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What to charge?

Here's a guide to starting your own babysitting business.

One of the best parts of the job is getting paid.

Just like in the business world, expect to get paid a fair wage for your work. Parents are willing to pay to ensure their kids are safe, and having fun, with an excellent babysitter.

The more experience you have, the more you should charge. Use this checklist to determine how skilled you are.

Checklist of Skills

• You've taken a babysitting course and/or a first aid class.
• You have other experience working with small children.
• You've cared for sick children or kids with special needs.

Give yourself a point for each of the boxes you checked. If you check all of the above, you should be able to charge "top dollar" for your services.

If you have some unchecked boxes, try to get some experience in those areas to justify raising your price.

Close

If you still don't know what to charge, Sitters.com recommends you ask your friends what they are charging.

Also talk to neighbors and parents to see what they have paid sitters in the past. This will give you a general idea of what's the "going rate" around town. Hand these out to your neighbors and friends.

Advertise!

It's time to spread the word that you're a skilled, reliable babysitter. It’s time to advertise!

Look for opportunities in your neighborhood to spread the word that you're a wonderful, capable babysitter:

Advertise your skills.

• Ask your parents and relatives to tell their friends at work, in the neighborhood, in the golf league, or at church that you're a great babysitter.
• Make business cards or flyers with your name, phone number, and e-mail address on them. Hand them out to friends and neighbors. Use caution when handing out business cards or flyers: Don't give out your personal information to people you don't know well.
• Practice mentioningTell People

  Rehearse a few times—it really makes a difference! Try:

  • "By the way, if you are ever looking for a babysitter, please keep me in mind!"
  • "I took a babysitting class and am certified."
  • "I have a lot of experience with babies, toddlers, and older children."
  Close to your friends and relatives that you're looking for babysitting jobs.
• Make a Web site. Everyone loves using the Internet to find the best products and services. Learn how to make a site to advertise your babysitting skills.
• Create a one-page list of your babysitting qualifications. Include any first-aid or training classes that you've taken. Include this information on your flyer or Web site and hand it out when you meet parents face-to-face.

Include references. These are the names and phone numbers of people who've hired you in the past and are willing to tell others about your good work. Just make sure you ask for their permission to give out their names.

Do It!

You've created a business plan and lined up your investors.

You've completed a babysitting class, practiced your skills, and advertised your business.

Now keep reminding parents that you're available, and wait for the business to come rolling in!

With all your planning and practice, you soon will have a fun, and profitable, babysitting business.

Babysitting might even get you through high school and college with the money you’ll make.

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