Do I charge a retainer fee? If so how much?

[no1childminder]

Hi. Im going for an interview thurs for a nanny position to start August. If we 'like' each other I am worried that il accept the job but between now and then she may find someone cheaper, or is recommended someone. And obviously i would of wasted valuable job-hunting time. Im also thinking she must want the reassurance that i wont look for a 'better' job too. Shall i bring up a retainer fee? and if so how much shall i charge?

would appreciate opinions from both childcarers and parents.

thanks!

oh i just want to add im not working at the moment, so its not like i can stay in my job until aug.

Maybe you should pay her a retainer fee.

I think what you want is a contract, not a fee.

got no money, lol. not working!

a contract sounds good.

thanks.

Sorry. I was very flippant. But, really just pointing out that she is taking the very same risk. You could pull out one week before you are due to start and she would be in a very difficult position. Have you got any prospects for temp work to tie you over until August? What about school hols work for schoolage kids?

I've never heard of paying a retainer to a nanny before although I know childminders who do charge them. This really isn't conventional in my experience with nannies. I would wait until several experienced nannies mentioned that it was common before even thinking of suggesting it.

nanny nick/Frak would know.

Not heard of a retainer fee being involved when securing a nanny job.

There is trust on both sides, you both are needing to honour the commitment once made. From interview to getting the contract drawn up to both sides satisfaction can take time. The contract would state a start date, so by both signing it you are agreeing to the terms.

Not really sure what would happen if then one party decided to pull out. Not sure how any tribunal might rule, given there would be no work having been done.

It's a risk on both sides.

Are you an ex-childminder?

yeah, i tried childminding for roughly a year, but preferred nannying so went back to that.

a nanny i met today, and i asked her what she thought, said she had the same thing and she popped round for a coffee/play every other weekend until she started. she said it helped keep her in the picture, showed she was stil interested and gave her a chance to get to know the child and vice-versa. i think thats a brill idea. im going to propose that.

I wouldn't suggest every other weekend as thats quite a big commitment for you and also they might not want to be invaded during the weekend etc just say it would be nice to meet up a couple of times before you start etc.

I agree, that is a great idea. And also agree weekly is too often. I would say every 2-3 weeks. And make one of them the week before you start. You might also suggest to mum that you are available for babysitting in this time (for your usual fee / going rate).