how do you politely ask to get more money when you are babysitting?

Question

i babysit this reallly nice couple but i need to raise my dollars per hour. i usually charge $3 but i want to riase it to $4.50-$5.00
how do i ask to do that polietly?

Answer 1

Tell them that you have raised the rates to $5.00 because you had check around and found that's what other babysitters are charging.

Answer 2

Need a teensy bit more info. One kid? How old? Do you do anything else? (ie make meals, fold laundry etc)

I have had to do this in the past, I had a newborn and a 2yr old and she wanted me to do some housework as well. I told her I would be happy to, but I needed more money as my 'wage' was payment for watching her children and not housework.

If you have a good relationship with them which I assume you do, show up early next time and ask to talk to them about it. Ask if they think you're doing a good job, and that you think you are and you'd like a little bit more money for the help you are giving them. They see you as responsible enough to leave you in charge of their child, they will respect it if you ask to talk to them as an adult in terms of payment (as long as there is no whining, or demanding). Perhaps mention what other parents are paying your friends.. Be as polite and professional as possible.

Good luck!

Answer 3

At $3 an hour, honey you are getting taken! Tell them that you've given them very reasonable rates in the past, but because of inflation, you must raise your rates. Myself, because its my kids, I would pay to keep a reliable babysitter. I'm pretty sure you could start a bidding war for child care. I know of a kid once who had so much work, he started charging his friends to hook them up with work, using his good reputation as a opening.

Answer 4

Perhaps you could leave them a nice note somewhere they wouldn't see until after you're gone. Just leave them a note and say something like "I really enjoy babysitting for your family and want to continue to babysit for you in the future. I feel that I do a great job and am sure you will understand that I will need to raise my fee to 4.50 per hour. If you have any questions, please let me know. Thank you!" Or something like that.

Answer 5

Next time they call to ask you to sit, say:
"my prices have gone up, i am now charging $4.50 before midnight and $5.00 per hour after midnight"
be prepared they might switch to a cheaper sitter.

Answer 6

Tell them that you heard that other people are getting $5 hour and you wanted to know if it is possible to get more money because you need more things or something.

Me personally: I ask: Is there any way that I could get paid $5 hour can't buy anything with what your paying me..hee hee he. I don't know where you live but even when I was a kid I'd get paid $10 an hour.

Answer 7

I would not raise the price until you speak to them about it. But let them know next time you sit, that you are thinking of raising your prices soon, but Not until after any dates you have promised so far have past.

Answer 8

You need to tell them up front when they call to ask you to babysit. Then when they, come home, you say the amount they owe you and take it. Be up front about it and there will be no confusion. Good luck.

Answer 9

Tell them BEFORE they ask for your services.
If you are worth it, they'll pay it. If you aren't, they won't.
DO NOT ask for more money after you've already babysat.
It's just business but it's also your reputation and their child.

Answer 10

JUST SAY DUE TO THE RIDING COST OF LIVING MY RATES HAVE GONE UP TO 5. PER HR