nor can I accumulate my overtime and take it off as paid holidays. I have to pay for extra house insurance, liability insurance, special auto insurance and all the equipment and materials that their children use in my daycare. I also remind them that the benefits that most of them get from their employer is approx. 35% of their wage. They seem to forget the amount that they pay their babysitter while they go out for the evening--$10 per hour, or their favorite bottle of wine. Again, is their child not worth the $3.81 per hour.

Think twice about these families you do not need the hassle.

[CPST_Manda]

Thanks ladies! I feel a lot better. I'm thinking everything you've all posted and you're absolutely right. I do not want to accept a family that is price shopping when it comes to care. It's not like my prices are out of line with the norm in our area and I'm in NO HURRY to fill spots. I've been at home with my kids for 3 years and 1 more isn't going to break us. I'm sure a family that appreciates the way I do things will come along and we'll make out just fine