Do you repeatedly pick up keys from same customers without being paid for your time?

I require a key to be given at the meet and greet or left for me to pick up upon my arrival to start the service (whether that be lock box, under the mat, given by the owner before they leave, etc). If they want me to make an extra trip to come back to pick up the key or drop off, it is an extra $5 each trip.

The only exception I make to this is when I need to pick up an apartment complex fob.

I've noticed a few questions lately that have a common denominator...sitters worried over not charging enough.

Many folks starting on Rover don't give a lot of thought into pricing structure, and it's not a wise thing to do.

In this business it's easy to charge too little, and doing so results in basically providing a volunteer work. Which is great if that's the objective.

Add to that the problem of drawing the problem clients when you charge a much smaller fee. It tends to attract the kind that want a lot for a little, try to negotiate, want things that result in a loss of income.

This is a situation you have created/allowed to happen, but it's also a situation in your power to correct. Institute a new policy for key pick up, notify your clients, and stop the chit chat. You're there to walk their dog and leave. If they don't like it, move on.

I've had this request. I offer clients the option to drop keys at my home (in a lockbox). Some do this and others are quick to make arrangements for a lockbox at their own homes.

I think it's a bit unreasonable for them to expect you to go get the keys during a time you're not providing a service. I would ask them (nicely) if they can make other arrangements so you can avoid the extra time and expense of gas, etc. The options are: arrange to be there at the beginning of the service, get a lock box, leave the key hidden somewhere, or make you a copy to keep. I don't think I've ever had a client request a separate trip to get a key unless maybe it was the first time and they wanted to be cautious (completely understandable). Good Luck!

Either leave me or let me keep the key. No way I'm driving back and forth all the time!!

I have never had this request. But, I also never travel (there and back) for an hour to a client. Since you are talking about repeat clients, they obviously know and trust you enough in their home, with their beloved pet, that they should trust to leave you a key hidden somewhere. (You know their property enough, it doesn't have to be an obvious place like under the front door mat!!) However, if they absolutely want to transfer the key in person, each time, you can always ask them to come to you! My policy is that I take my (unpaid) time to go to the Meet and Greet, so that I can get the key then. After that, I ask if I can hide the key somewhere on my last visit for them, otherwise they pick up the key from me. The same can be done for a repeat visit, either they hide key or they bring key to you. I have never had an issue, and for my favourite clients, ones that are very close to me, or ones that use me a lot, I am happy to make the trip to them.

Many people with attached garages use a code box to get in the garage. Many of my clients just give me the garage code. No keys needed.