BOOKING QUESTIONS
How do you match me with a sitter?
Our matching is NEVER done by a computer! We have 24/7 staff members that assist in matching you with an exceptional caregiver. All matches are overseen to ensure that you are placed with a sitter that meets your family’s personal request and requirements.
Will I have access to information about my sitter before she babysits?
Yes! When your request is matched by a booking team member, you will have access to your Southern Sitters’ full bio, rate per hour, certification list, and phone number.
Can I talk to my sitter before she arrives to babysit?
Absolutely! All Southern Sitters will send a confirmation text message immediately upon accepting your babysitting job. You can also access your sitter’s phone number at any time prior to your request in your app by clicking on your booking. If you’d like a phone consultation before your childcare date, simply select the “consultation call” option when booking for no additional fee. Your sitter will schedule a time to chat with you before the date over the phone!
Is there a minimum amount of time required to book a Southern Sitter?
There is no minimum amount of time required to book a Southern Sitter.
Can you accommodate last minute bookings?
Yes! There is no required buffer time in scheduling. Our team can usually accommodate last minute and same day requests for our families. Requests submitted within 24 hours of the start time are an additional $5.00 for both members and non members.
Are Southern Sitters vetted?
Extensively. Visit the “vetting” page on our website to learn about what it takes to become a Southern Sitter!
Does Southern Sitters offer in person meet and greets?
At this time, our sitters do not offer in person meet and greets prior to a job. However, if you’d like a phone consultation before your childcare date, simply select the “consultation call” option when booking for no additional fee. Your sitter will schedule a time to chat with you before the date over the phone!
When I submit a booking, am I guaranteed a sitter?
Our booking team works 24/7 to match requests with exceptional Southern Sitters. However, we cannot guarantee that each request will be filled based on local sitter availability. Please call our office anytime to check on your request!
Do Southern Sitters transport children?
All Southern Sitters can transport children in their personal vehicle. All Southern Sitters must have their own reliable transportation. Southern Sitter can not be driven by Southern Sitter families.
My Booking Says Pending, What does that mean?
“Pending” status means that Southern Sitters has received your booking and that our team is actively working to find a sitter for your request! When a sitter is assigned, the booking status will change to “confirmed.”
REBOOKING QUESTIONS
Can I rebook a past Southern Sitter?
Absolutely! Our app makes it easy to rebook your favorite sitters. Our booking team will always reach out to your past sitters first. When booking, you can choose the “I want to choose my sitter” option to select past sitters.
Is it possible to have the same sitter each time I BOOK?
For babysitter bookings, we always try to match you with the caregivers you love. However, we cannot guarantee that a past sitter will be available for your every request. If you have a nanny or consistent care need, fill out our nanny request form on the “services” page of our website!
Do I have to pay the booking fee if I rebook a past sitter?
Yes! We enter rebooking requests in our system so that you can rate your sitter each time. For families that book multiple times a month, we recommend our Southern Sitter Membership! Visit our “pricing” page to learn more.
PAYMENT QUESTIONS
How do I pay my sitter?
At the end of your booking, you can pay your sitter directly in cash, Venmo, or with a check.
How is the rate per hour established with my Southern Sitter?
When booking a Southern Sitter through the app, you can choose the rate per hour that you’d like to pay on the “special considerations” page. If you list a specific rate range for your job, a Southern Sitter will confirm within that range. We will always match you with a sitter within the budget you choose! Once you sitter is confirmed, they will message you confirming their rate per hour.
When am I charged the booking fee?
The booking fee is charged upon check out on the day of your request.
Why do you need my credit card when I register?
You card is kept securely on file in our system to make each booking seamless with no need to re-enter payment each time. Nothing is ever charged without your permission. You can change the credit card on file at any time.
If I reserve a sitter for an amount of hours and arrive home early, am I required to pay the sitter for the full amount of time scheduled?
We ask that you compensate your Southern Sitter the agreed upon rate per hour for the full amount of time scheduled.
Is there a cancellation fee?
There is a $10.00 cancellation fee for confirmed bookings. If your booking has not been assigned to a Southern Sitter (pending), there is no cancellation fee.
What is the policy if a sitter arrives at my home and is no longer needed or if i forgot to cancel through the app?
In the event that a Southern Sitter arrives at your home and is no longer needed, the full amount for that sitter’s wages will be charged to your card on file + a 5% processing fee. Additionally, you will be charged the full booking fee for the appointment.
Are any Southern Sitter fees refundable?
All Southern Sitter fees are non-refundable.
Do I pay the booking fee every time I book a Southern Sitter?
