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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Prospective Client Wants FT One Week And PT The Next
trix23 07:34 AM 04-19-2017
Been getting a lot of inquiries for
FT one week then off the next
FT one week then PT the next
And they all want to pay per use (like FT pay one week then PT the next).
I charge $150/week for 4-5 days and $115/week for 2-3 dsys, so I was thinking either $130/week for a FT/PT alternating schedule, or something similar as I need clients. Only have 1 drop-in and 1 part time currently. But I also don't want to sell myself short (ie: should I charge FT both weeks?)
Input!
FT one week then off the next
FT one week then PT the next
And they all want to pay per use (like FT pay one week then PT the next).
I charge $150/week for 4-5 days and $115/week for 2-3 dsys, so I was thinking either $130/week for a FT/PT alternating schedule, or something similar as I need clients. Only have 1 drop-in and 1 part time currently. But I also don't want to sell myself short (ie: should I charge FT both weeks?)
Input!
Blackcat31 07:37 AM 04-19-2017
Originally Posted by trix23:
Been getting a lot of inquiries for
FT one week then off the next
FT one week then PT the next
And they all want to pay per use (like FT pay one week then PT the next).
I charge $150/week for 4-5 days and $115/week for 2-3 dsys, so I was thinking either $130/week for a FT/PT alternating schedule, or something similar as I need clients. Only have 1 drop-in and 1 part time currently. But I also don't want to sell myself short (ie: should I charge FT both weeks?)
Input!
So they want you to lose income every other week so they can save money? Been getting a lot of inquiries for
FT one week then off the next
FT one week then PT the next
And they all want to pay per use (like FT pay one week then PT the next).
I charge $150/week for 4-5 days and $115/week for 2-3 dsys, so I was thinking either $130/week for a FT/PT alternating schedule, or something similar as I need clients. Only have 1 drop-in and 1 part time currently. But I also don't want to sell myself short (ie: should I charge FT both weeks?)
Input!
Do you have other families interested in the opposite weeks this family doesn't need? If not, it seems to me needing care only on alternating weeks is the FAMILY'S situation to figure out, not yours.
~Unless you WANT to lose income saving space not used so someone else can save money.
AmyKidsCo 08:19 AM 04-19-2017
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
So they want you to lose income every other week so they can save money?
Do you have other families interested in the opposite weeks this family doesn't need? If not, it seems to me needing care only on alternating weeks is the FAMILY'S situation to figure out, not yours.
~Unless you WANT to lose income saving space not used so someone else can save money.
This.So they want you to lose income every other week so they can save money?
Do you have other families interested in the opposite weeks this family doesn't need? If not, it seems to me needing care only on alternating weeks is the FAMILY'S situation to figure out, not yours.
~Unless you WANT to lose income saving space not used so someone else can save money.
If they want to reserve a full week for their use they need to pay for it, unless you can fill in with another family. In which case you charge 75% the regular amount to each family so you end up being paid 150% your regular amount for the PT weeks.
If you allow them to pay actual use you're subsidizing their care. I don't know about you, but all of my families are better off than I am financially so I don't feel bad about refusing to subsidize their care.
trix23 08:50 AM 04-19-2017
Would you change your stance if you were a new provider needing income? Lol.
Blackcat31 08:56 AM 04-19-2017
Originally Posted by trix23:
Would you change your stance if you were a new provider needing income? Lol.
No. Personally, I wouldn't because I created policies that fit MY needs and if I waive or bend them now, I think it leaves the door open for resentment and stress to build..... Would you change your stance if you were a new provider needing income? Lol.
If you are willing to bend now because you need the money, you are always going to have to bend because we always need the money... it's a vicious cycle.
childcaremom 09:04 AM 04-19-2017
Originally Posted by trix23:
Would you change your stance if you were a new provider needing income? Lol.
No. With an exception. (snowmom's suggestion from above BUT I would need to be desperate to fill)Would you change your stance if you were a new provider needing income? Lol.
I agree with BC's reasons.
One of the things I've learned is that there are always parents who are looking for the 'deal'. Those are not good clients. Trust me.
I get a lot of requests for this, as well. Typically from families whose income is more than triple mine. So, yeah, that's a no. I'm saving the spot for them, whether they attend or not. My business goal is to be full and I'd never be able to find someone to fill the gaps.It is much easier to start off the way you wish to continue. I always state that full time tuition is due regardless of attendance. I may soften it a bit, depending, and offer that while I understand that this may not work for all families, it is what I've found works best for my business.
Or.... I just say for the schedule of one week FT and one week PT, as stated, the rate is xxxx. And quote them my full time rate. Then there isn't any quibbling.
trix23 09:21 AM 04-19-2017
That's true about the client looking for a deal. And I can definitely see how their income is double or triple my own, thus why do they need a discount. I've stuck by my policies and prices since opening in November but have had trouble even having 2 clients at the same time (not drop-ins).
LysesKids 11:48 AM 04-19-2017
Originally Posted by trix23:
Would you change your stance if you were a new provider needing income? Lol.
I regretted the few times I gave discounts... they turned out to be the worst to work with & families got booted within 6 months. I wouldn't do it again for anything and my income is the only one coming in.Would you change your stance if you were a new provider needing income? Lol.
LysesKids 07:44 AM 04-19-2017
Originally Posted by trix23:
Been getting a lot of inquiries for
FT one week then off the next
FT one week then PT the next
And they all want to pay per use (like FT pay one week then PT the next).
