I always ask their rates (they normally say $10-12), then I state what I want to pay ($12). I tip well and my DD is super easy so I know they love coming back to me.

As a babysitter I was always asked my rate. You learn early to know what you're worth and to stick to your rate.

ASK !

Ask her rate.

Interesting. I've always asked-- I think because (as it turns out) we're almost always willing to pay more than they usually charge. One of our kid's preschool teachers was asking $10/hour!!! (Before we even asked her.) No way we were going to do that. We paid her $15 plus some extra-- something like $18/hour.

Either way is fine.

OP here. Thanks for all the feedback. Looks like asking her is the way to go.

Anonymous wrote:I tell them up front what we pay. If they want more I will use someone else. If they want less I don’t want to shortchange them. It’s worked just fine so far.

Yeah that works if you don't care specifically about using them again or keeping a good relationship.

I tell them up front what we pay. If they want more I will use someone else. If they want less I don’t want to shortchange them. It’s worked just fine so far.

I always ask.

"What do you normally charge?" is a perfectly acceptable inquiry. If it's too high, suck it up the first time and let her know that you can't use her again because it is just a little more than you can afford (that gives her a chance to adjust). If it's too low, wait until you see how she does for a few times, and then tell her you really appreciate how well she's doing and that you would like to pay her a little more. Builds loyalty.

I ask.

I would let her offer a price. Esp since she's your child's preschool teacher.

Personally, I would ask her. I wouldn’t want to name a price and then she feels awkward contesting it with more. Best just to follow her lead.

I say "we paid our last sitter 14 an hour, does that work for you?". This allows them to agree or ask for more. I've only had one girl who said she aims for 15 and I was proud of her for speaking up and immediately agreed. It's hard as a teenager to bring up money so I try and bring it up first but still allow them to have a voice.

We have not used many babysitters in the past, but I've got one lined up for my 4yo for an upcoming evening, and I don't know what is standard protocol--do I ask what her rate is, or do I offer to pay her X per hour?

If anything I'd prefer to overpay her, as she is one of DC's preschool teachers, and DC adores her.

Just want to know what the norm is in who determines the rate.