Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about booking a babysitter or event childcare. Can't find your answer? Call Heidi on 0411 220 850.
Booking and payment
How does the $40 booking fee work and when is it charged?
When booking a babysitter through Butterfly Babysitting Agency, great care is taken to ensure we understand your babysitting needs and have the ideal babysitter available for you. The non-refundable booking fee reflects the time and care taken to organise your booking. You will not be asked to pay the booking fee until all the details of your booking have been approved by both you and the Agency. However, a booking will not be confirmed until Butterfly Babysitting Agency receives payment of the booking fee.
How do I pay the booking fee?
Once your booking details are confirmed, Heidi will email you our bank details so you can pay the $40 booking fee by bank transfer. Be alert for email scams. If you ever get an email saying our bank details have changed, please call Heidi before you pay.
Who provides the babysitting?
Butterfly Babysitting Agency provides a booking and referral service. We match your family with a suitable independent babysitter and coordinate your booking. Your babysitter provides the babysitting directly to you. That's why there are two payments: the booking fee to the Agency, and the babysitting fee paid directly to your babysitter.
Why is the hourly rate paid directly to the babysitter rather than through the agency?
Sometimes the hours a babysitter is booked to work for are different from the actual hours worked. By paying the babysitter directly at the end of the job (or each day if the job is for multiple days), you pay the correct amount for the babysitter's time. It also removes the time delay of paying through a third party.
How do I pay my babysitter?
Your babysitter is paid directly at the end of the job (or at the end of each day for multi-day bookings), by cash or bank transfer. Each babysitter chooses which they accept, and Heidi will let you know when your booking is confirmed.
Is there a minimum booking length?
You may book a babysitter for any length of time you want. However, the minimum fee is for 3 hours. For example, if you only need the babysitter for 2 hours, you will still need to pay them for 3 hours.
What if I need to cancel - is the booking fee refundable?
No, the booking fee is non-refundable. However, if the Agency needs to cancel your booking for any reason, you may receive a refund depending on the circumstances.
Is there a late cancellation fee?
If you cancel your booking with less than 24 hours' notice, you will be charged an additional $50 cancellation fee. This is payable to the Agency and will be passed on, in full, to the babysitter who was confirmed for your job.
Who's looking after my kids
Can I request the same babysitter again?
Yes. We get excited when you let us know you've had an excellent experience and want to have the same babysitter again. Where possible, we will try to book the babysitter you request, but there are no guarantees.
Are your babysitters police-checked / Working With Vulnerable People registered?
Every babysitter goes through a rigorous onboarding process before we introduce them to families. This includes a one-on-one interview, two reference checks and a Working With Vulnerable People check (Tasmanian Government legislation).
What experience or qualifications do your babysitters have?
The experience and qualifications of our babysitters vary from person to person. You can get to know our babysitters by visiting the Meet the Babysitters page.
Are you insured?
Yes. Butterfly Babysitting Agency holds Public Liability Insurance. It includes limited cover for the independent babysitters we introduce, and we encourage our babysitters to hold their own insurance as well.
The practical stuff
What ages do you care for?
We look after children of all ages, including babies through to teenagers.
Do you care for children with additional needs?
Yes. Every child is welcome. Some children need extra support, for example children with autism, ADHD or anxiety. Each babysitter's experience is different, and you can see who is experienced with additional needs on our Meet the Babysitters page. Let us know when you book, and Heidi will match you with a babysitter suited to your child's needs.
Do you look after multiple children/siblings, and does the rate change?
Yes. Our babysitting fee is for up to 3 children from the same family. If there are more than 3 children, or two families joining together, the hourly fee will increase. We will let you know the hourly fee when you book.
How much notice do you need for a booking?
All bookings are based on babysitter availability. While we can sometimes provide a babysitter at short notice, it is not guaranteed. The more notice you give us, the more chance we will have someone available for your job.
Can a babysitter come to my hotel or holiday rental, not just a private home?
Yes, our babysitters work in hotel rooms and other holiday accommodation, as well as private homes.
Do you cover areas outside Hobart and Launceston?
We primarily service the greater Hobart and Launceston areas. In special circumstances, we can also arrange care elsewhere in Tasmania - just ask. Please contact us to discuss your babysitting needs.
Events and conferences
How far in advance should I enquire about a childcare pop-up room?
A lot of preparation and planning goes into organising a childcare pop-up room for an event, so the earlier you get in contact with us, the better.
What's included in an event quote?
Every event is different, so every quote is tailored to it. A conference quote usually covers planning and organising the childcare, activities, equipment and supplies, and your babysitters' hours (set out day by day), so you can see exactly what you're paying for. Venue costs such as the children's catering are invoiced by the venue.
Still have a question?
Phone Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm. Send a booking request any time.