Parent expecting discount for longer hours

[itsybitsyteeny]

I had an enquiry from a parent seeking care for 10.5 hours per day for 5 days a week. I quoted my hourly rate but now I am wondering if people offer a 'discount' for this amount of hours a week? I thought it would just be my usual hourly fee times the number of hours! But parent seem to think I would charge less per hour? Let me know your thoughts. Thank you so much.

[blue bear]

I don't offer a discount for bulk hours I think my fee is more than reasonable as it is. Think it would get tricky if in the future a parent wanted to reduce hours, woukd you put the hourly fee up then or woukd they still be expecting their discounted rate?

[itsybitsyteeny]

Yes - very tricky. I didn't realise some childminders may reduce fees for bulk hours. I also think my hourly rate is reasonable too. Thanks for your reply.

[Becci26]

It is a difficult one and one only you can decide - you don't want to end up begrudging the family because you charge a bit less...

I offer 10% discount for 10 or more hours which brings me in line pretty much with the local nurseries. Works out at £45 a day for 10 hours & am happy to offer it as I'd rather work a full day and get paid than a few hours and lose out in the long run

[sing-low]

I charge more for hours before 8am and after 6pm so more than 10 hours would always be more.

[bunyip]

I had an enquiry from a parent seeking care for 10.5 hours per day for 5 days a week. I quoted my hourly rate but now I am wondering if people offer a 'discount' for this amount of hours a week? I thought it would just be my usual hourly fee times the number of hours! But parent seem to think I would charge less per hour? Let me know your thoughts. Thank you so much.

I guess it would depend on whether you'd most regret giving a discount or losing the client (assuming it's a deal-breaker.)

What are the times? I'm thinking you could explain that some of the hours are outside your normal working day, so you'd usually charge a higher rate, but have stuck to your normal rate in consideration of the 'bulk' of hours on offer, IYSWIM.

Have to say, this is one reason why I don't have an "hourly rate" - just individual negotiations with individual parents.

[bunyip]

Btw, does the client's employer pay her less if s/he works more hours?

After all, the parent's logic is that the 'bulk purchase' of labour hours should naturally attract a percentage discount.

[itsybitsyteeny]

The hours 7:30 - 6pm

[munch149]

I charge £5 per hour before 8 and after 6 and £4 an hour in between. No discount here. Technically more and first half hour is £2.50

[tulip0803]

I don't give a discount for more hours equally I don't charge more for less hours. I have a flat hourly rate and I charge that to all families - but I state that I charge more for hours before 8 and after 6 but I have a family that I charge my normal rate for from 7.15 in the morning.

I suppose it would depend if you need this work, you could negotiate a small discount to secure the contract if work is scarce. Up to you how you feel and how your fees compare to other childcare in the area.

[westbrom44]

I dont give any discounts but it is up to you.

[wendywu]

All mine are long hours as my parents commute to London but I don't charge less per hour be use of this . Stands to reason that full time would be 8 hours working and an hour either side for travelling .

[shortstuff]

another way to look at it is just because it is long hours does it mean you have less work to do?

I charge the same, even though one of my little ones starts at 7am x

[Rick]

another way to look at it is just because it is long hours does it mean you have less work to do?

I charge the same, even though one of my little ones starts at 7am x

Exactly, if I work 10.5 hours then I want to be paid for 10.5 hours.

And Bunyip, agree with you. What would parent say if she were told she would work longer hours but, sorry, less pay?

[Koala]

Cor Blimey,
This must be the only job where you work for far below the minimum wage, provide all your equipment, consumables, premises etc... and you are asked/expected to work even longer for even less pay.

Whats even more crazy is, we actually consider it!!!!!! We are our own worst enemy devalue yourself and others will too.

[ziggy]

I charge a daily rate for anything over 8hrs but only if child does 5 days. Daily rate is 8am till 6pm, i charge overtime rate before and after this.

I prefer full timers

[MiniKins]

We all like to get a discount or 'something for nothing' ~ it makes us feel good. Keeping business and building a good reputation is about creating happy clients, but the underlying philosophy must always be to make sure you are comfortable with the fee you are charging for the service a parent is expecting (or ideally, more than a parent is expecting).

(Perceived) value for money can take the form of a discount or adding something on top of the norm, so always try to include something that you don't see as a 'big deal' to provide.

If a parent is looking for a discount, make sure your fees allow you to have the leeway to negotiate in the first place ~ you can come down to the figure you wanted and the parent will feel happy that they have received a concession.

However, always try to justify your charges by the service you provide. Sit down and think of all the positive points of your business. What advantages do you have over other childminders in your area? What are the unique aspects of your setting? Think of the 'extra mile' you might be prepared to go ~ maybe extended opening hours…no charge for holidays…meals included if required…drop off and pick up…special qualifications…outstanding grading…near to school…easy parking…open bank holidays and so on.

But always remember: (As has been said on this forum many times before) never enter into a contract that you are uneasy with ~ you will regret it later and it will often lead to vexation ~ make sure you are getting what you consider to be fair reward for what you offer.

[christine84]

I charge a flat rate for full timers on a daily or weekly basis . I currently have a parent doing 9 to 10 hours a day. But in my contract I still write my hourly rate to make it obvious to the parent that I give a discounted rate. So my invoive would show the hiurly rate and then I apply the discount . So if I am not satisfied I can withdraw the
Discount. I am open half 7 till six but at 4 pounds per hour I'm looking at 40 pounds a day which Is bout what the local nurseries charge for same hours so I give a discount with conditions of minimum and maximum hours per day.

[christine84]

I charge a flat rate for full timers on a daily or weekly basis . I currently have a parent doing 9 to 10 hours a day. But in my contract I still write my hourly rate to make it obvious to the parent that I give a discounted rate. So my invoive would show the hiurly rate and then I apply the discount . So if I am not satisfied I can withdraw the
Discount. I am open half 7 till six but at 4 pounds per hour I'm looking at 40 pounds a day which Is bout what the local nurseries charge for same hours so I give a discount with conditions of minimum and maximum hours per day.