Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.
Childcare
nannynick · 07/02/2007 18:49
Sounds a bit too loose to me, think it would be better to fix the value amount - that way you know much it is costing you.
Do you need to offer an incentive at all... would your customers not recommend you to friends anyway? Something to think about.
Just my view of course... will be interesting to read others views.
mykidzrmyworld · 07/02/2007 18:56
yeah I see what you are saying!
I have already been recommended so I know that isnt a problem-have signed 2 up through recommendation.....I was just thinking of ways to promote myself...I only have 4 school runs and just signed a baby today! was thinking if they had the money issue in the back of their minds it might be more of a chance to come out in conversation!
Millarkie · 07/02/2007 19:09
But would other mums be so happy about the recommendation if they found out the the person doing the recommendation was being paid for it?
Mums that I know will happily recommend their childminders if they know that there is a vacancy and the best 'advert' is that they are happy to leave their children there. Maybe just letting your mums know about the vacancies will be enough?
LoveMyGirls · 07/02/2007 19:21
I would offer them both a free afternoon after the first month of new mindee being with you.
I think offering a discount for a month is very drawn out and makes it more complicated then when they have to start paying full wack it will seem like a lot more iyswim.
Obviously this is your business and it's up to you this is only my opinion.
mykidzrmyworld · 07/02/2007 19:31
all yr ideas and opinons are great.
give me things to think about!
I agree then a good childminder will get recommended naturally just as im new to this then even though they are happy they havent had me for long so cant over recommend (if that makes any sense)
All my mums pay me weekly and none of them are big bucks so I wont miss the money so much by 50p an hr just thought it'd be nice for them to thinking they get something out of it.
nannynick · 07/02/2007 19:37
Has anyone tried doing incentive schemes to fill vacancies, and what worked, or didn't work?
"My only reservation in recommending him to everyone is that he will get so many bookings that he won't have as much time for us."
Had that on a recent testimonial from a mother... it helps show that recommending a childcarer to another parent could have a draw back for the parent doing the recommending.
In a childminder's case, the drawback could be a higher adult:child ratio, as currently with there being one or more vacancies, there is a lower adult:child ratio.
mykidzrmyworld · 07/02/2007 19:43
thats possible too! parents might be concerned regarding that. Though I only have a p/t vacancy for under 5 and have a few spaces for school runs.Also f/t space for Sept when my ds goes to school.Im not over run just 1 or 2 extras would be nice!
My ds has a 4th b'day party soon so mayb i'll slip in a load of business cards in with the goodie bag treats
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