This is why people ask for cash

[antelopevalley]

I did some babysitting on Saturday night. When the couple got back they said sorry they didn't have any cash and they would transfer me the money. It is Tuesday and in spite of giving them my bank details, and a reminder text, still no payment.
If I ever babysit for them again (not sure I will now), I will say I will only do so if they pay cash that evening. Sadly this kind of way of operating seems common amongst middle-class people. It may not be a big deal for you to wait days for a relatively small sum of money, but it is for many others.

I would call them. Give them the courtesy call to remind them you need the money right now.

I agree. I absolutely hate collecting money for things so I always insist on having cash upfront, otherwise they don’t pay and you have to chase them, and you feel awkward constantly asking for what they should have given you anyway. I absolutely hate the feeling of owing anyone money. I forgot to pay the window cleaner one month and he reminded me the next, I felt awful, sick and embarrassed. I can’t understand why other people can live with themselves when they’re not paying people what they should.

I feel like money is quite a private thing though. We use it all the time and it’s about the most public thing there is, but my money and paying for myself feels like something private. I wonder if some people just don’t feel like that so it bothers them less? I wonder if it just depends how much of a big deal it is to you? Like I don’t have a great deal of it so it’s a big thing for me, but if you have plenty and it’s never been something you’ve really had to think about maybe it just isn’t a big deal? It’s rude and entitled as fuck to assume it’s not a big deal to other people though. Maybe it’s just that some people are selfish cheeky fuckers who take and take and take and feel like they are entitled to do so.

haha. brilliant. 😂

Many of my old tutoring clients had form for this- along with cancelling me seconds before the 24 hour cancellation period (or an hour before claiming a family emergency/sick baby etc so I would feel guilty and not charge!).

They should feel thoroughly ashamed, the careless cunts. Don’t take this shit, OP. Demand payment now. And do not beg or justify it. You did the work; payment is now due.

Would any of us go to Waitrose and call “I’ll ping you the dosh when I get a spare moment later, babes?”

I don't think this is the right thing to do.

Maybe you could send a message along the lines of 'hi, I will be going past your house tomorrow, would it be easier for you if I popped in and picked up cash rather than do a transfer' then you will have broken the ice and they will expect you so you can relax a bit about going round.

I get where you are coming from though.

And yes, they should have paid you before now.

I’m getting all wound up on your behalf now, OP. I’m so pissed off for you. Who the hell do these twonks think they are? It takes me right back to apologetically begging for my hard-earned money!

I’m questioning more of the mindset of why a transfer is different to cash

On the tradesman thread some of us tried to explain that some banking apps/websites are a pain to use; you need a card reader and such like to set up a new person to pay, even if it's only for a tiny amount. Nationwide is the example I am thinking of. But even if you can't sort out a payment there and then, you can certainly do it within 24 hours.

Do you have their email?

Invoice. Always invoice in future. Make sure you stipulate the terms and conditions and let them know you will take them to court if you are not paid within a certain amount of time.

do not let them get away with it.

OP, never give a discount again. People will take advantage of you.

contact them again, and say that you still did not receive their payment and if they can sen dit by today at 5pm.

Then, next time raise your prices for them and always ask for payment in advance.

Your service is not a charity and they need to respect it.

I used to babysit (in a very wealthy area) and this happened so so often. Even once where the parent was adamant they had given me cash when they hadn’t.

Why are so many posters blaming the OP? She rendered a service, she hasnt been paid. Why all the smoke and mirrors about her now knowing her bank details offhand, or dreading having to chase for the money? Both those things are fairly understandable. Shes not the bad guy here, she didnt ask to be treated this way. OP, disregard all these armchair critics. You have been stiffed. I liked the answer above here where someone suggested a message demanding immediate payment with a postscript that if money wasnt received that day, you would be charging a late fee. Otherwise you are going to have to steel yourself to go knock on her door and politely but firmly insist either on cash in your hand there and then, or to wtch her do the eft. It may also work to suggest that you will alert other local babysitters to her slow payment - if her self interest / reputation is involved, she may find some urgency to pay you. Dont feel bad or guilty, shes completely at fault and you need your money - Im sure you didnt watch her kids so she could go out and have a good time because you loved the epxerience so much you want to do it for free!!

I had similar, I babysat for someone, sent my bank details the next day and they said oh do you mind if I pay later in the week? With some excuse about having a funny payday. I said fine because what else could I do? They did pay up and gave a bit extra for it being late, but still annoying!!

When I haven't been paid back money owing to me (friends usually), I will usually send follow up messages along the lines of "hi, I have just checked my bank and your payment hasn't gone through so just checking you sent it in case it's got lost somewhere". That usually sparks action and an apology!

None of my bank cards have my bank details on them (sort code and account number), with three different major banks. As it happens, I know my current account details from memory so it wouldn't be a problem, but most cards don't have account number and sort code printed on them anymore. And most people don't carry a chequebook where they would be printed.

Text them first - they may have forgotten. If they do this regularly, tell them you need paying on time or they will need to find someone else. This has happened to me a lot over the years and it was often the most demanding people/ affluent people who would regularly forget. You’ve provided a reliable, good service and do not need mucking about.

I am wound up on your behalf OP. That stinks. Did you send a reminder text today?

I agree - I know a couple of people who have 'forgotten' and I wonder if it's because they have little idea of how important those 'few' pounds are to the service provider.

Send them a message saying

"Hi X, I'm not sure if the details got lost in the message I sent on Saturday, but I have been in touch with my bank and they have no record of your transfer of £Y amount for the babysitting that I did. Please can you confirm by return text that the money will be transferred today (include the date). You can either use Revolut or here are my bank details again. I'll keep an eye out for the money. If you are unable to transfer the funds, again, please advise so that I can call around to collect the cash from you. Hope Mary & John are having a lovely time on their summer holidays. All the best @antelopevalley "

(Mary & John being the children that you looked after).

Or something perhaps a little less wordy 😁

My bank card also doesnt have details on it they say its for security reasons but i never remember my account number

Agree with someone up thread that suggests getting payment up front too and not to do a discount.

If there is a next time, say in your communications that you require 60% of the fee for the night up front to hold the booking (which would be refundable if you cancel) and there is no discount going forward. Set out your hourly rate before 11pm, 11pm - 1am and 1am - 8am (or part of hour thereof).

Time to get tough.

Value your time. Time to find your gumption there @antelopevalley !!!

I second a text but I would actually send more along the lines of:

Hello
Bit embarrassed to have to chase for the babysitting money again. Can you please make the transfer now so i don't find myself in the same position tomorrow as it's really uncomfortable having to ask. Thanks!

i wouldn't bother with any of those breezy "sorry" "please" and "i need your money for food" messages.

I would call (but if you're a wet lettuce you can email) and say "i haven't received your payment. Pay by X date or there will be a 10% late fee"
No please, no thank you just short and to the point. Put your bank details on there again.

And next time you go babysitting don't go without your bank details and agree a price (no discount) upfront. If you are confronted with "no cash, sorry can't transfer phone is dead" bollocks, look around and say "right, i'll take [valuable object] as collateral"

Do NOT do this. Just ask them yourself ffs, if you want people to take you seriously. You’re an adult.

I don't understand why you have only sent one reminder text. Send another and ask that it's paid immediately. Don't put anything else in the text about how you need the money for this or that. Keep it simple. If they don't respond the phone them. Again, don't apologies or give reasons, just repeat that you would like to be paid immediately.

Pop a message through and just say I have checked my bank statement today and there is no payment from yourself. Can I check you have the right details thanks