Do You Advertise Your Rates?

[LeslieG]

I do not advertise my rates because I know that I am a little on the high end for my area. I would rather the family come for a visit to see the space, meet me and learn about all the details and all that I offer before I tell them what I charge.

I just received an email from a family interested in daycare but they want to know what I charge, as well as if I charge for my vacations and theirs. I'm hesitant about emailing her back my rates, b/c I don't want to scare them away before they even meet me and come for a visit.

How do you handle this? Do you advertise your rates or not? What is your reasoning? What is your experience?

Thanks!!

[slorey]

I tell prospective clients what I charge if they ask when they call (and almost all of them ask). I do this because everyone has a budget and if my rates do not fit their budget it is silly to waste everyone's time with an interview and tour IMO. I know others will not agree with that thinking and that is fine. But for me, I am way too busy to waste everyone's time if they know my rates are not within their budget.

[Blackcat31]

I don't advertise my rates or list them on my web-site.

I do say that my rates are competitive with the area.

For interested parents that e-mail or call to inquire about rates, I just say that "rates are dependent on each family's individual needs and schedules." and then encourage them to sign up for an interview.

[LeslieG]

I don't advertise my rates or list them on my web-site.

I do say that my rates are competitive with the area.

For interested parents that e-mail or call to inquire about rates, I just say that "rates are dependent on each family's individual needs and schedules." and then encourage them to sign up for an interview.

Do you just say this to get them to come for an interview, or do you really charge differently depending on the family's circumstances?

[KnoxMom]

I do not advertise my rates because I know that I am a little on the high end for my area. I would rather the family come for a visit to see the space, meet me and learn about all the details and all that I offer before I tell them what I charge.

I just received an email from a family interested in daycare but they want to know what I charge, as well as if I charge for my vacations and theirs. I'm hesitant about emailing her back my rates, b/c I don't want to scare them away before they even meet me and come for a visit.

How do you handle this? Do you advertise your rates or not? What is your reasoning? What is your experience?

Thanks!!

I understand from your perspective, you don't want to be passed on due to pricing. From the family's perspective, they don't want to waste their time if they can't afford you. All parents know going in how much they can allocate toward daycare expenses (whether or not it is more/less than they want to pay).

Do you do contracted hours or a flat weekly/monthly fee??

I advertise my rates, but ONLY because I don't do contracted hours and they are perfectly in-line with the competition; I charge a flat weekly rate and only offer full time care. If your rates are higher than the norm, I would recommend stating something like you 'tailor rates to fit the needs of each family' and invite them to set up an interview to see if your program would be a good fit. That way the tuition rate doesn't get you ruled out. As far as paid/unpaid vacations, you pretty much need to stick to whatever is in your contract/handbook unless you plan to negotiate (I do not). If the rate is more than they can afford or vacations will be an issue, then they aren't really a good fit for your program anyway, KWIM? I hope my advice helps and I'm sure everything will work out for the best

[daycaremum]

I give out rates over the phone. If they e-mail I give them my phone number and ask that they call me as it is easier to answer all their questions all at once and that I prefer to speak in person.
I wouldn't have them come for an interview without them already knowing my rates, as I don't want to waste my time or theirs. Rates in my area vary from 25-35 per day, so if they are looking for lower rates (mine are 33) they aren't going to change their mind and pay more after the interview. Their are certain people that will pay for quality care and others that won't (or can't) pay over a certain amount. I can easily weed them out over the phone. I am a really good communicator so the phone interview is very important to me.

[Blackcat31]

Do you just say this to get them to come for an interview, or do you really charge differently depending on the family's circumstances?

Nope I really do charge them all differently.

Anything less than 3 days a week is drop in. That is one flat rate per day IF space is available'

3 days per week is one rate IF they have 3 set days.

3 days per week is one rate (higher than 3 set days though) if they have a varying schedule

4 and 5 days a week are one flat weekly rate based on pick up times.

For example someone who comes 5 days a week and picks up at 4:00 pays less than someone who comes 5 days a week and picks up at 5:30.

So rates are individualized for each family's needs.

Hope that makes sense.

[LeslieG]

I understand from your perspective, you don't want to be passed on due to pricing. From the family's perspective, they don't want to waste their time if they can't afford you. All parents know going in how much they can allocate toward daycare expenses (whether or not it is more/less than they want to pay).

Do you do contracted hours or a flat weekly/monthly fee??

I advertise my rates, but ONLY because I don't do contracted hours and they are perfectly in-line with the competition; I charge a flat weekly rate and only offer full time care. If your rates are higher than the norm, I would recommend stating something like you 'tailor rates to fit the needs of each family' and invite them to set up an interview to see if your program would be a good fit. That way the tuition rate doesn't get you ruled out. As far as paid/unpaid vacations, you pretty much need to stick to whatever is in your contract/handbook unless you plan to negotiate (I do not). If the rate is more than they can afford or vacations will be an issue, then they aren't really a good fit for your program anyway, KWIM? I hope my advice helps and I'm sure everything will work out for the best

Yes that totally makes sense. Thanks for the input!

[Patches]

I advertise my rates on my facebook page and website. And I will tell them over the phone or email (it is one of the first questions they ask) if they can't afford it, no sense in wasting everybody's time with an interview first

[Leigh]

I do not advertise my rates. My rates are not for the "price shoppers", anyway. I am up to $100 per week higher than some of the unlicensed "caregivers" in my area (some local unlicensed are great-others, I wouldn't trust with my insect collection).

I happily explain my price structure to anyone who asks. I make sure that parents understand pricing BEFORE I waste time interviewing. If the price is too high, I tell them that XXXXX does care for $10 a day and provide XXXXX's number. Funny, some actually get angry with me when I give my price, but no one is interested in someone who is that CHEAP, either!

I probably have had 80% of callers never call back after I share my prices, and I'm fine with that. I'm here to provide care for the most precious person in your life-if THAT is where you choose to scrimp, I'm not your provider. This is my career, and I deserve to be paid a living wage. I DO always explain that my prices are higher because I CHOOSE to have only half of the kids I am licensed for to ensure adequate care for ALL.

[wdmmom]

I don't advertise my rates on my website but I do have a sheet that I use. I charge based on departure time. The later the pick up, the more it costs.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I used to. But, potential clients now will have a different rate than current clients so I do not do so any longer.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I give out rates over the phone. If they e-mail I give them my phone number and ask that they call me as it is easier to answer all their questions all at once and that I prefer to speak in person.
I wouldn't have them come for an interview without them already knowing my rates, as I don't want to waste my time or theirs. Rates in my area vary from 25-35 per day, so if they are looking for lower rates (mine are 33) they aren't going to change their mind and pay more after the interview. Their are certain people that will pay for quality care and others that won't (or can't) pay over a certain amount. I can easily weed them out over the phone. I am a really good communicator so the phone interview is very important to me.

I also don't schedule an interview until they know my rates and are comfortable with them. I already have noticed that is takes about 3-4 interviews sometimes to fill a spot, for a variety of reasons where I live, so I'd prefer not to waste any more time than necessary.

[bunnyslippers]

I am always upfront right out of the gate about my rates. I figure it is a waste of everyone's time if they don't want to pay what I charge.

[Sugar Magnolia]

Yep

The rates are on my website, and I give them over the phone and in emails. I am on the high end of rates as well, but honestly, I don't want to waste my time on the phone, in emails or during a tour if they can't afford it. I take state subsidy as well, also advertised.