I charge $150/week for 4-5 days and $115/week for 2-3 dsys, so I was thinking either $130/week for a FT/PT alternating schedule, or something similar as I need clients. Only have 1 drop-in and 1 part time currently. But I also don't want to sell myself short (ie: should I charge FT both weeks?)
Input!
Im with BC... all my families know they are paying for the spot not the usage. I'm limited to 4 spaces & I'm not about to let someone else issues trump my income. I get full pay regardless if the child attends or notBeen getting a lot of inquiries for
FT one week then off the next
FT one week then PT the next
And they all want to pay per use (like FT pay one week then PT the next).
I charge $150/week for 4-5 days and $115/week for 2-3 dsys, so I was thinking either $130/week for a FT/PT alternating schedule, or something similar as I need clients. Only have 1 drop-in and 1 part time currently. But I also don't want to sell myself short (ie: should I charge FT both weeks?)
Input!
Snowmom 07:53 AM 04-19-2017
I agree too.
I don't take a pay cut to benefit someone else's family.
I'd tell them that the spot is $150/week regardless.
OR
If they're not willing to pay FT for the spot... I'd enroll them at your rotating FT/PT rate and let them know that they will be bumped (lose the spot) when a FT family enrolls with you.
I don't take a pay cut to benefit someone else's family.
I'd tell them that the spot is $150/week regardless.
OR
If they're not willing to pay FT for the spot... I'd enroll them at your rotating FT/PT rate and let them know that they will be bumped (lose the spot) when a FT family enrolls with you.
childcaremom 08:08 AM 04-19-2017
I would charge them FT regardless of whether their child is there or not as you are reserving the space for them.
Cat Herder 08:18 AM 04-19-2017
Tuition is $___ per week, attendance is not required. 
As most PP suggested.
As most PP suggested.
hgonzalez 11:57 AM 04-19-2017
Here's what I do:
I charge for the spot for a minimum of three days per week. This is at a daily rate, per child. They pay me for three days per week, whether the children attend or not. If they need care for more than three days per week, then they pay me for each additional day.
They have to let me know their schedule by Friday the week before the children attend. Payment is due the first day their children attend for that week.
I charge for the spot for a minimum of three days per week. This is at a daily rate, per child. They pay me for three days per week, whether the children attend or not. If they need care for more than three days per week, then they pay me for each additional day.
They have to let me know their schedule by Friday the week before the children attend. Payment is due the first day their children attend for that week.
Ariana 12:10 PM 04-19-2017
I personally would do it and have done it. It works for me because I like part time kids and am never at full capacity on a weekly basis which I like.
Do they have a set schedule or does it change every single week? I would ask for a schedule up front and then charge a bi weekly fee based on that. I get a 2 week deposit upfront and then I charge bi weekly after care has occurred. You coukd invoice them after care has occurred or charge them a flat rate based on the schedule they gave you.
Charging AFTER care has occurred works the best in these situations in my opinion.
Do they have a set schedule or does it change every single week? I would ask for a schedule up front and then charge a bi weekly fee based on that. I get a 2 week deposit upfront and then I charge bi weekly after care has occurred. You coukd invoice them after care has occurred or charge them a flat rate based on the schedule they gave you.
Charging AFTER care has occurred works the best in these situations in my opinion.
Blackcat31 12:18 PM 04-19-2017
I wanted to add that IF you do decide to accept this arrangement I would NOT bill them solely for the one full time week they do use but would bill them for those 5 days at your part time or even drop in rate.
In other words, if your normal full time weekly rate is say $150 (or $30 per day) I'd bill them at the minimum $200 ($40 per day) if not more. Bottom line is it has to be worth your time.
In other words, if your normal full time weekly rate is say $150 (or $30 per day) I'd bill them at the minimum $200 ($40 per day) if not more. Bottom line is it has to be worth your time.
Ariana 12:34 PM 04-19-2017
I also wanted to add that this arrangement will make it hard for you to accept other clients because they are taking up a space so if you eventually get new clients looking for spots you could offer it to the current family first and then terminate and replace with the new clients if they don't want to pay the full rate. Basically do this until you get your spots filled. Up to you!
trix23 06:46 PM 04-19-2017
Black cat, do you mean $200 for the 2 weeks? Or for 1?
And I don't mind charging $130/week for an alternating schedule for FT and PT. Better than my low rate. They would def pick certain days and times for when they would come. I think I'm ok with doing this to get some $.
And I don't mind charging $130/week for an alternating schedule for FT and PT. Better than my low rate. They would def pick certain days and times for when they would come. I think I'm ok with doing this to get some $.
AmyKidsCo 08:17 AM 04-20-2017
Originally Posted by hgonzalez:
Here's what I do:
I charge for the spot for a minimum of three days per week. This is at a daily rate, per child. They pay me for three days per week, whether the children attend or not. If they need care for more than three days per week, then they pay me for each additional day.
They have to let me know their schedule by Friday the week before the children attend. Payment is due the first day their children attend for that week.
I've done that before too. The child was regularly scheduled for 3 days/week and they paid for 1 extra day ahead of time, then when she came extra days they brought a check for that day in the morning. Since they'd already paid ahead for an extra day the check was for the next extra day.Here's what I do:
I charge for the spot for a minimum of three days per week. This is at a daily rate, per child. They pay me for three days per week, whether the children attend or not. If they need care for more than three days per week, then they pay me for each additional day.
They have to let me know their schedule by Friday the week before the children attend. Payment is due the first day their children attend for that week.