AP in America RAISING prices AGAIN?
I am astounded to see that Au Pair in America has plans to raise their prices AGAIN this year. I can't tell from their website how much they will raise them, but the fact that they are promoting a "lock in 2009" prices "discount" clearly indicates their intentions. Wow! We switched to another agency last year who pledged not to raise prices. They understood that families were hurting and held their prices stable while Au Pair in America gouged their families during this difficult time. The economy must have really hurt Au Pair in America this year, why would they raise prices? Edina, are the others raising prices?
MargieC
Hi there, yes, it is true, Au Pair in America is considering another hike in their program fees. Currently, they have the highet program fees of any au pair program in the USA. They do not offer any particular service above and beyond what the other agencies offer, so there is no clear explanation as to why their fees are higher.
For anyone who may be considering switching agencies...
We switched agencies a few years ago, and when we did so, we asked our new agency if they would be willing to honor the "repeat family discount" that we would have gotten had we remained with our former agency. They were happy to do so. I don't know if all agencies will do this, but it's certainly worth asking about if you are considering switching (due to APIA's rate hike or for other reasons).
Discounts from the Au Pair Agencies - Negotiate a Deal!
Yes, you are correct HostmomDP, most agencies will try and negotiate with you if you tell them you want to switch - they need your business! In these hard economic times, with the "Two Paycheck Family" now reduced to the "One Paycheck Family" the agencies are trying harder to get and keep your business.
We see more mothers returning to the workforce as a result of the current economic crisis, but the parent who does not have a job, the one who has been downsized, will most probably stay home to mind the children. That is the problem today with the au pair industry and they are seeing a decline in host parents signing up for au pairs.
Despite this fact, childcare costs are rising and according to a recent report by the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, the price of child care is rising faster than the average rate of inflation. The report, which provides typical prices of child care in centers, reveals that over the course of a year, the average price of full-time center care increased an average of 6.5 percent, almost three times the rate of inflation and more than increases in healthcare and college costs. Escalating childcare costs is hitting the nanny business hard (most expensive choice for childcare). A recent Wall Street Journal article estimated that full time nanny hiring is down between ten to thirty percent.
Most agencies we talk to say that their numbers are down significantly and they have had to let staff go as the number of host families decline. So, don't be afraid to negotiate the terms and program costs when your contract is finished or if you are a new host parent! Ask for a discount or have the agency waive the application fee (usually $350). They may be more than happy to negotiate your contract during this tough economic time.
Discounts from the Au Pair Agencies - Negotiate a Deal!
Yes, you are correct HostmomDP, most agencies will try and negotiate with you if you tell them you want to switch - they need your business! In these hard economic times, with the "Two Paycheck Family" now reduced to the "One Paycheck Family" the agencies are trying harder to get and keep your business.
We see more mothers returning to the workforce as a result of the current economic crisis, but the parent who does not have a job, the one who has been downsized, will most probably stay home to mind the children. That is the problem today with the au pair industry and they are seeing a decline in host parents signing up for au pairs.
Despite this fact, childcare costs are rising and according to a recent report by the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, the price of child care is rising faster than the average rate of inflation. The report, which provides typical prices of child care in centers, reveals that over the course of a year, the average price of full-time center care increased an average of 6.5 percent, almost three times the rate of inflation and more than increases in healthcare and college costs. Escalating childcare costs is hitting the nanny business hard (most expensive choice for childcare). A recent Wall Street Journal article estimated that full time nanny hiring is down between ten to thirty percent.
Most agencies we talk to say that their numbers are down significantly and they have had to let staff go as the number of host families decline. So, don't be afraid to negotiate the terms and program costs when your contract is finished or if you are a new host parent! Ask for a discount or have the agency waive the application fee (usually $350). They may be more than happy to negotiate your contract during this tough economic time.