Pros and cons of using nanny agency?

[Anonymous]

I'm heading back to work soon and about to start searching for a nanny. I feel overwhelmed by the thought of finding the right nanny, negotiating a contract, figuring out withholding, etc. We might be relocating within the next six months anyway, so I don't feel the need to find someone for the long term. I think that using an agency might fit our needs best--I'm sure you pay a little extra, but for the situation we're in maybe it's worth it? If you agree, can you recommend a specific agency? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Start asking your friends and neighbors for recommendations. Also start learning the costs of using agencies.

[Anonymous]

Sure - in those kind of circumstances an agency makes a lot of sense.

We use MetroParentRelief for short (and sometimes not so short) term care.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sure - in those kind of circumstances an agency makes a lot of sense.

We use MetroParentRelief for short (and sometimes not so short) term care.

What would they charge?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sure - in those kind of circumstances an agency makes a lot of sense.

We use MetroParentRelief for short (and sometimes not so short) term care.

What would they charge?

Your situation is a little unusual - long term but not permanent - so there could be some variation.

Typically for a permanent hire they would charge a flat fee - I haven't done that so I don't know the costs.

For the way we've used them we pay an annual membership fee, and a daily administrative fee for any day we use one of their nannies. For the hourly rate of the nanny you negotiate directly with their nannies. They are all screened, known by the owner, quite reliable in my experience, and you can interview as many of them as you wish - just as if you were hiring directly.

I imagine there is probably some room for discussion of the daily fees or some alternate fee arrangement given the nature of your needs but you'd have to talk directly to Stacie (the owner) to explore that.

It certainly isn't the cheapest solution, but it is reliable, tested, comes with the guarantee of replacement care if their nanny calls in sick, and can really shortcut the interviewing process. If you can afford it it's probably money well spent.

Good luck

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sure - in those kind of circumstances an agency makes a lot of sense.

We use MetroParentRelief for short (and sometimes not so short) term care.

What would they charge?

Your situation is a little unusual - long term but not permanent - so there could be some variation.

Typically for a permanent hire they would charge a flat fee - I haven't done that so I don't know the costs.

For the way we've used them we pay an annual membership fee, and a daily administrative fee for any day we use one of their nannies. For the hourly rate of the nanny you negotiate directly with their nannies. They are all screened, known by the owner, quite reliable in my experience, and you can interview as many of them as you wish - just as if you were hiring directly.

I imagine there is probably some room for discussion of the daily fees or some alternate fee arrangement given the nature of your needs but you'd have to talk directly to Stacie (the owner) to explore that.

It certainly isn't the cheapest solution, but it is reliable, tested, comes with the guarantee of replacement care if their nanny calls in sick, and can really shortcut the interviewing process. If you can afford it it's probably money well spent.

Good luck

Numbers please.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sure - in those kind of circumstances an agency makes a lot of sense.

We use MetroParentRelief for short (and sometimes not so short) term care.

What would they charge?

Your situation is a little unusual - long term but not permanent - so there could be some variation.

Typically for a permanent hire they would charge a flat fee - I haven't done that so I don't know the costs.

For the way we've used them we pay an annual membership fee, and a daily administrative fee for any day we use one of their nannies. For the hourly rate of the nanny you negotiate directly with their nannies. They are all screened, known by the owner, quite reliable in my experience, and you can interview as many of them as you wish - just as if you were hiring directly.

I imagine there is probably some room for discussion of the daily fees or some alternate fee arrangement given the nature of your needs but you'd have to talk directly to Stacie (the owner) to explore that.

It certainly isn't the cheapest solution, but it is reliable, tested, comes with the guarantee of replacement care if their nanny calls in sick, and can really shortcut the interviewing process. If you can afford it it's probably money well spent.

Good luck

Numbers please.

No. MetroParentRelief is a small, woman owned business. It is the owner's business how she chooses to negotiate rates for a situation like this. The standard fees are all visible on her website, anything beyond that is a discussion to be had between the company and the client.

[Anonymous]

To me this is a perfect Care.com situation. Short term, laid back situation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To me this is a perfect Care.com situation. Short term, laid back situation.

If mom is already stressed and not confident about the nanny search, I disagree because Care is all DIY. I would bet you could negotiated a long-term temporary fee with an agency. You still have to figure out taxes and all but the agency can steer you in the right direction.