Great app for parents, but needs improvements for sitters
I think SitterTree is a great app for parents and families who need last-minute care without too much hassle. However, from a babysitter’s perspective, there are several areas where the app could be improved.
First, the recent change to how rates are handled has made things more difficult for sitters. Previously, families posted jobs with the hourly rate they were willing to pay, and sitters could decide whether the job was worth applying for based on the pay and responsibilities. Now, sitters have to choose their rate based on the number of children, which sounds good in theory, but it can cause families to choose the cheaper option rather than the best fit. It also does not allow sitters to adjust their rate based on the details of each individual job. For example, a job with four children who are asleep for most of the booking is very different from actively caring for four children. I think the platform would benefit from allowing families to choose a price range and/or allowing sitters to set their rate based on each specific job.
Secondly, the 11% service fee taken out of sitters’ pay is pretty significant, especially considering families already pay either a subscription fee or a fee per job posting. Many families also do not tip, or tip less than 10%, so this fee can have a noticeable impact on sitters’ earnings. I think the fee structure should be reconsidered to create a better balance between supporting the platform and fairly compensating the caregivers who provide the service.
Lastly, I have concerns about how difficult it can be for qualified sitters to receive bookings. For almost two years, I have consistently applied to jobs and have only been booked for one job this year and one job last year, despite having excellent reviews, extensive childcare experience, and a strong background as a sitter and nanny. I have a 5-star rating, professional experience, and have completed the required background check, yet it has still been extremely difficult to receive consistent opportunities.
I also have concerns about possible bias in the hiring process, particularly affecting Black sitters and other sitters of color. Based on the patterns I have noticed from the types of nannies families have previously hired, I believe this is something the platform should consider looking into. When sitters are required to pay for a background check and maintain a professional profile, there should also be efforts to ensure qualified sitters have fair access to opportunities and that potential bias is being addressed.
Overall, I believe SitterTree has a lot of potential and provides a valuable service for families, but improving rate transparency, reconsidering sitter fees, and creating a fairer booking experience for all qualified sitters would make the platform much stronger.
First, the recent change to how rates are handled has made things more difficult for sitters. Previously, families posted jobs with the hourly rate they were willing to pay, and sitters could decide whether the job was worth applying for based on the pay and responsibilities. Now, sitters have to choose their rate based on the number of children, which sounds good in theory, but it can cause families to choose the cheaper option rather than the best fit. It also does not allow sitters to adjust their rate based on the details of each individual job. For example, a job with four children who are asleep for most of the booking is very different from actively caring for four children. I think the platform would benefit from allowing families to choose a price range and/or allowing sitters to set their rate based on each specific job.
Secondly, the 11% service fee taken out of sitters’ pay is pretty significant, especially considering families already pay either a subscription fee or a fee per job posting. Many families also do not tip, or tip less than 10%, so this fee can have a noticeable impact on sitters’ earnings. I think the fee structure should be reconsidered to create a better balance between supporting the platform and fairly compensating the caregivers who provide the service.
Lastly, I have concerns about how difficult it can be for qualified sitters to receive bookings. For almost two years, I have consistently applied to jobs and have only been booked for one job this year and one job last year, despite having excellent reviews, extensive childcare experience, and a strong background as a sitter and nanny. I have a 5-star rating, professional experience, and have completed the required background check, yet it has still been extremely difficult to receive consistent opportunities.
I also have concerns about possible bias in the hiring process, particularly affecting Black sitters and other sitters of color. Based on the patterns I have noticed from the types of nannies families have previously hired, I believe this is something the platform should consider looking into. When sitters are required to pay for a background check and maintain a professional profile, there should also be efforts to ensure qualified sitters have fair access to opportunities and that potential bias is being addressed.
Overall, I believe SitterTree has a lot of potential and provides a valuable service for families, but improving rate transparency, reconsidering sitter fees, and creating a fairer booking experience for all qualified sitters would make the platform much stronger.
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Sitter
I’m a sitter for SitterTree and I love the app. It is easy to navigate. Finding jobs to apply for, search for and payment was all a breeze. Love it!!!!!!
Don’t waste your time or money
I paid $20 for the app to conduct my background check. They will not let you sign up for jobs without it. I really wanted the daycare jobs because they seemed more guaranteed. When I tried to sign up for DECAL to be fingerprinted it didn’t work. I even tried to sign up on my laptop. I called the company and told them that it wasn’t working and I asked if they could schedule it on their end. They said no and that they are having a problem with DECAL and they are no longer accepting new Daycare jobs for substitutes. So don’t waste your money like I did.
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SitterTree Support
Kandace was very helpful and got my problem resolved very quickly.
Great app for babysitting
Download nowwww
Happy
What a pleasant experience working with them!
Great
Best App either.
Amazing Sitter app
I’ve had a wonderful experience using the SitterTree app. It’s easy to navigate and I love all the children and working for all of the amazing families and churches. If you’re a sitter in need of extra money and you have a heart for childcare please use this app.
Thankful
I’m really thankful I found this app. As a first time mom I’m very anxious on who is with my child but have been in need of a sitter. The app gave me a peace of mind once I saw all the thorough background checks that were done on the sitters and well as certifications such as CPR! Once I figured out how to navigate it, I found it simple to use.
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Working for SitterTree
I really enjoy working for the families and churches on sitter tree and it’s been a great experience for me thank you sitter tree for giving me an opportunity.
I’m a mom and I love this app
It makes booking sitters incredibly easy. We are often able to link up with “favorites” that my kids already know. Sometimes if I book super last minute we end up with someone new but they have all been great! I love the peace of mind that every sitter is vetted, and also knowing I will always be able to get a sitter when I need one. Highly recommend SitterTree!
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GARD3N_GNOM3
My boys are older and are gone on scheduled weekends with their dads so it’s nice getting to help out others when I am available. The SitterTree app is so easy to use
1st Assignment
It was a pleasure representing SitterTree on my initial assignment at Grace Midtown Church. The staff, sitters and parents were wonderful! I even met a “fellow” SitterTree contractor in the Kidtown Room! Awesome experience!
Sitting app
Such a lovely app
great Apps
A great opportunity for moms like me who want time for their children while also making money, and in peaceful places, especially with children, something I love to do.
Amazing app
Recommends great places to baby sit, reminds you to request payment and pays promptly.
Great App!
I really like the app, it’s very easy to use and has very good job opportunities.
Mrs. Vickesha (Sub-Teacher)
I’ve had a great experience with SitterTree 👍🏾. I’ve used them for and substitute teaching coverage, and everyone has been dependable, on time, and really good with the kids. As an educator myself, I pay close attention, and I felt comfortable with the care provided. Booking was easy and stress-free. I definitely recommend!
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Easy and efficient
As a sitter, I love this app. You can pick up shifts and check your pay with ease. So glad I found them!!
No jobs
So far, I have had the app for about two weeks and after I paid for the background check and verify my identity and set up a payout account I have received no job listings at all. I thought it might be because there was none of my area so I tried. Cities and still no jobs. I wouldn’t be upset, but I did pay 20 bucks for the background check in hopes of finding something. I would love to know if I’m doing something wrong.
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