How to make money as a childminder in Bulgaria - practical steps

Where paying customers come from

When you start as a childminder the paying customers who book you usually come from nearby relationships and practical local channels. Expect to find demand in several places at the same time rather than from one source.

• Neighbours and local parents - parents who live close by often prefer someone nearby for short-notice care.
• Workplaces - parents who need regular daytime cover often look for someone near their office or workplace.
• Schools and kindergartens - you may get enquiries from parents connected to the same school or kindergarten, especially when they need care outside school hours.
• Online search and social groups - local Facebook or messaging groups, classified sites and search engines bring people who look for a vetted local childminder.
• Word of mouth - once you have a few clients, recommendations to other parents are a strong source of steady bookings.

Setting a first price and talking about money

Setting the first price is a balance between your costs, the local market and what parents expect. Look at what other childminders near you advertise and think about whether you will offer single sessions, regular weekly slots or babysitting in the evening. Decide whether you charge per hour, per session or per day and be consistent.

Be direct and clear when you discuss money. State the rate, what is included (travel time, snacks, extra children), your cancellation policy and whether you require a deposit. Put this information in writing in a message or simple contract so both sides have the same expectation.

If parents ask for discounts or regular-work rates, outline and record those options rather than negotiating casually each time. That avoids confusion later.

• Check local market offers before you set the first price.
• Decide hourly vs session pricing and whether to charge extra for evenings or weekends.
• State cancellation and deposit rules up front and confirm them in writing.

The first ten customers - what they usually look like

Your first ten customers often include a mix of friends, neighbours and people who found you through local online channels. Early bookings are commonly shorter or occasional jobs - one-off babysits, school-run cover or weekend work - rather than stable full-time placements. You will likely see a pattern: some people only need one booking, a few become repeat clients, and a small number create regular weekly work.

Expect some variety in ages and requirements. Younger children and short shifts are more common at the start while you build experience and references. Parents hiring you early on will often test reliability and communication, so clear messages, punctuality and confirmation messages help turn trial jobs into repeat bookings.

• Friends and neighbours often make up a notable share of the first bookings.
• Parents from local online groups or school contacts are common.
• A small portion of early customers become regular weekly clients.

What to sort out when taking money as an independent person in Bulgaria

Rules for declaring income, social contributions and the right business form can vary with your exact situation. Two authorities to check with are the National Revenue Agency (NRA) and the Registry Agency (Агенция по вписванията). Contact the NRA and ask: how you should declare income earned from childminding, whether you must register as self-employed or as a sole trader, what social security contributions apply and whether you need to issue invoices or receipts. Contact the Registry Agency to ask about trade registration if you plan to operate as an едноличен търговец (sole trader).

Also check with your municipality about any local rules for running care services from home, and with the Ministry of the Interior or Ministry of Justice about obtaining any background check documents parents may request. If parents ask for particular certificates or insurance, ask the relevant insurance providers what cover is available for childminding.

• Ask NRA: how to report income, registration options, social security and VAT thresholds.
• Ask Registry Agency: whether and how to register as a sole trader for this activity.
• Ask your municipality and the relevant ministries about background checks and local permissions.
• If parents request liability insurance, contact insurance companies to find suitable cover.

What tends to go wrong in the first months

Common early problems are mostly practical and preventable. Underpricing and unclear agreements can lead to stressful disputes about hours or extra duties. Not keeping simple records makes tax reporting harder later. Cancellations and last-minute changes are typical, and without a written cancellation policy you will lose income or face awkward conversations. Safety incidents or miscommunication about responsibilities can damage your reputation fast.

To reduce risk: use a short written agreement or message template that covers payment, cancellations and duties; keep basic records of hours and income; ask for a deposit for new clients; and get basic first-aid training. Clear communication and professional handling of problems will lower the chance of serious issues.

• Underpricing and scope creep - clarify what your price includes.
• No written agreement - agree on cancellations and deposits in writing.
• Poor record-keeping - keep a simple log of bookings and payments.
• Reputation risk from safety or communication failures - consider first aid training and clear parent briefings.

How a Websta profile fits into your childminding work

A Websta profile works as a single public page you can send to parents and share in groups. It shows services, prices, photos, a contact form and online booking, so parents see the practical details quickly and can book or message you. Card payments from customers are paid out to your own bank account through Stripe, and you set your own prices. Websta also has a marketplace where people nearby find providers by service and place and where parents can post a task for providers to make offers on.

Using a clear page helps in two ways: it reduces the time you spend repeating the same information, and it gives interested parents a place to check your services and booking options before they contact you. Keep the profile up to date, add photos that show your space or activities, and write a short list of the ages and services you cover so parents know quickly whether you are a fit.

• A single shareable page for services, prices, photos, contact and booking.
• Card payments go to your bank account through Stripe; you set prices.
• Marketplace listings let local parents find you by service and place.