10 Hidden Costs in Nanny Agency Fees

In using any nanny agency, both nannies and parents should keep on the lookout for hidden fees that can be associated with nanny placements. Here is a list of some of the financial aspects of nanny placement that might not be anticipated in advance.

1. Placement fees - Some agencies are known for quoting a price, then later taking on a “placement fee” that must be paid by both the nanny, as well as by the parents who are looking to hire a nanny. This fee is generally leveraged in addition to any fees that are listed in the original agency listing.
2. Hiring Fees - A hiring fee is an arbitrary fee tacked onto the bill, over and above the original quote. This is one way that a nanny agency can up the price of their services while making themselves look quite reasonable.
3. Nanny’s Health Care - At times, the parents of the children will be held responsible for the nanny’s health care, whether this means providing her health insurance or paying outright for her medical costs. This amount is usually not listed in the nanny agency’s fee structure.
4. Gasoline - If the nanny uses her own car to take the children places, the children’s parents are expected to pay for her gasoline, another cost that is usually not listed in agency fee information.
5. Telephone - One of the hidden fees associated with having a nanny is the cost of having a cell phone so parents can keep track of where their children are at all times. It can be expected that the nanny will use this cell phone for her own personal use as well.
6. Food - Nannies must eat! Parents of the children that the nanny is in charge of are responsible for the nanny’s food. This can be one of those hidden fees that the nanny agency doesn’t mention ahead of time.
7. Shelter - Housing the family nanny is a big responsibility that is considered another of the hidden fees.
8. Insurance - If the nanny uses the parents’ car to run errands or take the children to school and other activities, then the parents should put her on their car insurance policy.
9. Babysitting - If a nanny babysits for the parents beyond her own contracted working hours, the parents must pay her for this. Even if she is live-in help, extra babysitting must be compensated for.
10. Taxes - Both National Insurance and taxes are the responsibilities of the parents. These are two things that parents must pay, without fail.

All of these hidden costs are costs that are above and beyond the prices that are quoted by the nanny agency for the nanny’s services. There are many others, so when considering hiring a nanny, it is a good idea to ask about any hidden fees in advance. Nanny agencies are obligated to disclose any hidden fees to the parents if requested. The fees will vary according to whatever is in the contract and according to what each nanny requires. All fees are negotiable.