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spud912 01:20 PM 11-08-2012
I'm sending out my first ever rate increase letter tonight and I'm so nervous....agh!! I don't know why, it's very small and graduated ($5 increase every 6 months until everyone pays the same amount, which will be an increase of $10 per week for some families and $25 for other families). It will be effective January 1st. I really really needed it because it will make my little business go from being in the red to the black (or at least break even ). I think for the most part, everyone will be on board (I hope !).
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Blackcat31 01:29 PM 11-08-2012
Raising fees to cover the rising costs of doing business is necessary so don't feel badly. I know it can be a little nerve wracking but you can do it!

If anyone says anything just let them know that it was either raise your rates or close your doors and you figured they (the parents) would appreciate the rate increase versus the alternative.

Saying it with a smile helps too.
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crazydaycarelady 01:54 PM 11-08-2012
I sent a couple of mine out yesterday and the rest will be sent home today or tomorrow. I have been in business 21 years and I still get nervous. I do like to send them out on the last day of the week so they have a couple of days to absorb the news before I see them again.
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Michael 02:04 PM 11-08-2012
Some examples in our earlier threads: https://www.daycare.com/forum/tags.p...e+notification
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spud912 05:06 PM 11-08-2012
So I handed out the letters and everyone seemed very curious. I'm super un-confrontational so when asked what it was about, I told them it was in regards to the contract renewal. Plus, I didn't want to discuss rate increases while still handling child care. We shall see what the next few days brings. I'm eager to see who says something first and what will be said . Wish me luck that nobody will up and leave!
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spud912 05:42 PM 11-08-2012
Originally Posted by crazydaycarelady:
I sent a couple of mine out yesterday and the rest will be sent home today or tomorrow. I have been in business 21 years and I still get nervous. I do like to send them out on the last day of the week so they have a couple of days to absorb the news before I see them again.
Did any of your parents say anything? This is totally new to me so I hope it blows over well. I hope that they at least acknowledge the letter. I read prior threads about rate increases and now I'm worried that the amounts will be too much for some families to stomach. The contract renewals will be handed out by the end of this month for the year 2013 and it will include the rate increase, so there won't be any question at that point who will be ok with it or not.
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crazydaycarelady 06:00 AM 11-09-2012
So far only one has said anything and she said "Your worth it!" I have never lost anyone over a rate increase so I don't know why I get nervous
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spud912 06:36 AM 11-09-2012
So I got 2 responses so far and they are both extremely appreciative. In fact, one family wants to start paying the full increase effective immediately! I have 2 more families to hear from, both of which have the higher increase of $25 .
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MarinaVanessa 08:24 AM 11-09-2012
Originally Posted by spud912:
So I got 2 responses so far and they are both extremely appreciative. In fact, one family wants to start paying the full increase effective immediately! I have 2 more families to hear from, both of which have the higher increase of $25 .
Woah!! How awesome is that!! Clients like these make me feel like baking them a pie and writing a thank you card. That's great!!
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Tags:rate change notification, rate increase
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