Think this is a bit awkward and I'm not sure about the logistics of how it might effect someone who is self-employed, so here goes!
I've been using a cleaner since February, she runs a small business and employs a few other people. The arrangement was she'd come every two weeks and I pay her upfront on the last working day of the month (so always pay her before the cleaning takes place)
On August 30th I paid £170 for our two usual cleans and between one thing and another, she hasn't been able to come. I've had to cancel twice because of sickness or work emergencies, but always let her know 24 hours in advance.
She's cancelled on me four times, usually an hour or two after the time she was supposed to arrive. I didn't mind too much, she had family sickness problems and it was unavoidable for her.
Anyway, after the last re-arrangement she said she'd get back to me with the next dates she could do ASAP and it never happened.
My ask is, can I ask for the money back and just say we'll re-start the schedule back up in mid-January time when she has room in her diary?
It's rather a lot of money to have 'banked' just before Christmas and in all honesty, it'd come in very handy! Not sure if this is the done thing though? Will it hurt the financial side of her business because that's the last thing I would want!