Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hello,

I am looking for thoughts and input (pros and cons).  I have been researching a business (for about 16 months now).  It is a really unique idea and it has been expanding a ton in the last 2 years.  It is a franchise in the childcare referral business.  Any thoughts on this?  The website explains exactly what the business is.

The website is:  www.seekingsitters.com

I have been approved for the SBA loan and am thinking about making a decision in the next week or so.  Your thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks

If you are interested in a babysitting referral idea, my recommendation would be to implement the business without using the franchise.  The seeking sitters franchise doesn't have a strong brand name, so I'm not sure what they are really providing.  In addition, you have to pay money to buy into the franchise and pay royalties on revenue.

Check-out the site www.sittercity.com.  There is no reason you couldn't set-up a similar website for your local area.

Best Regards,

Jeff

I realize there are many online sitter referral services that have popped up in the last several years.  However, the main disadvantages of these services (compared to SeekingSitters) are:

-  You get a very minimal background check on the sitters (sex registry and arrest record check ONLY...extra cost for this as well)

-  They are unreliable (we have used two different websites and have had no shows three separate times)

- You have to interview the sitters and even then at least half don’t show up for the interview.

-  ANYONE can post a profile and “claim” they have sitter experience, etc.  How do you really know?

-  When you finally do find a sitter you like, they are unavailable at times you need them and often show up late or not at all.  This is VERY frustrating when you have other plans that are now ruined due to lack of childcare.

SeekingSitters is an on demand babysitting service where they do all the work for you!  Request online for your last minute, one-time, part-time or full-time need and your local SeekingSitters owner works to schedule you a sitter and a background screened Professional Sitter calls you.  Every SeekingSitters approved Professional Sitter undergoes an extensive interview process by a local owner and intense background screening before acceptance into the SeekingSitters Babysitting Team.  They also screen their members for the sitters safety!

Sounds like you have given this a lot of thought and have done your research well.  I feel your enthusiasm and drive and this is what helps businesses succeed.  As a parent reading your post above, I would not hesitate to contact your business if I were in your area.

--------

Kate

Medifast Coupons

Nutrisystem Coupons

Yes, as a newer parent....the service is invaluable.

If you want to break out from the pack and develop a sustainable business, it may make sense to look at Network Marketing. Allow us to share our experience with you.

Any other input?

When you own or start a franchise business, you’re in business for yourself, but not by yourself. And when you use FranchiseExpo.com, you’re setting yourself up for a franchise opportunity

Thanks for that link dave brown, I was just looking over the website. I have bookmarked it so I can go back and look at it again. There are a ton of opportunities on that website.

leverage the internet as much as you can. your target audience is obviously not the kids, it is the parents. so find out where your target hangs out at and get in front of them (i.e. magazines, associations, events, etc)