When should i start asking for a retainer fee

[loulou5]

Hi, just wondering when i should start asking for a retainer fee. Have known that this person wants to use my service for about 3 months now, but because i hadn't had any other enquiries have not asked for a retainer.

I have now had 2 enquires in the last 2 weeks, so feel that i should now be asking for something, but she doesn't want to start until december. Is it still to early to ask for a retainer and how much should i be asking for.

Any help greatly appreciated

Don't turn anyone away unless you've got a signed contract and a deposit/retainer in your bank account. Its all too common for parents to change their minds- whether they didn't get the job they wanted or the hours/days end up different or they then decide to go for a nursery, grandparent or childminder who is nearer or cheaper etc. i've learned the hard way, I don't count anything as definite until I've got their money in my bank. And even then one family only came the one day & never came back.

Retainers are usually half fees, but you need to be available for them to use the place if they want to (with payment of full fees for hours used).

Give them a call & tell them you haven't charged up to now because you hadn't had any enquiries, but you've now had 2 other enquiries so if they still want you to reserve the place they can do so by paying the retainer from this week up to the start date. Invite them round again & get a contract signed & a standing order or post dated cheques for weekly or monthly payments so they don't have to remember each time to pay you.

Some parents don't like to pay retainers & are happy to take a chance on you still having a place when they need it.

i charged a retainer for 6 months to one set of parents.........was meant to be 3 months but they kept putting start date back, was pretty pissed off because i obviously could have earnt a lot more in that time,but thats life!
i would do as ayla says and give them a call.
good luck!

Thankyou Ayla and smeeinit

I have contacted her and she is more than happy to pay a retainer and was surprised she hadn't been asked earlier

Thanks for advice- it worked