I keep reading that drop-ins and walks are supposed to be a half hour. A customer of mine usually wants me to spend an hour in the morning with his dogs and then four or five hours at night which I've done, I just bring my computer to watch TV. Is this ok? How does everyone else respond to an inquiry like this?
It also depends on whether you like them AND if they are regular customers. As well as how busy you are and if you would normally be able to get other bookings during the time you're watching TV with the dogs. A bird in the hand after all.
Let me get this right, you stay at a customer's house for 4-5 hours at night and get paid $13? No, that is NOT something you should doing for the client. Refer them to the Rover FAQ:
https://support.rover.com/hc/en-us/ar...
If the client wants you to stay for longer, then either make an adjustment or, in the case of the 4-5 hour stay, charge them for house sitting.
You are getting ripped off. This is a business.
Thank you. Yea, there are 2 dogs and they usually book me for morning and night which, at my current rates, comes to $44 per day whereas the overnight charge would be $52 per day. I'll try that
Emphasize the half hour limit for drop-ins and that for $8 more they are getting 4-5 hours of care. Personally, I would charge them for two drop-ins in the morning (1 hour) and then house sitting for the evening visit.
Each day? They might argue that the overnight rate should cover night and morning
Sure, but an overnight stay doesn't require you to be at the house from certain hours and not leave. I base my rates on the # of "Active hours". For an overnight, most pups require 4 hours (3-4 walks plus feeding) of time I need to be dedicated to only them.
What you are doing is essentially babysitting their dogs. I'd charge an hourly rate. In the 4-5 hours you are with his dogs, you could squeeze in 4 other clients.
Agree completely with Paige. With house sitting, you can come and go. The client is requiring you be there with the dogs.