Asking for a favor & bringing up money

[CakeBeret]

There is a lady I know from church who used to do in-home daycare. She doesn't anymore, but I think she might be willing to babysit my DS on an occasional basis. I need to ask her if she will watch him on a specific day while I'm at work. I don't know her terribly well, so I was thinking about sending her a facebook message to ask. I want to make sure she knows that I'm willing to pay her, but I don't know how to phrase that.

Any suggestions for how to word this?

[johelenc1]

Simple.

"I know you used to have a day care.  Would you be available for occassional babysitting for DD.  I need someone for (date/time).  Also, what is your hourly rate?", etc, etc, small talk.

[Outdoor Girl]

'Would you be interested in caring for DS at your daycare rates?  I need care for (date) from (when) to (when) due to a work function and then would be looking for occasional help when I have work stuff come up.  I should be able to give you (X) days notice each time.'

[TootsNYC]

I'd leave off the "also" and simply say, "what is your rate?"

Or, "what is your availability and how much do you charge?"

[TootsNYC]

also, remember: You are NOT actually asking for a favor.

You are inquiring whether a service is offered by someone.