…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!!

Perfect response. I would just add ‘as I do have a waiting list’
cheeky f’ers

I had similar experiences back in the day . I remember when I was a nanny the family decided to help out a neighbours kid by giving him my babysitting hours with no consultation . There was me spending every afternoon collecting their children and part of that agreement included babysitting which I and the children enjoyed. Anyway at the beginning I had self respect stood up for myself and got paid the same no matter how much they changed my hrs. The Neighbours kid didn’t work out because the children preferred me babysitting them probably because it was my vocation and I enjoyed it whereas the Neighbours kid was probably required to do it.
Remains of the day about a life in service and Emma Thompson the actress about the film’s themes made a comment about she was particularly interested in looking at "the deformity that servitude inflicts upon people", since her grandmother had worked as a servant and made many sacrifices.
I too had this feeling that my service was an infliction that it was awkward discussing money when I was displaying my care.
it’s interesting being a nanny how u navigate their space to blend and I actually really truly cared a great deal for the entire families well being but sadly I would be undercut or manipulated because of being inservice to them. It’s why I never worked solely for one family I learnt to be less indebted to one particular family.
You care for their most treasured precious children or pets and its a priviledge to be entrusted but also a huge responsibility yet they would try and undercut you ?
I would not work for this family who are undercutting your work timetable hours and conditions with other people now if you can completely cut off any obligation to them it will be best for your self respect you need to protect and guard your self worth xx

Do not do it they are users with no regard for you at all.

These people are cheeky flickers to the highest degree.

They've completely insulted you.
Please be strong today and pull out of these services

Mrs Tight-Cheapskate! Nice if you can accidentally use that name during your conversation...

You need to tell them you will not take the job. Tell them you can make more money elsewhere. If they crawl back - and you feel like taking the job - demand full payment in advance, nothing less.

And anyway, with your experience, it should be easy enough to find another child-or pet sitting job for the holidays 😊

@Darlingx good post.

@LiveIngSun what a mean obnoxious friend you have.
Well done for not accepting her bull.
She has clearly lost the run of herself and forgotten YOU were obliging her.
Funny how quickly people can change the narrative to suit themselves.

I think she is in for a most unpleasant shock as she tries to source a replacement.

It never ceases to amaze me how mean some people can be with those that they are paying.

I am very conscious of pointing out any CF to my children whilst in part time jobs, just as my parents did.

You are never too young to become aware that some people will be CF's if you allow them.

Over the years I have heard enough stories to know it is very prevalent where youngsters are concerned.

Read most, but not all replies.

You sound lovely, but you really need to be stronger. These people aren't mates, they don't deserve mate's rates. They are happy to take advantage of you whilst shelling out for 3 weeks in the States at an expensive time of year.

Please publish a list of prices and stick to them. No ifs, no buts. Good pet sitters are like gold dust. You are offering a professional service, you are not a servant! People will respect your service more if you charge properly for it. Do you have your own insurance/website/printed cards?? You are not a charity and this is not a hobby. You deserve to be able to pay your bills and save for a house if that is what you want. I'm so angry that these "mates" think their right to cheap labour trumps your rights.

We were so grateful to find a lovely lady that boards dogs at home and will take our willful spirited retriever that we would never ever quibble on the £40/24 hrs.. I don't know where you live, but there is the work available (esp at school holiday times) plenty!

So the solution to the recession for wealthy people is to pass the problem onto their staff and let them pay for it?

I do dog sitting in my own home. You can make far more money that way, as you are caring for multiple dogs in one location. I make far more money now than I did as a Bank Manager. So, when you do get your own house, I would seriously give that some consideration.

With regards to your current situation, in your shoes I would not reduce your prices further. I have had people try to negotiate with me on price, and apart from one extra long boarding stay, it's a hard no. Money is money and you're running a business not a charity. Bizarrely, it's always the richest folk that take time to pay their bill, as well.

I think I'd now present them with a contract for signing, with definite dates, the price you are charging and make it clear that you aren't contributing to bills. I'd also ask for full payment one week in advance. Send the contract with your bank details today. If they don't pay, don't do the sit. They are never going to find anyone else now.

I agree with others. This all needs to be done on a more professional basis. Contracts, down payments and a decent wage.

Exactly. Maintain their lifestyle by reducing poorer people's lifestyle even further. The lack of awareness is astounding.

😂

@PurpleButterflyWings I assume that post is a piss take that you have shared. I assumed so. I don't think anyone could really be that clueless.

I REALLY hope so @antelopevalley 😯

This is great advice.

If you go ahead, I'd ask for full payment in advance and email them written confirmation that you won't be paying any household bills and would expect house to be heated to a normal level.

billy1966
Thank you and yes your right to educate your children about CF behaviour early on about doing what authority tells u to and if you gut is telling you otherwise its most likely right. We all need to be aware of what is our instinct or which is fear .

I would be polite but firm.
You have already reduced your professional rate due to the long term friendship, you are caring for their animals in their home at their request.
Anyone who house sits expect to have that side of things provided for them. I'd say that you are unable to reduce your rate any lower and any housesitter expects not to contribute towards bills etc.

Apologise and say if thats the arrangement they want they will have to find someone else....

Did you message them? Have they replied? And if they ask about next year, please, please don't reduce the rate for and do put a contract in place.

As everyone has said - stand your ground. Itemise your standard rate, what discounts you are already offering. Confirm the dates they want back to them and ask if they would like to get you confirmed. Due to previously being let down at the last minute you are now requiring a 50% deposit and 30days notice of changes. Let you know by 6pm Friday or will take other bookings for that period.

They are being ridiculous. Most kennels etc are in huge demand, they wouldn't accept last minute changes and cancellations or requests for discounts!

I only have 2 moggies so don't have an in-house pet sitter. But I book my cat man online and pay the £10/ day up front. The £10/day includes popping in for up to 20mins to feed/play and do litter tray. They have a price list on the website and dog walking is about £25 for 30mins 2 dogs from same home.

Don't sell yourself short - charge what you are worth!!!

I’d cancel completely

Say, that after careful consideration of there suggestion, you realise that your prices are indeed more than they afford, and that you suggest that they make use of the alternative arrangements that they mention are at their disposal.

When they come crawling back - and they will, ask for your full (no more mates rates) paid in advance.

Heck, I don’t even take mates rates from my kids, let alone friends, and most definitely not from friends. I trust them not to rip me off, but their time is just as valuable as my own, and they are worth a good wage for the job they do.

This.

Cheeky buggers!

I would cancel, unless you really need the cash. If you drop your rate this time, it will then become the new rate that they will expect from you every time they use your services again.

In fact e-mail back "Oh - I'm so glad you got in touch. I'm afraid that I'm having to increase my fee to (£However-much-you-normally-charge) and I was about to get in touch with you. Wish I didn't have to do this, but you know how things are these days etc)

DH’s wealthy cousin rents a yacht every year for the winter and this year, they are having to run with just 2 crew members instead of 4 due to try and keep costs down.

My heart bleeds . . . 😂😂😂

Whaaaatt £650 for a week plus drop off fees? My friend in leafy expensive Surrey pays £45 per night meals included for their big Hungarian vizla. Drop off and pick up times either 9am or 6pm. This is a professional breeder who also offers kennel service. Doggy day care my friend calls it and says their dog loves it and now goes on play dates with other dogs they've met there.

Is £650 a typo?????