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.

This is irrelevant!

they should have gone to the nearest cash point there and then

My bank account number and sort code are not on my debit card.

In the future, only accept payment on arrival, or you leave.

Do you still have texts/messages re the booking? Give them 24hrs, then threaten to take them to small claims court.

@BobbinHood I have accounts with Lloyds and NWest - both have sort code and account number embossed on the card.

NatWest do not have either on their new Mastercard debit cards now and previously they only ever had one number on not both I've always had to go on online banking to see what they were

I don’t know about Lloyds, have never banked with them, but my NatWest card doesn’t and never has. I’m looking at it now!

OP I was out last night and the time completely ran away from me. I was an hour late for my babysitter’s end time and was MORTIFIED. I paid her the full amount immediately plus £10 tip for her trouble, I was so embarrassed. I hate being late home for babysitters; it’s so disrespectful. People who do this just disgust me.

Could you get something like this, and take a card payment before you leave?

www.zettle.com/gb/payments/card-reader?creative=522738382510&keyword=izettle&matchtype=e&network=g&device=c&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8O-VBhCpARIsACMvVLMoU0c0qR9dLdNvmAE5yikvdXdFjjb0LnGVuhBbJuayWj0OhHkC5ZcaAmDOEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Once or twice I have genuinely forgotten or the payment has not gone through.
Just text them and say you can't see the payment can they transfer it.
it does not have to be confrontational.

It is a pain and it shouldn't happen but sometimes people are human and forget.

Knock on their door early each morning as a polite reminder until you have the money.

I'm also looking at my NatWest card. The sort code is on there but not the account number, only the long debit card number.

Just call them and ask to be paid. They shouldn't have to be asked twice, but I doubt they are deliberately withholding the money. Track them down on the phone and get it done there and then. I think you're being more than a little unreasonable if you send your partner round - this can all be sorted with a phone call.

If you can't face being direct on the call, do as a PP has said and start with faux concern about money being transferred to the wrong account as you've not received it...

Cash on arrival so they can't spend it when out!!

And make sure it’s cash BEFORE they go out. Otherwise walk away.

But as I said earlier, I would start providing invoices for every job you do should this arise again. You can have clear terms and conditions about payment. And email your correspondence so you have it in writing for court should you need to attend.

^ This. It's annoying but they may not have meant to be rude / inconsiderate, just send them a short, polite reminder text asap op. I know if it was me I'd be mortified with myself and would pay straight away.

If they still haven't paid within the day after the reminder then call them and like others have suggested, say you're passing by later and you can pop round for the cash, make sure you arrange a fixed time with them so they're not conveniently out or don't hear the door!

I’m a nanny I’ don’t leave till I’m paid!

@antelopevalley the advice above from @TiddleyWink is excellent. Save the above as a template for the future.

People are so incredibly rude these days. They should be ashamed of themselves.

If they are waiting for payday tomorrow they should have discussed this with you in advance. The cheek of some people honestly!

Post an invoice through their door.

@Fink don't most people have online banking? So their account details etc are on their app

Not everyone has online banking on an app. Until quite recently I only had it on a pc.

I used to babysit as a teen, and there was one (rich) family, say they owed me £35, and they had 2 £20's and a £10, would give me £30 and owe me the £5 next time, rather than give me £40 and me be owing them the £5. Tight arsed gits, and I wouldn't let it happen now (self employed). I make sure I get payment.

Oh, that's so out of order it makes me fume. I would definitely keep on at them, ask for a time frame on when you might expect it? Let your text begin and end with that question. Nothing else, no chit chat or niceties.

Just wait OP, they'll want to book you again. If you ever decide to give them another chance (a large tip from them might oil the wheels here): State straight away that you accept cash only -preferably on arrival (they can leave it in an envelope which you take with you at the end) - and get them to confirm.
I wouldn't even trust people like this to cough up at the end of the night.

I feel your pain. I'm still waiting for £60 for childcare I did back in January this year and the what's app messages are me saying im still waiting for the transfer or I can come and collect it tonight and their response of, "will transfer it tonight"

I've gone from sending it weekly to now every other day and they never answer their door.

Agreed, you absolutely shouldn't.

That's ridiculous.
Send them a letter by recorded delivery with a final invoice (add on the cost of the postage) and a warning that small claims court will be next and the amount will increase to cover any costs incurred by you.

If they're on social media, comment on their pages detailing payment owed and number of times you have contacted them asking for it.