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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Calls From Other Providers
Oneluckymom 11:46 AM 10-13-2011
I've heard you guys have had calls from other providers and I'm sure I have too 
but I was wondering how you know you are getting a call from one. Is there something that gives them away. I'm getting calls but its hard to get someone to come interview.
but I was wondering how you know you are getting a call from one. Is there something that gives them away. I'm getting calls but its hard to get someone to come interview.
Blackcat31 11:48 AM 10-13-2011
Caller ID?
Are you asking how you know a caller is really a potential client and not a provider just looking to swoop in on your business info? I guess I am not all here today and require additional instructions.
Are you asking how you know a caller is really a potential client and not a provider just looking to swoop in on your business info? I guess I am not all here today and require additional instructions.
Cat Herder 11:51 AM 10-13-2011
What is your rate? What do you offer for that?
Solandia 11:52 AM 10-13-2011
"Hi, I am a sahm, in the very beginning stages, thinking about going back to work. I was wondering how much daycare would cost me for a newborn & a 3yo".
Oneluckymom 12:14 PM 10-13-2011
Originally Posted by Catherder:
What is your rate? What do you offer for that?
Lol...got a call just like this thismorning! What is your rate? What do you offer for that?
Cat Herder 12:26 PM 10-13-2011
Originally Posted by Oneluckymom:
Lol...got a call just like this thismorning!
Sorry...Lol...got a call just like this thismorning!
IMHO, most parent calls start with them telling you all about THEIR needs and wants.
Few start by asking what you offer.
Occasionally they will start by asking what you charge, but I typically don't interview those.
A learned Red Flag.
Unregistered 07:12 PM 10-13-2011
Originally Posted by Catherder:
Sorry...
Occasionally they will start by asking what you charge, but I typically don't interview those. A learned Red Flag.
As a parent, I don't see what would be wrong with asking up front what you charge. If you charge way more than I'm willing to pay, we can save ourselves both a lot of time and info by cutting to the chase. If I'm looking for a $25 a day provider and you tell me you're $35 a day, there's no need in asking any further questions, much less setting up an interview.Sorry...
Occasionally they will start by asking what you charge, but I typically don't interview those.
A learned Red Flag.
sharlan 12:28 PM 10-13-2011
A lot of ummssss to my questions.
The last one was so obvious, I hung up on her. She sounded older, a web search said she was 70, but she needed care for her 7 yo son. Ok, could have been a grandson. I asked what hours, 6 AM to 6 PM, few people need those hours. I asked for his school, it took her several seconds to name a school on the other side of town, one that was on a main st, but not the one near where she lived. I told her that I didn't provide transportation that far away. "Oh, ok, well that's fine. What are your daily and hourly rates, anyway? What do you provide?" I kept taking the conversation away from rates, she kept taking it back.
Finally, I hung up on her. Had she been up front and honest and said that she was interested to start a daycare and wanted info, I would have provided all the info she wanted.
The last one was so obvious, I hung up on her. She sounded older, a web search said she was 70, but she needed care for her 7 yo son. Ok, could have been a grandson. I asked what hours, 6 AM to 6 PM, few people need those hours. I asked for his school, it took her several seconds to name a school on the other side of town, one that was on a main st, but not the one near where she lived. I told her that I didn't provide transportation that far away. "Oh, ok, well that's fine. What are your daily and hourly rates, anyway? What do you provide?" I kept taking the conversation away from rates, she kept taking it back.
Finally, I hung up on her. Had she been up front and honest and said that she was interested to start a daycare and wanted info, I would have provided all the info she wanted.
MamaBear 12:29 PM 10-13-2011
- About 99% of the time they block their phone # on the caller I.D.
- Their first question is what are your rates
- They get confused easily when you ask how old their child is / exact month & year of birth... gets them every time.
- They ask very basic questions of if you offer food and how many kids you have
- They get off the phone quickly before you can ask them too many questions
- They wont give you their return # when you ask.
I get these calls almost once a week. It's bizarre to me. A lot of times I just dont answer the calls that have a private # or caller I.D. blocked #.
Oneluckymom 12:13 PM 10-13-2011
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
Caller ID?
Are you asking how you know a caller is really a potential client and not a provider just looking to swoop in on your business info? I guess I am not all here today and require additional instructions.
Haha....yes exactly. thought I would get some tips from you prosCaller ID?
Are you asking how you know a caller is really a potential client and not a provider just looking to swoop in on your business info? I guess I am not all here today and require additional instructions.
Blackcat31 12:32 PM 10-13-2011
Originally Posted by Oneluckymom:
Haha....yes exactly. thought I would get some tips from you pros
If you don't want to share any info with just any one, I would not give out a bunch of your info over the phone then but rather ask what their needs are and if that fits into your program, tell them you can set up an interview so that you can share your policies and program requirmements with them face to face since that is the best way to begin a financial agreement. Haha....yes exactly. thought I would get some tips from you pros
If they want to know all your rates and hours and etc BEFORE hand, I would just tell them each family has a separate contract and payment plan so it isn't something you can just give out over the phone but have no issue doing it during an interview.
I personally don't care if a snoopy provider calls me or a potential parent calls, I give out my info freely. I have never had an issue with it and until I do.... well, I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.
Oneluckymom 12:37 PM 10-13-2011
Exactly...I don't understand why someone cant just be honest? If you want info and are a provider just say so. Don't waste my time pretending to be a parent.
Christian Mother 06:56 PM 10-13-2011
Ok, I'll admit it...I've called other daycares...once...I was calling bc I had a sick child once where the parents where upset bc I send him home...I wanted vindication I did the right thing. I got great advise here...but I wanted to call another daycare just to see what their policies where. heheheh!!
I did however tell them exactly who I was and that I was sorry for calling if they where busy but I just needed to ask a another provider a "sick" question. How they handle certainly situations... I ashually was able to talk 15min or so and got some great advice about school system rules and state rules they adhere by....She was very pleasant to talk to. I think at first she was suspicious but as soon as I told her why I was calling she her voice totally changed.
I did however tell them exactly who I was and that I was sorry for calling if they where busy but I just needed to ask a another provider a "sick" question. How they handle certainly situations... I ashually was able to talk 15min or so and got some great advice about school system rules and state rules they adhere by....She was very pleasant to talk to. I think at first she was suspicious but as soon as I told her why I was calling she her voice totally changed.