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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To tell clients to just leave

385 replies

selfemployedwwyd · 05/05/2023 22:43

I"m self employed with clients who pay monthly. I work 12 months of the year and take 4 weeks a year holiday which are unpaid - this is all explained upfront.

This year I've had an unprecedented number of clients who've informed me that they're not prepared to pay for my services over the summer as they're 'going on fancy holidays' and won't get the use of my services.

But they want me to take them back on in September once the summer holidays are over and the children are back in school.

AIBU to tell them they're free to go in June but I won't be giving them their space back in September?

I simply cannot afford to not be paid for 2 months. When I go on holiday (unpaid and only UK) I still pay all of my monthly bills (swimming, nursery etc)

I realise the cost of living affects even the wealthy, but it's the wealthiest clients who are doing this to me! For context, last year I earned £15k if that matters. I can't afford to take my children abroad (not that that's their fault I might add, but it does irk!)

AIBU to feel really pissed off and a little bit used/undervalued?

OP posts:
Soapyspuds · 05/05/2023 22:45

What does your contract with them say?

Patchworksack · 05/05/2023 22:46

That’s perfectly reasonable. Can you easily pick up another client to fill their space?

JagerbombsUnite · 05/05/2023 22:47

It's not a question of being 'undervalued'. You're running a business. If it's in the contract then they are beholden to the terms and can't change their minds when it suits them.
However... if it isn't... then YABU. Nobody wants to pay for a service they don't use. Your bills, holidays business model etc are none of their concern.

Original poster
selfemployedwwyd · 05/05/2023 22:48

Soapyspuds · 05/05/2023 22:45

What does your contract with them say?

Contract says that if I miss due to sickness, I will refund. If the client misses due to holiday, payment still needs to be made. Four weeks notice to be given.

So they're giving more than 4 weeks notice now to say they're finishing in June but 'Don't worry, we will give you a call in September when we need you back'

OP posts:
Original poster
selfemployedwwyd · 05/05/2023 22:49

Patchworksack · 05/05/2023 22:46

That’s perfectly reasonable. Can you easily pick up another client to fill their space?

Yes. I can.

OP posts:
Scalessayeek · 05/05/2023 22:50

Just say, as a business I can’t afford to keep your spot open so you can either pay or lose the spot (if you can afford to maybe offer half price like some nurseries/childminders go for similar situations).

Original poster
selfemployedwwyd · 05/05/2023 22:51

JagerbombsUnite · 05/05/2023 22:47

It's not a question of being 'undervalued'. You're running a business. If it's in the contract then they are beholden to the terms and can't change their minds when it suits them.
However... if it isn't... then YABU. Nobody wants to pay for a service they don't use. Your bills, holidays business model etc are none of their concern.

So how do I write it into the contract that they can't just quit my services in June and expect to swan back in September?

I'm thinking along the line of nursery - I recall with nursery that you simply just paid even if you went on holiday. If you didn't, I"m fairly sure you'd lose your nursery place.

OP posts:
Cosyblankets · 05/05/2023 22:51

Assume you're a tutor.
If this is what you do I think it's unreasonable to expect kids to carry on throughout the summer. I see some students but not others. The ones I don't see I just ask them to pay upfront for their lesson in September.
I'm usually fully booked and if someone drops out I can usually fill the space quite easily

Hankunamatata · 05/05/2023 22:51

Suppose it really does depend on service too. I pay for a tutor all year round pretty much as don't want to lose place and they will use zoom if we are away or double up tutor sessions.

Patchworksack · 05/05/2023 22:52

Just be unavailable when they phone in September, assuming you have acquired a replacement client in the meantime.

Soapyspuds · 05/05/2023 22:52

Contract says that if I miss due to sickness, I will refund. If the client misses due to holiday, payment still needs to be made. Four weeks notice to be given

So they're giving more than 4 weeks notice now to say they're finishing in June but 'Don't worry, we will give you a call in September when we need you back

Okay so you need to make it clear to them that they are not having a months break, as there are no rules for that in the contract. What they are doing is terminating the contract as per the terms.

If they ask for your services when they return from holiday then you advise them that the rate for new customers is 20% more than your previous rate. And they can take it or leave it.

