How do you screen your sitters?
The success and reputation of our business depends on the quality of our sitters. We go to great lengths to ensure our sitters will exceed your expectations.

We employ a 7-step process to ensure that only the best sitters arrive at your home. This process – that all applicants are subject to – consist of:

• Focused recruiting
• Face-to-face interviews
• Social security number validation
• Sex offender search
• Criminal/ public records search
• Thorough internet investigation
• Reference check

Additionally, we continuously monitor our sitters through client feedback to ensure they continue to meet the stringent Sitters & Company standards.

Most of our sitters are college students and graduates, many of whom are in the education and medical fields. Some are also employed full-time at local daycares and have all of the background checks and certifications required by these employers and the State. Moreover, a great number of our sitters have certifications such as First Aid, CPR, State Teaching Certificate and Special Needs experience. These certifications are identified on sitter profiles with icons.

For added assurance, each of our sitters has an online profile that you can view before booking the sitter that's best for you. Sitters will also contact you by telephone to introduce themselves before each session.

What are your rates?
Sitters & Company sitter rates and fees are very reasonable, but vary by city.  Click on "choose your city" to view your local sitter rates and fees.

How do I pay my sitter?
Sitters are paid in full at the end of each session. Cash is preferred, but checks are also acceptable.

How do I pay Sitters & Company?
Sitters & Company membership and scheduling fees are paid via PayPal, our secure online payment partner. Membership fees are due upon registration and on an annual basis. Scheduling fees are paid once you have accepted and booked a sitter and members will automatically be redirected to the PayPal site at the appropriate points in the process.

How does Sitters & Company work?
For a demonstration, click on "How it Works" under the "Parents" tab on the homepage or click here.

Joining the network: Once you join the network, you will be guided through the account setup process. Once this is complete, you will have a profile and unlimited access to our network of sitters for a duration of your membership.

Using the site:

Step 1 - Post a request for a Sitter. Simply fill out and submit the date and time needed on our site (you can verify the date/time you've requested via the "My Sessions" tab in your profile).

Step 2 - Choosing the right sitter. You can either choose one of the system-generated recommendations (based on availability that matches your needs) or post the request for the entire network of sitters. Either way, our sitters can see your requests and respond with an acceptance to each.

Step 3 - Booking your sitter. Once you receive an email notification that your session has been accepted, you can review each acceptance and, using their profiles, pick the sitter that best suits your needs via the "Accepted Sessions" tab within your profile. Additionally, if you have discovered a favorite sitter (or know of one that's been recommended to you), you also have the option to choose that specific sitter. Sitters & Company charges a $10.00 scheduling fee for each regular sit booked. The parent pays the sitter directly per the hourly rate posted in our fees page.

Step 4 -Evaluating and providing feedback on your sitter. Because your experience is a critical component to the quality of Sitters & Company, we value all of our clients' feedback. Please logon to your account after each session and provide feedback on past sessions in the "My Sessions" tab. The system uses this information to assign a score to each sitter than will be displayed on their profile, allowing parents to better evaluate sitters prior to booking future sessions."

Do you guarantee to schedule a sitter for my posted job? 
Sitters & Company prides itself in maintaining a very high fill-rate and works extremely hard to ensure all jobs are filled.  Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we may not be able to fill your job.  Posting your job in advance will increase the chances of your job being filled.  Since you only pay a scheduling fee after you have booked a sitter, you will not be charged if we are unable to fill your posted job.

Do you provide special needs child care?
We do not have any formal accreditations for special needs care. However, we do have sitters who are experienced in caring for children with special needs. Sitters with special needs experience are identified with a "special needs" icon on their profile. Sitters & Company strives to provide the best sitters to all of our families. However, please be aware that we are simply a sitting service and do not provide any accredited special needs care including but not limited to medical or trained therapy assistance.

What is a Quicksit?
A Quicksit is a session that is scheduled with less than 24 hours notice. The Quicksit sitter and scheduling fees are slightly higher than regular sessions.  Click on “choose your city” to view your local Quicksit rates and fees.

Do you provide long-term sitters or Nannys?
Sitters & Company specializes in providing occasional babysitters. Clients post individual jobs for each day. If you have long-term needs, you can post multiple jobs and we will work to fill as many jobs as possible, but we are not a nanny service.

Can I request the same sitter for future jobs?
Yes! You have the ability to select sitters by date/ time or by name. If you prefer to book the same sitter for multiple jobs, you can view their schedule online and request them when they are available.

What happens if a Sitter cancels or becomes ill?
In the unlikely event that a sitter you have scheduled is unable to fulfill your session, Sitters & Company will actively work to find a replacement sitter. If a replacement sitter is not available or desired, Sitters & Company will credit your scheduling fee toward future sessions.

Do I need to tip my sitter?
Gratuities are at the discretion of each client and are not expected.

Can I view sitter profiles before registering?
As a protective measure for our sitters, sitter profiles are only available for viewing by our members.

Is Sitters & Company affiliated with any professional organizations?
Sitters & Company is registered with the Phoenix Better Business Bureau and will receive full-membership in February 2008 (after one full year of business).

What is Approach Marketing LLC?
Approach Marketing is the parent company of Sitters & Company. Approach Marketing LLC is owned and operated by the same owners as Sitters & Company.

Is Sitters & Company insured?
Yes.

Where is Sitters & Company Headquartered?
Sitters & Company is based in Scottsdale Arizona.  Each city is managed locally by a Sitters & Company market owner.  Unlike other national services, "we live in the communities we serve."

Is Sitters & Company available anywhere else?
Soon! Sitters & Company intends to expand operations to all major cities in the United States.  Please contact us if you are interested in becoming a Sitters & Company new market owner!