I am new to the site- and was curious about house sitting rates. I see that to be competitive- I need to be at about $25- but see no one higher than $40. If this is 24 hour care- why is the rate so low? I am essentially then saying I charge $1 an hour for a full 24 hours?
What am I missing?
Thank you in advance for your help.
I started out house sitting at $40 and upped it to $45 at the beginning of this year even though most sitters in my area charge around $25. I offer 24 hr service aside from my daily walks and errands, potty breaks at least every 4 hours unless discussed otherwise with owner. Don't sell yourself short as it is a lot of work moving your life to a new home for usually a week at a time. If you get a few good reviews and repeat clients, depending on the area you are in you will most likely have people willing to pay more for this 24 hr service. Also, look at pet sitting company rates in your area, most of mine are around $70 - 80 a night for only 12-13 hr service, additional fees with walks during the day, etc. I've still had a steady stream of clients with my higher rate... You could state what you offer in your profile and why you are worth more. Or set your services to strictly overnight and charge for drop-ins or walks during the day... Like others have said it's really up to you what you offer.
I agree it's confusing. I charge $40 during the day to stay at someone's house and an additional $40 to stay overnight, but there's no option for this on The pricing list. It also makes the customers confused about what my charges are.
I am currently on my first overnight with a Rover client and I feel a bit duped by the pricing. I was thinking the per night rate was for evening to morning care only. Only after I was booked at $24 did I realize it was for 24 hour care. I would typically want at least $15 per visit and more for spending the night. So instead of the $40-50 I feel like I should be getting, I'm getting $19 after their 20%. It is so odd that everyone's rates are so low. That is what threw me off.. I never imagined so many people would want to provide 24 hour care for less than $1 an hour.
For house sitting the pets, I'm charging $40 during the day and an additional $40 to stay overnight. It's a huge commitment for us to do. Rover makes it difficult to set up the pricing.
Great question! In some areas, some sitters do charge more. The rate should be competitive with other options (to be considered by the pet parent), but that does not necessarily mean the lowest price.
It seems that sometimes the lower rates are not all inclusive. Although the guidelines indicate generally it is all inclusive for 24 hour care, some sitters&clients may agree to other arrangements including charging more for walks, medication administration, and more flexibility regarding how many hours they're actually there (leaving to take care of other work, school, etc.)
I once looked at it that way and, you just can't take out 8 hours of sleep. and subtract all the time sitting on the couch cuddling with the pups.
yes it is still seems low. but A.) you are not trapped by a time clock at this job B.)most situations you can still run out and go shopping or dinner with a friend, go to work(if you do have a regular job as well). etc... C.) It is your rules. discuss them with the owner.