Local search or agency

[Anonymous]

Can someone help me understand the advantages of using a nanny agency versus finding someone myself? What is the cost difference and how much more work is it for me to do it all myself?

I'm expecting and hoping to get a plan for next Spring in place.

[Anonymous]

Try a local search yourself first. It takes a lot of work to weed through profiles and applications but it’s basically free. Agencies are great but expensive. Where I live (not DC) the fee you pay is equal to three months of the nannies salary.

[Anonymous]

Most agencies charge 10% of the first year’s salary. That covers several things. They know what to ask you to narrow in on what you actually want instead of you posting a generic ad that gets responses you wouldn’t want. They vet references for each applicant, run a background check make sure the nannies are certified for infant/child cpr/first aid. You give them your schedule and they set up interviews for you. Your only responsibilities are to work with them to create the profile and then conduct interviews.

It’s up to you as to whether it’s worth it or not. Many families do it on their own, but I’ve heard many families say that they get 100 dud applications for every 1-2 decent ones on care.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the replies. If you go with the agency, will they handle compensation - ie you pay agency and they pay nanny?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the replies. If you go with the agency, will they handle compensation - ie you pay agency and they pay nanny?

No. You need a payroll service for that.

[Anonymous]

I prefer local search, but an agency might be better under the circumstances.