FAQ for Sitters
What is SitterScout?
SitterScout is a tool that makes it easy for parents to contact and schedule their sitters. Parents enter their sitters’ contact information, then tell us when they need a sitter. We contact their sitters (via text message, email, or both) and let them know when someone accepts their babysitting request.
Our job at SitterScout is to fill a job and fill it fast! To do so, our tool is set up to invite multiple sitters for one job. The first sitter to reply “Yes” gets the job! So if you’re a sitter and you want the job, respond quickly!
How do I respond to a babysitting request?
There are two ways to respond:
1. You can reply back to the text message we send, with the job number and yes or no. (e.g, 632 Yes) The number you see in the text message we send you IS NOT a short code, so please don’t send a yes/no reply TO that number. We won’t get your response that way.
2. You can click on the link we send you, which will open a browser window and enable you to select the accept or decline buttons and leave a message or comment for the parent.
Who can see my information?
Only the parents that have added you to SitterScout can see your information. To add a sitter, a parent must already know your contact information outside of SitterScout.
Will you ever sell my info to spammy marketers?
Absolutely not!
I need help. How can I reach you?
If you can't find what you need here in our FAQ, please email us at info@sitterscout.com - we will be happy to help you, or answer any questions you may have.
FAQ for Parents
How do the invitation “Rounds” work?
We all have some sitters that are our favorites or that would work best in certain situations. SitterScout understands that you might want to invite them first before extending the invitation to others.
Sitters you select for Round 1 will be invited immediately. If the job has not been filled within an hour, sitters included in Round 2 will be invited. If another hour passes and still no one has responded, invitations will be extended to your Round 3 sitters.
While this is currently the way we handle Rounds, we are considering letting parents specify the length of time between each round. If you have an opinion you’d like to share on the topic please let us know here.
You may include as many sitters as you like in each round of invitations. Sitters will not know which Round they are in, so no need to worry about hurt feelings.
What if I want to invite all my sitters at once?
Simply select all of your sitters in the Round 1. We’ll contact all of them at the same time. Sitters that respond after the job has been filled may choose to be added to the “Wait List”.
What's the waitlist?
If a sitter wants to accept a job request, but it’s already been filled, they will be added to the Wait List. If the sitter that is already booked for the job cancels for any reason, all sitters on the waitlist will automatically be notified and you’ll be notified, too. Sitters can choose to be removed from the waitlist at any time.
What if a sitter tries to accept the job after another sitter has already accepted? Do I have to notify them?
Nope. We handle all the back and forth so you don't have to. (That's our reason for being, after all!) If the job has already been filled when a sitter responds, they'll get the following message: "Aww! Sorry, the job has already been filled. You're on the waitlist. If the job reopens, you'll be contacted again. To be removed from the waitlist, reply # no"
How do I cancel a job request?
Select the cancel button from the Appointment Detail page. We’ll notify your sitter for you.
Are my sitters visible to anyone else?
Sitters are only visible to you unless you have designated a Co-Parent. Your Co-Parent will see your sitters in their sitter list. If you have not designated a Co-Parent, your sitters will only be visible to you.
What’s a Co-Parent?
If there’s another caregiver in your life and you need to share your sitter information, you can add a Co-Parent, by visiting the home page and clicking on Co-Parent. A confirmation email will be sent to the address you enter.
Can a Co-Parent see jobs I’ve scheduled?
No. Right now, Co-Parents can only view each other’s sitters.
How can I delete a sitter from my sitter list?
Select the Sitter button and view your list of sitters. Select the sitter you want to delete and view their profile. From the profile page, click the “Remove Sitter” button.
What if I need to make a change to a job I already scheduled?
If you need to make a change to a scheduled job, you can select the Edit button on the Job Details page. You can change the date or time, or add a message. If you choose to resend the invite with updated job details, the sitter who has accepted will be asked to confirm the change. If the sitter doesn't confirm within 4 hours, the other sitters you invited will be re-invited, according to the Rounds you originally put in place for the job.
If you make a change before any sitter has accepted and select the checkbox to notify your sitters, all invited sitters will be notified of the change.
Can I send my sitter a message on SitterScout? Can she send one to me?
Parents and Sitters can send messages back and forth using the comment feature within the job details page.
Can I share my sitter’s information with my friends on SitterScout?
Not yet. It’s a feature that’s on our Road Map for future development. You can still share it the old-fashioned way, though. ☺
Are you going to share my info or email with anyone else?
No. We hate spam as much as anyone else and will not share your information with anyone.
I need help. How can I reach you?
If you can't find what you need here in our FAQ, please email us at info@sitterscout.com - we will be happy to help you, or answer any questions you may have.