Bambino: Babysitting made easy

I am a sitter, and have been using Bambino for a few years now (I think since 2019 or so, don’t even remember). A few weeks ago I noticed that the max hourly rate was reduced by $5/hr. I contacted tech support and was assured it was a technical glitch and would be fixed. Today I received a follow up email explaining how there are now “levels” of sitters and how they have to complete a number of sits, gain whatever number of five star ratings etc etc - just to “get” to the “elite level” sitter where my max hourly rate would not be capped. So, in my case I’d have to work for less money than I have been working for years AND prove that I am worthy, AND maintain the status by harassing employers and asking for good ratings. Sitters, beware! Review your profiles, and good luck jumping through hoops just to make a few extra dollars. Update: Bambino responded to my review explaining their policies and “levels”. While the answer is polished up and calm, I find it more than just WEIRD that after many years of using the app, I fell from “elite” to whatever level sitter and got my rate lowered and capped by $5/hr only because I had to say no to a few booking requests because of my schedule and other commitments. It’s almost like I am losing experience the more years go by. Hahah. I deactivated my Bambino account. If I have to play Hunger Games, it is not going to Bambino’s TEMU version.

We don’t have a ton of family nearby and we’re fairly new to town. We found Bambino when we had exhausted all the Facebook mom group recommendations and no one was available or they never texted back. We have since used Bambino numerous times and it has been such a lifesaver and weight off of our shoulders every time we have a date night, parent event at school, family wedding, etc. because we always know we can find a reliable sitter on Bambino. I love reading the descriptions, the recommendations, and seeing their rate up front for transparency. Every sitter we have booked has incredible ratings from trusted neighbors and our kids ended up LOVING them, begging for them to come back again. The best part is that we can pay right through the app, and even add reimbursements or a tip. I never have cash on me and this takes the headache out of driving around to find an ATM at the end of every date night.

I joined this app as a means of making some money on the side, I’ve always loved to babysit and figured this app was a good way to connect with families in the city looking for fill-in child care. The connection aspect of the app is wonderful, as are the families I have met through Bambino, however receiving payment from Bambino has been more than a challenge. To put it lightly. A 2-3 business day window is given to sitters to expect payment after the job is completed and confirmed on the families end - of the times I have sat through the app my payment has only been received in that window on one occasion. They are plagued with delays and excuses for non-payment. I’m currently awaiting payment for a job completed NINE days ago, and I have reached out every day after that initial 3 day window and they have been less than helpful. I will submit a inquiry as to the status of my funds, be told I will receive payment by that evening or at least a message back within 24 hours - neither has come. At the very least they should be responsive and keep sitters up to date on the status of the payments, especially if they are going to be late. The responsibility should not be on me, the sitter, to track down my payment as I have already completely the work required of me. So disappointed in this service as it has the potential all to be amazing. Beware if you’re trying to make quick cash on the side, you will not be paid in any sort of timely fashion.