Why Don't Daycare Publish Price Lists on The Internet?

[Myst_Seattle]

Looking at websites of daycares one can notice a peculiar pattern - almost none of them ever publish their prices online. This seems strange as presumably this way they'd be able to filter out applicants who find the pricing too expensive.

Is there a reason for this business practice?

[CalCare]

Well, speaking only for myself, I don't post prices because they will eventually change and I have no intention of dealing with updating my website 😄

I don't post them in ads because my rates are a little too complicated for putting in a short ad.

[Cat Herder]

I do post my rates. Makes a great filter so I don't have to deal with bargaining. One rate for all.

Some don't for the opposite reason. They feel the client out before quoting a price. Some clients they quote higher (maybe they came from a higher-priced provider), some lower (maybe they had a bad life circumstance they did not create themselves), and some use adjustable rates for hours needed.

[Ariana]

It might be because pricing lists are complicated based on your needs so they don’t bother to list them. It could be that they want a client to see their space or get to know the provider first before quoting them the price. I know that I have had a few people tell me I am on the expensive side if they ask upfront but then when they meet me they make it work all of a sudden.

[Blackcat31]

I don't out right list mine on my website because it's honestly very specific for each family. Depending on several factors their rate differs from a standard one set daily or weekly rate so it would really be impossible to list.

I do state on my website that "Rates are competitive with area programs and can be tailored to fit each family's individual needs"

However I will share mine if a client calls and asks (how they ask and in what context tells me alot) but I have no issues discussing and explaining my rate structure to potential clients.

[Blackcat31]

Also here's an article Tom Copeland wrote awhile back about rates over the phone. Not the same as listing them on a website but it still offers valuable insight to the question

http://tomcopelandblog.com/should-you-share-your-rates-over-the-phone-1

[Unregistered]

Parents know how much they want to pay for daycare. It doesn't mean they can't pay more. If I put my price on my website, many of my current customers just wouldn't show up here. But when they came and they decided that it worth to pay more then they originally planned.

[Snowmom]

Mine aren't listed because rates are based on individual needs with the earliest pick up times being considerably less than later pick up times.
Out of the ten families enrolled, only two are at the same rate.
When someone inquires without giving me specifics, I give them a range. But the range has an $85 difference!

[jenboo]

I do a flat rate and list mine on my website.

[daycarediva]

Base rate is listed on my website. It's the lowest full time care can possibly BE, 'rates starting at....'. Weeds out the insane amount of people looking for the cheapest rates.

[Meeko]

I post mine on my web site and happily give them over the phone.

I know I would hate it if I saw a car I liked in a car lot and when I called to ask the price, was told "Ah! Come in and talk to me! I can give you a deal! Drive it and see what you think!"

I would pass. Don't waste my time. The car maybe way out of my budget, even if I like it. Tell me the price, or forget it.

I am sure many daycare parents are the same. They have a certain budget and I may not be in it. They have a right to know that before coming to look etc. It's a waste of my time too, if they can't afford me.
Just my 2c.....

[hwichlaz]

My weekly fee is age-based since I only take full-time, so I publish. It's 180 or 165.

[Unregistered]

To rope families in and entice on program and not steer away because of price.

[Unregistered]

My weekly fee is age-based since I only take full-time, so I publish. It's 180 or 165.

would you publish your price if it would be in 2-3 times higher of an average price in your area?

[sunshst]

My rate is posted on my website. It eliminates so many uncomfortable calls, and it always reaches my intended group of clients.