What is the apropriate way to tell someone your not being paid enough?

Question

I have always had a "pay what you think is fair" policy when babysitting and it's useually worked out fine I always got paid at least $2 per hr per child, which I have always considered a minimum but recently I've been getting paid around $1.00 per hr per child with this certain family there are 4 kids the oldest is 7 and the youngest isn't even a yr yet, there are two kids in diapers and they are someof the most energetic kids so $1 per hr per child isn't enough, how to I tell the parents withouth upsetting them or seeming rude?

Answer 1

Just tell them "It's nothing personal, but my minimum fee is (??),sorry for not making that clearer to you before!" Be honest and let them know it's just business. They shouldn't be offended by that. If they are, they're probably trying to exploit you anyway, so you need to do what's right for yourself and draw a line.
Good luck!

Answer 2

I have been a nanny for twenty years. My advice is... always figure out what you want to be paid, within reason. Tell them you have a new rate or your rates went up. Sometimes you will give a break in price if you really like the kids or maybe the parents are just desperate for sometime out and can't afford a huge babysitting price. Don't tell them that though. You didn't say how old you are, what people want to pay sometimes take that into account and want to pay a teen less than an adult. You do seem to have a bunch of experience though and that counts. Do you have CPR and first aid training? That would up your price as well. Where you live kind of depends on what you can charge as well, a smaller town won't pay as well as a larger city with more options. I hope you're sitting down for this... here in Charlotte, NC... I charge $10.00 an hour and yes they pay it! That's for one or two kids if I like the family. If the kids are a bit bratty or there is more than two, I charge closer to $15.00. A couple of the nannies that I know charge $15.00 for one or two kids. Kids are my regular job and people seem to expect that I will jump at the chance to take charge of their little darlings for fun but they generally have another thing coming. Don't let the parents set your rate, you do it, o.k.? Your time and efforts are worth something and after all, you are taking care of their most precious possessions, right? Good luck!

Answer 3

The next time they ask you if you can babysit, you should make the arrangements with them before you agree to come over to babysit. It's not a good idea to bring it up when they are getting ready to pay you; you should discuss it with them beforehand.

So, when they call you, you can say something similar to what you wrote in your question: "I've always had a pay what you think is fair policy, but it usually works out that people pay me at least $2 an hour per kid. I think that's fair too, but you've been paying me less and I just don't want to work for that little. I would really like to work for $2 per hour per child for your family. If that doesn't work for you I can try to help you find another babysitter."

If said in the right tone, they won't be offended.

Answer 4

You tell them by acting like a professional: pleasant, but firm. (This is business, not a social situation where, for example, a guest is thrilled with whatever the host offers. It isn't rude to want fair pay for your work.)

"Before I say yes, you need to know something: my rates are $2 per hour per child. I hope this is acceptable to you, but, If it's too much, I'll understand."

And, remember this situation. You shouldn't have a "pay what you think" policy -- you should say what your rates are from now on, when first discussing the assignment.

It's possible that they will be upset (they've been getting such a bargain -- who'd be thrilled to pay more), but you must be strong and firm, and try not to let it bother you.

The time to tell them is before accepting the next job from them -- not after they come home, they have the right to know the rate change up-front.

It's possible they will decline your services, but they may not be able to get the rates they're used to elsewhere, and may come crawling back.

Answer 5

Every babysitter I know gets taken advantage of big time. Personally I don't even think that 2 dollars per hour per child is fair! Last summer I was babysitting for someone and they were paying me 3.50 per hour (only one child age 4) and I assumed that after awhile they would pay me more. I did it for two months and my wage didn't increase so I quit.
Maybe you could tell them that you have to start looking for another job and if you find one you may not be able to babysit for them anymore. If they ask why just tell them that you really need something that offers a bigger pay.
I don't know really, that's the best advice I can give you. I don't know how old you are but if you're old enough that you have to pay bills and such then I would just tell them that you aren't able to pay your bills on the wage they are giving you. I personally think that 1.00 per hour is a big load of crap. That is seriously ridiculous!!
Good Luck!

Answer 6

Wow that pay seems EXTREMELY low, my little sister baby-sits and gets no less than $8 an hour, number of kids doesn't matter. You need to tell them the next time they call "I'd love to sit but I have to let you know that my new rates are 8 dollars an hour" (or whatever you feel you're entitled). Baby-sitting is hard work and if there are other families paying you more, don't be afraid to mention that, let the low-payers know you have other options and won't put up with their low wages.

Answer 7

My goodness! $2 per child is practically charity. I know people who charge $20 per kid, per hour.

Make up your mind what you think is fair, then tell them point blank what the new rate is. You don't have to explain it, you don't have to justify it, and you don't have to listen to their mouth about how much they don't like it.

Just tell them the new rate in a professional, confident tone. Let them take it or leave. And be prepared for them to leave it--at least until they figure out that you and your services are well worth the money.

Answer 8

you need to ask for at least 6 dollars an hour straight out........you must be a kid because no one can live off of what u say u are making. when i used to babysit i would get paid 25 a night. about 4 hours.

Answer 9

and please note, they need you more than you need them. next time they call tell them of your new price structure, and if they are willing to agree to your terms then you will perform the job.
the price structure that you set up should reflect the ages of whom you are sitting for. example: diapered children, should be a little more than children that can go potty with little supervision.
you are doing a time honored job, and a lot of couples with children really appreciate what you do to let them get out of the house for a while, just remember that.

Answer 10

people count on your nicenessand will abuse it if you let them, Why Not.its money in their pocket. The best thing to do is arrive early and say "We need to talk about my wages" if they are good people they will discuss it, if they are users they will say something like "Not now, I'm in a hurry."In which case your only resort is to give them 2 weeks notice at the moment to see if you got their attention, if not then in writing