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Do you think Rover should offer a monthly or repeat client discount to sitters?

I have clients who keep asking me if they can pay me in cash and possibly a flat monthly fee for a few fixed days and I keep declining it. The main reason I get asked this is usually clients are unaware that cash is strictly prohibited and I obviously have to cover the 20% fees and taxes so it is not as competitive as a lot of other sitters around that they can hire outside of Rover. So what is your opinion, do you think Rover should take less share in repeat clients or give monthly discounts?

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Walt G.

Book a Stay
Woodbridge, VA

Hey Harvey,

As an independent contractor you can offer your clients a discount for repeat bookings or long term bookings. As a walker my clients book me week in week out Mon-Fri. Occasionally I throw in a free day or reduce their rate a dollar or two. Should Rover offer a discount, no I don't think so. Walt

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That's a good point. Walt, do you also have any suggestions as how to politely decline the usual "can't you just take cash" talks?

Harvey C.

Hey Harvey, if a client want to pay cash I politely inform them that without booking on Rover their pups aren't covered by the premium insurance plan

Walt G.

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Jill G.

Rover's "take" is a fixed op. The variable is your rate. You have complete control over what you charge. It sounds like you might need to raise your prices.

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That is what I intend to do as well but living right by Manhattan there is literally hundreds of sitters competing so raising the prices too early on may/may not be the most ideal thing I can do currently.

Harvey C.

I noticed that. I was surprised at how low the House-Sitting rates are around you. I'm used to seeing upwards of $40/night. Maybe differentiating yourself in another way would help? Is there something you can offer that other Sitters can't? Maybe do an additional chore while at their home?

Jill G.

Yes its pretty cut throat but so far I have been able to keep all my clients so it has been working out. In a month once I have 6-7 permanent clients I will raise my rates every few months. I already clean up the houses but it's a standard practice around here.

Harvey C.

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Do you think Rover should offer a monthly or repeat client discount to sitters?

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