In order to be a babysitting agency, you’ll need a reliable supply of babysitters. Instead, recruit college students by placing ads on bulletin boards at student unions and in dorms; tap senior citizens by posting ads at senior centers; and enlist teachers by posting ads in administrative offices and lounges of schools. Place ads for clients in neighborhood newspapers. Post notices in community centers and at cooperative area retailers, restaurants, and theaters. Make contact with area hotels and speak with concierges and managers to make sure they are aware of your services; you may want to offer a commission to the hotel in return for a listing in the information guide placed in rooms. If there is a convention center in your area, contact management and ask to be included in information provided to visitors. Again, you may want to—or be asked to—offer a commission.
Most of the expenses for a babysitting agency involve recruiting and managing your team of sitters and advertising for clients. You’ll also need to set up a scheduling system and perform basic accounting functions. In some cases, babysitting is priced on an hourly basis. Be clear in your contract how many children are included in the basic rate; a sitter who is being paid to watch two children cannot be expected to have their friends over to the house for the same rate. The agreement should also specify whether the babysitter is to serve any meals and, if so, whether there is an additional charge for that function.