Is this rude or am I being oversensitive after a long week in work.

[navyeyelasH]

warning - sorry long

I have a website, it clearly states my hourly rather and that I operate on a session basis (8am-1pm/1pm-6pm/8am-6pm), lunch is at 11.30-12ish and dinner 4ish.

Had an enquiry last night from someone saying they had seen my website and wanted childcare for 2 days from 9am-4.30pm.

I replied saying we had the vacancy needed from April and that "We run our childminding business slightly differently to others in that we operate sessions; so you would be billed from 8am-6pm, you can drop off as late at 9.15 am and collect as early as 4.45pm."

Got this reply.

"The reason I want to put my son with a childminder is because I am fed up of paying a daily rate at nursery rather that hourly. I am trying to cut down my costs. I would not be happy to pay you for a full day if my son is not with you for a full day.

If you can not take an hourly rate then I will look elsewhere."

The whole tone just sounds really awful to me, am I being over-sensitive?! I think it's the last part that really rankles me! If I let every child do a random set of 7.5 hours each day I'd lose £18,000 a year! Really hate the dogs body mindset some parents have about childminders.

time I think!!

A polite reply. Why would you want to leave a potential client feeling bad about your business -they may not have found what they wanted and come back to you. And parents are always discussing/looking for CM/childcare recommendations ,they may have more kids etc etc..
Reputation is a key usp in the CM business.

Well at least you know the reason why she did not want to use you. I much prefer upfront people at least you know where you are. As you pointed out you run it as a business. So expect this sort of reply.

I think short and to the point, rather than rude. I do daily rates rather than hourly and I know it doesn't suit everyone.

I see both sides.
As a parent, one of the things that makes a cm more appealing is the flexibility- paying for the hours you use instead of nursery session like rates. I also understand that as a cm this doesn't maximise your earnings, though.
Difficult one.

reply was a bit short but sometimes texts/emails etc can come out wrong iyswim

assuming if someone paid for the whole day tho stated that they wanted 9-4.30, that you would be happy to have them at 8-6 if need be and they wouldnt have to tell you they may pick up later one day - or would that ruin/take you over your numbers?

but yes i would have replied, saying, sorry we are not suited,good luck with finding someone

as you never know she may talk to someone about you, and many cm work through word of mouth iyswim

'passes to NEL'

I charge per hour but charge a higher amount for those wishing to use 8 hours or less a day.

I would prefer to be charged per hour, but obviously there needs to be some leeway on my part. I can understand not being given an 4.00 pm pick up, as that prevents them having an after schoolie, but a 3.00 pm pick up would slot in nicely with after schoolies and so should be ok.

Ditto with occasional care for DS2 (have already discussed with CM and we have agreed that it could happen if she has spaces - after DS1 starts schoon in September) during the school day, so will drop off after DS1 goes to school, and pick up before I collect DDS1 from school. So it doesn't interefere with school runs etc for her, or trips to playgroups.

But if you're creating gaps that can't be filled, then you should be charged accordingly I think!

its business.. treat as such and dont take personally..

i don't see the problem. perfectly factual business discussion i think. the outcome is that you're not compatible. fine.

she's primarily looking to change from nursery to cm and so would not want a cm who charges the same way nurseries do... you do charge that way..

i don't see that there's been any rudness or reason to get offended on either side

She was rude. Sod her.

The irritating thing about the message is the tone- she is acting as if you would be desperate for her business.

I said earlier that I would ignore it, but I think others are actually right, a polite, cheerful reply sticking by your terms would probably be better.

In the meantime pour yourself a glass of wine and toast not having her as a client!

Her reply is extremely rude IMO.

The services you provide were clearly stated and she has got cross with you becuase she wants different services . I think she should get a grip and stop expecting the world to revolve around her. No need for you to feel upset about it though, she would clearly be a difficult customer!

Sorry, but how is "If you can not take an hourly rate then I will look elsewhere."
not rude? I find it very confrontational.

She could have said, "If you can not take an hourly rate, then perhaps it won't work out, sorry. Can you recommend any other local childminders who do have an hourly rate please?"

I would not take on the child and I would also give the parent the widest of berths.

I have had a parent complain because I demand that fees are paid upfront. When the parent left a message saying (and I quote), "u r taking the piss expecting payment upfront" I replied, "then please kindly search for an alternative childminder or childcare option. Many thanks for your interest."

I have not heard back from her. I would recommend to the OP that she gives a polite reply, perhaps expressing regret that her childminding services are not suitable and wish the parent all the best in her search for another childminder.