Four Misconceptions about Nanny Agencies

As a leading placement agency…

We speak to families and nannies daily who have many preconceived notions and misconceptions about what it means to work with a full service agency and how it really works. We will try to debunk these myths that come across to us.

• They’re Too Expensive

  Second City Nannies’ fees are competitive with Chicago’s industry standards. Placement Fees in large cities, such as San Francisco and New York City, can be upwards of $8,000-$10,000. Some Placement Fees are flat rates, while other agencies charge a percentage of your nanny’s gross salary. Some agencies include their application fees and criminal background cost, while others charge for these separately. At Second City Nannies, our placement Fees include an initial Engagement Fee, of $250.00 this fee will be put towards your final invoice when you move forward with one of our candidates. This also includes a Criminal Background Check on your candidate, work agreement, and ongoing support even after your nanny placement.

• They Pre-Determine Nanny Rates and Salaries

  Many parents will ask “what is a standard range of compensation for your nannies?” but the real question that should be asked is “what are the going rates for career nannies?” Nanny agencies don’t actually determine rates for their pool of candidates. Professional nannies apply to the agency with a salary history and salary expectation that is discussed and understood before any position is presented. Nanny salaries vary based on many factors but agencies are aware of the going rates that nannies earn in your area. Nannies who are hired well below the market rates will eventually become aware as they speak with other nannies or do simple research so the goal is always to fall within the average rates.

• The Agency will Negotiate a Higher Salary to Increase their Placement Fee

  First and foremost, our placement fees are flat rates, so that would never be an issue with us. Secondly, Second City Nannies will only match you with nannies that fall within your pre-determined budget. Nannies come to an agency with a salary history and salary requirements which is only one aspect of the matching process. The ultimate salary offer will come from the family and it will be up to the nanny whether or not to accept the offer. Here at Second City Nannies our goal is to make a lasting match, so it is very important to us that both family and nanny are comfortable with the rate, to prevent the risk of sabotaging the placement down the road.

• I Can Do What They Can do Without the Expense

  This is a common misconception. Sure, any family can search online platforms or post nanny ads all over the place and receive tons of applications, but nanny agencies offer a benefit that no family can gain on their own. Aside from the luxury aspects of using an agency such as Second City Nannies to easily find fully screened and pre-approved qualified candidates, nanny agencies have an insider’s link to the nanny community. They know the pulse of the nanny industry in your specific area and gain the trust of career nannies to understand true interest, goals and opinions. This may seem like an intangible thing, but you would be surprised at how much of this plays into matching you with the right nanny (before and after interviews) and long term retention. Nannies confide in a nanny placement agency and agencies will guide families in making the best choices and offers to the most suitable nannies for their job. In the long run, this will lead to better selections, a happy dedicated nanny, and longer retention for your children.

  Ultimately, finding a nanny is no easy task but the rewards of hiring the right nanny can offer great benefits to your children and peace of mind to your family for years to come!