What's the etiquette when cancelling babysitter?

[PerfectPennyKilledMyHusband]

DH and I were meant to go out tonight and leave DD with a babysitter for a few hours for the first time. It's a friend's daughter, she's 21 and I've known her since she was 5. She's great with DD, has spent lots of time with her but this would be the first time we were to leave her and go out.

DD isn't very well so we are having to cancel and I'm just wondering what the etiquette is here. Should I still pay her? I messaged her at 7am to let her know and she's messaged back saying not to worry at all, I didn't mention money and neither did she. But I was just thinking, if she's kept tonight free and was expecting the money, maybe I should still pay her regardless as it's not her fault?

I would pay her as she may have cancelled plans to help you out and will encourage her to babysit for you in the future

I would pay her - you've cancelled with less than 24 hours notice and it sounds like you might have a long term babysitting relationship going forward so I wouldn't want to jeopardise that.

I think if you want to use her in future it would be sensible to pay her at least half of what she would have been earning. If she's not expecting anything it will paint you in a positive light, especially as it's been a last minute on the day cancellation.

That’s tricky. I think id offer to pay but I imagine she will decline. Then next time I’d pay her a bit more.

Yes you should still pay if less than 24hrs notice asshe wouldn't be able to make alternative plans with such short notice.

Great thanks for the responses, we will still pay her!

I babysit regularly and always let parents know if they cancel without 24 hours notice they will need to give me the full pay. I’ve never had any parents object to this!

Paying her will stand you in good stead for the future !

Most services charge a cancellation fee, so why wouldn't you think paying her is standard?