I prescreen with a phone interview first(about 20-30 minutes long) and ask where they are in their search at this point. I also ask if they are on waiting lists for a centre, and how many centres, as it gives me an indicator that they might leave after a few months. If they are only in the beginning stages of the search, I ask them to read my website/policies etc, and come for a visit after they have done many visits elsewhere. I know it sounds wierd, but I don't want to waste my time. I know I provide a quality care environment, and I only want to see them when they are serious. I might lose customers with this approach, who knows, but i haven't had one walk away in over 2.5 years. Most hand me a deposit the night of the interview, or within 24 hrs. Nothing is guaranteed until a deposit/contract are in hand, so I keep interviewing, and don't dwell on what might have been.