Q & A
Frequently asked questions and answers
General information
What is Topsitters?
Topsitters is a mediation platform between families and sitters with a specific talent. Our online platform links families to the right available Topsitter within a few clicks.
Who are our Topsitters?
Our Sitters are fantastic with children and can transfer their talents to the younger generation. Our Sitters are 16+, speak at least two languages, interviewed and seen by us and checked.
Profile families & Sitters?
One of our security measures is transparency. We believe in openness and communication. Both families and sitters can be reviewed by each other. Our goal is to create a safe environment for everyone. Topsitters is always entitled to deny families or sitters access to the web application.
Managing expectations?
Si, Ja, Yes! We find it very important and crucial so both the Sitter and the Parents know what is expected from them. Before every booking the parents and sitters clearly agree what their expectations are. Times, location, activities and particularities. Topsittersplatform offers the means to communicate with each other before every booking. (internal chat function) When making new bookings for the first time, we recommend that you set aside time (at least 15 minutes to an hour) and meet in advance.
My house or one of my personal belongings have been damaged, what now?
Damage resulting from a sitting session is at the family or the sitters own responsibility and account. We highly recommend for both the Sitter and the Family to take out a liability insurance.
Can I receive childcare allowance for bookings through Topsitters?
Unfortunately this will not be the case. In application of the Regeling Dienstverlening aan Huis (Regulation on provision of service at ones home), both Parents and Sitters must be private individuals. Topsitter does not account for VAT on the babysitting service, which falls under the Regeling Dienstverlening aan Huis. In this case, parents also don’t pay VAT on the babysitting service. Topsitters does pay VAT on the Membership fee and administration cost. The latter is included in the displayed hourly rate.
Hourly sitting rates?
Our sitters have full control over their own hourly rates. Many sitters give tutoring, training and/or are professionals. Other sitters are talented and know how to prepare their bookings well in advance. We consciously choose higher rates in combination with quality.
Sitters and the tax office?
As a sitter, your earnings are not taxed up to a certain amount. However, you do have to report your earnings to the tax authorities via ‘opbrengsten uit overig werk’ (income from other work). Follow this link for more information.
Why do you charge both membership and booking fees?
The simple answer to this is because it’s the fairest way of charging families for the service provided and protect our webapplication for families who don’t want to use our services.
Some families use Sitters’ service every week, others may only call on us 4 or 5 times a year. The membership covers the fixed cost of attracting and interviewing to provide a reliable service. And booking fees cover the variable cost of scheduling a topsitter for you when required.