I was recently the same as you. Had 2 spots open at once, lots of interviews, said the wanted the spot, then found someone "closer" to home. I think they found cheaper. I lowered my rates by $20/wk and filled both spots that week. I'm $5/wk more than many of the closest providers but I have 2 school-agers, so I have a lower ratio during the day. My references are awesome too.