To the nearest round number. I don’t hand people 42 dollars, I would give $45. |
Aren't your kids worth $25 though? Why would you get the cheapest person for your children? |
Aren't my kids worth $200/hr? Why stop at $25? Pay rates for childcare are not based on valuations of the children, who are generally not for sale. If there were a huge difference in how well-trained or amazing the sitters were, that's one thing, but if they're pretty equivalent, you wouldn't pay more just to prove you value your children. |
OP here. We always round up to the nearest $20 for the sitter who charges $17, so in practice we do pay her $20/hr. For the one who charges $20, if she's on time (which has been an issue) we'll round up to the next half hour or add $10 tip. If she's very late we just pay for the agreed on hours. I don't feel like I'd tip at all on $25/hr.... |
She indicated everything is negotiable. You should also investigate competing offers. Who old are. Your kids? Is she "nannying" tour kids, or sitting on your phone while the kids take care of themselves? |
No this is not a thing |
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It’s this weekend and your other sitters aren’t available. Just pay the $25/hr so she does a good job instead of a crappy one because she feels bitter (if she even shows up). It’s an extra $32 for 4 hours. That’s really not very much money in the grand scheme of things- to me, it would definitely be worth it to make sure I can attend an event and my kids are having a good time with an engaged sitter, not a sulky one.
And after that, never hire her again. I actually think $25 is very reasonable. I pay that for just a 3 year old. There are cheaper options but I want someone who is more qualified. But I do agree that she shouldn’t be renegotiating her rate this close to the date, so that’s why I wouldn’t hire her again. |
She is in demand. Someone else offered her $100 for the evening. 10 years ago we would pay $15/hr. and had one child. I'd usually tip and give the sitter $100 for the evening. I wanted their availability in the future. For the longer term, consider that demand is usually > good, available sitters. |
Yes, we round up to the nearest $20. If they're at $58 then we add $10 so would give $70 in that case. |
We paid for good + availability. The marketplace sets the rate. Not you. |
OP here. We asked if she could do $20/hr and she said sure. |
That's more reasonable. I do think she lacks some integrity in not honoring the price she agreed on initially. It would be more professional to accept the agreed-upon rate for the first sitting and then notify the parents that you will be raising your rate for future jobs. |