Obviously the above is on the assumption you are able to pick up other clients if they decline.

I

Soapyspuds · 05/05/2023 22:53

If this is what you do I think it's unreasonable to expect kids to carry on throughout the summer

Reasonable does not come into this. They need to adhere to the terms of the contract and pay for the time they are away or give their 4 weeks notice.

This is a matter of fact situation, not an opinion situation.

Hankunamatata · 05/05/2023 22:54

Just tell them you can't guarantee a place in September.

Cosyblankets · 05/05/2023 22:56

Soapyspuds · 05/05/2023 22:53

If this is what you do I think it's unreasonable to expect kids to carry on throughout the summer

Reasonable does not come into this. They need to adhere to the terms of the contract and pay for the time they are away or give their 4 weeks notice.

This is a matter of fact situation, not an opinion situation.

And how would you go about enforcing that contract?
Simply tell them you cannot guarantee a space in September if they don't carry on in the summer

Original poster
selfemployedwwyd · 05/05/2023 22:57

Cosyblankets · 05/05/2023 22:51

Assume you're a tutor.
If this is what you do I think it's unreasonable to expect kids to carry on throughout the summer. I see some students but not others. The ones I don't see I just ask them to pay upfront for their lesson in September.
I'm usually fully booked and if someone drops out I can usually fill the space quite easily

I've been fully booked for the last 7yrs +.

This is the first year I've had clients saying they want to take the whole two months off.

I can't just fill those slots for two months. I can either take on new clients or I would lose income.

Don't know if this is relevant, but tutoring is my only income. I'm not doing it as an extra income on the side.

OP posts:
TheHateIsNotGood · 05/05/2023 22:58

It goes with the territory of being self-employed unfortunately. They want you when they want you and don't when they don't.

So to keep employed you find more clients, naturally, and if the 'when they want you client' pops up again you see if you can fit them in. It should be no surprise to any client that this is how self-employment works.

slithytoveisascientist · 05/05/2023 22:58

As PP have said you don't need to contract to this, just make it clear that they are terminating meantime that your future availability and rates are not guaranteed. And find yourself a more respectful client.

Bk1000 · 05/05/2023 22:59

I’m a dog walker and have similar issues OP, lots of people don’t want to pay for a walker over school holidays as they have other arrangements in place but they still expect me to hold the place for them!

Original poster
selfemployedwwyd · 05/05/2023 22:59

Hankunamatata · 05/05/2023 22:51

Suppose it really does depend on service too. I pay for a tutor all year round pretty much as don't want to lose place and they will use zoom if we are away or double up tutor sessions.

This is how it normally works!

I'm super flexible and more than happy to accommodate.

Thank you for supporting your tutor .

OP posts:
LIZS · 05/05/2023 22:59

Something like
Once notice has been given I reserve the right to offer the place to another client. If you wish to take a break and resume at a later date fees(full/at the rate of...) are payable in the interim.

JagerbombsUnite · 05/05/2023 22:59

Then you have to make it clear in the contract there's no room for flexibility. Either they keep paying or you consider it a termination of the contract. Simple.
You can also specify that they can contact you when you need them again and if there's space you'll take them on, as a 'new' contract.

Pixiedust1234 · 05/05/2023 23:00

Hankunamatata · 05/05/2023 22:54

Just tell them you can't guarantee a place in September.

^^ This. And also explain the cost might go up as you have to recoup some of your lost earnings.

Then its up to them to decide. But certainly don't be a pushover if you can replace them easily.

Soapyspuds · 05/05/2023 23:01

And how would you go about enforcing that contract?

Erm, by not turning up again in September unless they sign a new one. Once they breach the terms by not paying then OP withdraws the service provision.

Cosyblankets · 05/05/2023 23:01

It's definitely the downside of being self employed but if you're always fully booked you'll fill the spaces

Socrateswasrightaboutvoting · 05/05/2023 23:02

I would tell them that I would be happy to take their DC back 'if I have space' and then I would actively look to fill their empty spaces. I would have the contract state that it is for 48 weeks with additional cover by negotiation. Its a cheek - you are running a business not a charity.

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