…to think it’s a bit tight & embarrassing to haggle on some things?

[NellesVilla]

Hello all,

I was due to cat and dog sit over Xmas for about 3 x weeks. It had been booked since last Xmas. I’ve worked for the for years and already offer them a mates’ rate discount- relevant.I was also their nanny several years’ ago whilst at uni.

Last night the family called me to ask for another discount just over 2 weeks’ before the start date, plus asking if I’d contribute to bills for my ‘stay’. Not that it matters but they are loaded, are flying to the states to a v expensive Christmassy city, and will be spending shitloads- they do every year.

So they want a discount on the already crazily reduced bargain rate I give them; money that I need and forms part of my meagre current income. Additionally, they’d like something towards bills- when they have asked me to care for their home and cherished pets.

Wtaf? Is this normal? Do I tell them to take a long walk off a short pier or what?! Please vipers; I need to grow a pair as I find this type of thing- money-orientated issue- challenging at the best of times!!

Flippin heck - don't need to even read everyone else's responses! I am a dog owner, have been for years. REGARDLESS of how much money they have, they will be very hard pushed now to get there dogs looked after (ie kennels) at short notice and even if they do find a place, certainly not at the rate you will be charging. YOU HAVE THE NEGOTIATING LEVERAGE HERE. Just remember that.

Tell them the rates are already reduced to mates rates as they know in order to look after their pets and ensure house secure. I am assuming like all other normal people, your own place of residence will still have bills, power, you need to eat?! So why pay out effectively to stay at someone else's house that is to their benefit?!

Mind blown.

I would cancel. And when they come back begging you (because they're going to struggle finding someone at such short notice) tell them you'll do it but you need to charge your usual rate (no discounts) and you need the money up front.

This is a great response

I don't get some people. You have a relationship with them going back yonks, you do this for them every year, they don't need the money and yet they want to trash that relationship with you for a piddling amount they won't miss? It's just bizarre! What could possibly be going through their minds? Reminds me of Scott Fitzgerald's remark in Gatsby about careless people smashing up people's lives and retreating into their carelessness again.
On a more practical note, just tell them that you can't do it for less. If they ask why, just tell them that you have an alternative gig that would pay more than their reduced rate. Assuming, that is, that you don't need the money so desperately and can afford to walk away.

@NellesVilla they are cf. Say "I already give a massive contribution to the amenities via the discount".
Say you are willing to step down and allow them to access another pet/house sitter.
Do not accept this under any circumstances. They know your income is low and they dgaf.

YADNBU
They are being very tight and mean. I would not give them a discount unless they say they ate going elsewhere. I would definitely say no to contributing to their bills. Presumably you still have to pay your own bills. Be very firm with them.

I've only read your posts OP but £150 per week!!! Where the hell are you I pay £75 a night!!!! I leave basics (tea/coffee/bread/eggs/toiletries etc etc and money for a takeaway) Happy for them to have the heating on 24/7 if necessary as don't like to think of them or my pets being cold. Think you need to up your prices as most pet owners who need good sitters know they don't come cheap.

Perhaps they have some family friend coming and didn't know how to cancel

They need you more than you need them, tell them straight that you’re not reducing the rate or contributing to the bills.

Is their house gorgeous? Do they think they're doing you a favour?

I agree with the others. Text back ''I'd already reduced my rate''.

This is brilliant! 😂 I might increase that tax a bit though.

The bloody brassneck of them!

Asking for further reduced rate was cheeky (they can ask and try it on if they like) but to then ask YOU to contribute to utilities is astonishing… I’ve never come across this level of CF before.

Please do not work for these people anymore.

@NellesVilla I love my cats more than anything. If (really big if) I were to leave them, even for a day or two, I'd pay someone similar to you as much as you asked...and leave a v generous tip in cash.
The fact they've been fannying around with dates/which days you're needed etc...just don't deal with that type of person.
I wouldn't book to go somewhere without proper solid care for my 2 in place first.

They've agreed a contract. They are now trying to breach the contract. They know all about the legal implications. They’re hoping you don’t.

I'd tell them to stick it

that or "It will be T shirt weather in hell before I'll work for you again"

My gullible DH agreed to look after the neighbours pet while they were away...
I fed and checked on their cat he's lovely and would sleep in our garden while they're away which was the only one we were aware of when they asked...
DH had to feed their turtles, check the temp of the tank, top up the water or something, I didn't ask and feed their tortoise which was roaming around on astroturf...we ended up buying loads of cucumber 🤢 and I got thru more salad than normal 🤔

Let them know the full rate and point out how much of a discount they are already getting. Don’t take shite about contributing to the bills - you’re there because they want you there, and you have your own bills to sort out, so you’re not responsible for theirs. If they don’t like it, tell them what they can do with it and let them sort out an alternative this close to Christmas.

I would def call their bluff and cancel. That’s ridiculously cheap for live in pet care and they’ll never find someone at this stage.

if they come back and apologise and book you in you should ask for payment up front.

if you’re anywhere in the north west and would like to look after my dog we are always on the look out for good pet care!

Posted too soon...
Cat got tuna or chicken every other day too. He really is a lovely boy.

In return for (2 weeks) all his attention DH got a bottle of co-op white wine.

The cat still gets dreamies or the odd meal. 🤦‍♀️

😂

Personally I'd cancel. At this time theres absolutely no way they'd find someone else and if by slim chance they did it would probably cost them a massive amount more. Is this your job? Would it be worth advertising for someone else, someone who won't take the piss for one! If not maybe just message saying you've already given a discount, perhaps this isnt going to work and maybe you should cancel. Guarantee they'll backtrack! Also I would insist on full payment upfront as when they get back I'll bet they'll try and pay you less. If you can afford it just cancel and save yourself the stress!

"Due to a severe breach of trust and confidence I will not be able to care for your critters while you're of throwing money through doors and windows."

Love the idea of an asshole tax. But actually nothing would induce me to set a toe in their house after this. Asking for money for bills! I still can't get over that. As though OP is on some sort of jolly herself.

So what are you going to do @NellesVilla ?