I am about to pet sit for a friend. Last time I charged him $15 per visit. This time I am considering doing $30 per day for 2 visits (10 am & 7pm), but $40 per day if he wants me to do an overnight stay. Is that a good deal on both sides or am I selling myself short? If I stay overnight I won't have to go back over in the morning but will have to go at 7 pm then back over again after that.
Rover recommends new members see what others charge, and set rates a little less to attract someone willing to try you. I only see one person in Southlake. She charges $46 ($23 for boarding).
Also consider that your friend can leave a review. How will he feel if you raise the rates on him? The friendship might imply being treated better than "what the market will bear?" His review might be worth more than an extra $20?
I really appreciate this comment! Y'all are awesome on this site!!
If I understand what you wrote, basically you'd honor your visit rate ($15 each=$30 for 2) which he was fine with, and charge $10 more for staying overnight. The rates sound fair, but I would not suggest it. Here's why:
If staying overnight is a service of value to the friend, I could see offering it for slightly more because staying over would be committing to care for only his pet (no other Rover pet business) during that time frame. Then again, you mentioned that you'd leave after 10 AM and return by 7 PM, which frees you up to do other walks, visits, etc. Since house sitting is generally providing 24 hour/day care, unless there are other factors which indicate the friend wants their house watched, I probably would not suggest it, especially since it sounds like the dog is fine by itself. In consideration of a long term relationship that matters, if you don't have other commitments, I could also see offering to stay over for no additional charge, as that saves you the drive back and forth a couple times a day.
Thank you so much for your input! This really helps me out. So would you suggest keeping it at $30 a day for overnight stays as well?
This is for a friend, so I'd keep it flexible. Something like you'll continue to honor the $15 visit price (twice a day for $30) and it you don't have other commitments, you may spend additional time with the dog during the day or overnight. Then if you're asked to care for another dog you can.
And if this was for a client (vs. the current situation) $40 sounds fair.