Yes! Every job must be submitted through our system for insurance and safety purposes. Per our parent agreement, families may not attempt to circumvent our booking system by contacting a Southern Sitter directly after a babysitting request to re-book. For families looking to book more than 3 times a month, we recommend our membership option!
Should I tip my Southern Sitter?
Tipping is never required, but always appreciated!
What rate per hour does Southern Sitters recommend To ensure my request is filled?
We would recommend the following rate structure when submitting your request: One Child: $12 - $16 an hour, Two Children: $14 - $19 an hour, Three Children, $17 - $25+ per hour. For shorter duration requests, we recommend a high rate per hour.
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COVID-19 Questions
CAN I REQUEST COVID-19 vaccinated Southern Sitter?
Yes! Simply request a vaccinated or mask-wearing sitter in the “notes” section when booking.
Can my sitter wear a mask?
Absolutely! Click the “mask required” button when booking in the special considers section.
What COVID precautions are taken by sitters?
All Southern Sitters are required to notify our team of all potential COVID-19 symptoms and potential exposures. We do not send sick sitters to any Southern Sitter requests. All Southern Sitters practice hand washing before, after, and during jobs. Southern Sitters are encouraged to use hand sanitizer on jobs. Many Southern Sitters are vaccinated and practice social distancing.
Do you offer services if my child is sick?
We cannot offer services to any member if anyone in the home is contagious. However, if a child is experiencing allergies other non-contagious sickness and has been cleared by a medical professional as non-contagious, we have many sitters that are comfortable caring for your child. Please click on the “sick child” option when booking if your child has non-contagious illness. Should a child, parent or anyone be ill or contagious in the home during the time booked, Southern Sitters requires the member to cancel immediately. Cancelations fees may apply.
Nanny Placement Service Questions
How much is a nanny match with Southern Sitters?
Unlike most agencies, Southern Sitters does not charge thousands of dollars to match your family with a consistent caregiver. Our nanny families are set with our monthly membership! We believe that exceptional, five star childcare should be accessible and affordable.
This groundbreaking new subscription nanny structure just launched. Don’t miss out on our customizable consistent care packages! Click here to explore nanny package pricing.
Can I meet my nanny candidates?
Absolutely! Your nanny matches will be available to you for a phone consultation. You can also schedule a trial day with a nanny match.
How many candidates will I be provided?
You will be provided with 1-5 fully vetted, Southern Sitter trained candidates that have reviewed your request. All candidates are willing to accept your position should the match be a good fit for both parties. We guarantee at least one candidate.
What timeframe does southern sitters work within for nanny placements?
We operate between 14 business days and 4 business weeks of your consultation call, depending on the package you choose. Our team members will reach out to you to schedule a consultation call. Please note that the start date of your request is the date of your consultation call, not the date of your request form submission, as we cannot begin your search without discussing your needs and preferences.
Can i put my request on hold?
We can “hold” your request and retainer for up to 60 days after your consultation call. You must use your retainer to start the search process within this timeframe. You must notify us in writing that you’d like to begin or discontinue a hold period.
If I want to use a southern sitter as a nanny and i have not paid the placement fee, WILL i BE enrolled in the nanny membership?
If you plan to utilize a Southern Sitter for longer than a 2 week duration on a consistent schedule of any kind, you will be enrolled in our nanny subscription. Our nanny subscription is $130 per month and includes priority reservation your designated nanny, unlimited babysitters, and access to backup care on days your nanny is sick or utilizing time off.
Membership Questions
How much is the SOUTHERN SITTER Membership?
Our Southern Sitter membership is $65 a month. This is the best option for any family that uses Southern Sitters more than once a week, as our non-members pay $20 per booking!
How do I become a member?
You can call the Southern Sitters office at 615-200-0754 to become a member or click here to sign up online!
When is my membership fee charged?
A membership can be cancelled at any time. Our $65 membership fee is charged on the 1st of each month. If you join our membership during a calendar month after the 1st, you will be charged on the day you register and charged on the 1st moving forward.
Can I cancel a membership?
Yes! Please cancel your membership via email to southernsitter@southernsitter.com prior to the 1st of the month you'd like to cancel in. At this time, we are unable to refund membership fees.
Service Area and Location Questions
What areas do you service?
We service the Middle Tennessee Area, Chattanooga and Ringgold Georgia Area, Knoxville Area, the Birmingham Alabama area, and Bowling Green Kentucky area.
The app says you don’t service my zip code?
If you believe that you are inside our service areas and the app is notifying you that your location isn’t covered, call our office! Our office team can override and correct this.
