Placement Fees

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I recently opened my babysitting service-nanny agency, and one of my babysitting client families is contemplating hiring a part time nanny through my agency. DB is in residency, works insane hours, and MB is a graphic designer who currently stays home. They had a nanny who quit without notice, which forced MB to be a SAHM. From what MB said, the nanny quit without explanation via text. This family is incredibly sweet, and I'm sad I can't babysit for them in two weeks.

My search fee is $300, compared to the $450 and $500 that my competitors charge. My part time fee is $600, while my competitors charge $1100-1500. Doing the math, it's obvious I am cheaper, yet I'm not super cheap. I love this family and want to help them, because MB is essentially a single parent with DBs hours. They were my first family signed up with my babysitting service, which is why I'm unsure how to bring up the subject of fees. I don't want to break them, but I don't want to screw myself and I won't place for free. I'm thinking waiving the search fee and 30% off finders fee. I have a candidate in mind for them with terrific experience, and I mentioned this to MB. What would be a fair fee to both and how do I bring this up? MB said she had to talk to DB about budgets, etc. This family gave me a glowing recommendation, and I love the idea of my first placement.