Hi - Ann from Babysitterdirectory.com.au here.

Sasha, please note that the site was free for parents (yes totally free) when it was initially launched in May 2008 (and in BETA mode) and while we were growing our market, for nearly 10 months.

After this time we had to start charging a fee. Parents who had already joined were giving an additional 3months free access before being asked to pay.

Regarding asking for a fee it was either that or we could have had to close the service, Woman does not live on bread alone!

We have consistently sought to keep the cost down for parents and are one of the lowest online babysitter search services.

Parents are most welcome to check the site and can undertake a free search to see carers in their area.

Thanks

Ann

[Apologies for the avatar can't seem to see how to change it!}