I state my minimum fee verbally over the phone. Then I confirm via text two days prior. I make it crystal clear that my fee varies based on number of children, sn, time, etc. I’ve only had two families try to take advantage of me; I let both know that if they ever wanted me to sit again (or anyone else I know), they would pay.

Nannies -- nearly all women -- need to protect themselves, unfortunately, from other, higher SES women who would cheat you of a lousy hour or 2 of babysitting. So yes, OP, you need to state your minimum hours/payment.

I am a personal trainer and I charge 50% of my fee for cancellations of less than 12 hours notice. I make this clear ahead of time, and have never had a problem collecting the cancelled amount when it has occasionally happened. But I rarely happens, because the policy is stated clearly. If you are business-like you will be taken more seriously than if you are timid.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They should pay and a generous family will also give you a tip. They are cheap.

Build your tip in your hourly rate!

Then it wouldn’t be a tip! Sorry you cant relate to working with generous families.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They should pay and a generous family will also give you a tip. They are cheap.

Now nannies are supposed to be tipped?? Oh DCUM

No I said a generous family would tip. You’re a DCUM family so you wouldn’t be generous.

This is why I hate occasional babysitting jobs. Too many cancellations without being paid or not for number of hours family said. It's really annoying when I'm counting on 5 hours of payment and then family decides to come home after 3 hours. Now, I only accept jobs with guaranteed hours.

OP, you do need to make your expectations clear upfront though that you are only looking for jobs with guaranteed hours.

Op here unfortunately they canceled.
It was my first experience with that kind of family. Thanks for all replies

Mb here. They should pay. Invoice them. I'm serious.

Anonymous wrote:They should pay and a generous family will also give you a tip. They are cheap.

Now nannies are supposed to be tipped?? Oh DCUM

I don't understand "if they come earlier" what's that mean? You go to them right?

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Anonymous wrote:They should pay and a generous family will also give you a tip. They are cheap.

Build your tip in your hourly rate!

Anonymous wrote:I think you need to have a standard miniumum. Mine was always 3 hours, I know some nannies/sitters who want 4 hours.
If you have minimum hours to make it worth your time then thats the most they would need to pay you.

On weekends and holidays, you should have a six hour minimum, paid in cash in advance. L This way you won't be cheated.

I think you need to have a standard miniumum. Mine was always 3 hours, I know some nannies/sitters who want 4 hours.
If you have minimum hours to make it worth your time then thats the most they would need to pay you.

They should pay and a generous family will also give you a tip. They are cheap.

They should pay.

Family reach to me that they need care on Saturday 11 to 5.
I accepted the position.
Another family wanted care 4 to 10 I didn’t accept it since I commited to the first family who wanted care 11 to 5 .
I mentioned to the first family to pay me for whole shift if they come earlier for any reason . Since I am coming for whole 6 hours shift and I am ready to stay till 5.00. They got upset and cancel in last minute.
So far I think the families have to pay for the whole shift that they commit ( regardless if they come early or on time )
What’s your thoughts?
Thanks