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Original poster

CM CLUB:Just had a call re afterschool care..HELP!

37 replies

StrawberrySnowflakes · 30/01/2007 18:30

child is already with friend who is cm but is finishing in sept this yearto go back to teaching(8 months awway)..wants to come round fri do check me out.BUT...she only pays friend £2.75 at min, i charge £4 for before or after school AND although she is 9 so wont fall into my ratios, should i charge her a retainer???and for what amount if yes????..she can always wait and see, but i dont want to rely on a part-timer and she change her mind come sept?
all advice welcome

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shosha · 30/01/2007 19:52

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shosha · 30/01/2007 19:51

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Original poster
StrawberrySnowflakes · 30/01/2007 19:50

well lipstick will be smudged all over mindees heads from when then come in for a cuddle , so she'll think i beat them up!and power suit will be stuck with salt doh and coloured with poster paint, so she'll think im slovenly!..nah wont work!

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StrawberrySnowflakes · 30/01/2007 19:48

well it would only be just over her first weekly fee, so i dont really think its that bad to ask for a bit of security and it would be soley to keep place open, not down against future fees!?

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shosha · 30/01/2007 19:47

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Original poster
StrawberrySnowflakes · 30/01/2007 19:46

..will have to put my power suit on and bitch red lipstick to feel authoritive enough to say give me £50..NOW!..snooze or you loose lady!

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shosha · 30/01/2007 19:42

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StrawberrySnowflakes · 30/01/2007 19:40

well i am confident in still cahrging her my rate and not the piddly amount friend was regrettably charging her, but i didnt know what proportion of that to charge as a retainer?..seems not at all...but come sept, i may have more over 8's to care for, meaning i dont actually want another on?dya think i could be canny and say she needs to leave a £50 flat retainer in order for me to make sure come Sept i have saved a place for her??or am i being mega cheeky beatch!?

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shosha · 30/01/2007 19:34

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dmo · 30/01/2007 19:27

i wouldnt charge a retainer as she is over 8 and only before and after school
just tell the parent to phone nearer the time to see if a place is available and stick to your own fees dont bow down to her

crace · 30/01/2007 19:23

I don't have personal experience with this one, but I am not sure I would charge a retainer, as she doesn't count toward your numbers now or then..

I wouldn't change my rate either - but you may want to come to some sort of negotiation when you meet up.

I find that I am underselling myself, and struggle with the money part of it.

ThePrisoner · 30/01/2007 19:18

I would charge your normal rates, it doesn't matter what anyone else charges - unless you are desperate for the work (but I still wouldn't!!)

Can't answer about retainers because I don't charge them.