CM CLUB - Talk to me about reserving spaces ahead and deposits - need to know fairly quickly if poss.........

[looneytune]

Hi

Just started thinking ahead to January when ds becomes a rising 5 and started advertising ahead. Well, had 4 enquiries already so I need some advice.

I know I don't need to charge a retainer as the space isn't available til Jan. So....I'm guessing the norm is to ask for a deposit to reserve the space and then knock that amount off the first invoice?? Is that what others do? If so, what do you charge?

I have the equivilent of a full time space as ds will be an over 5. The double pay mum still wants to pay double for the Thurs and Fri but may want 1 or 2 of the other days (understands that it will be single rate as I already have 2 kids). I have another friend possibly wanting 3 days for her 2 kids (older one I couldn't take til easter and she's fine). So basically, I've no idea yet what days people will take so rather than say an amount, what sort of percentage do you think I should take as a deposit?

Anything else I should be thinking of? This is the first time I've been in a position to reserve a space ahead iyswim.

TIA

I get paid monthly in advance and only take full time (5 days a week 8 hours a day) children so I ask for 1 weeks deposit, if that's any help.

Ok. So I charge monthly in advance but I have a mix of part timers doing full days. SOOOO, I suppose I could do the same as you. Double pay babies mum has just requested Monday's are reserved so I guess that would just be a deposit of 1 days fee?

Anyone else charge different?

bump

I take a months money as deposit

Cheers Katy. I think I may do a month as it's not going to be a full week. Because for the person reserving the extra day, it would only be about £38 and to me, that's not a huge commitment and it worries me turning other work away. The only thing is, I have a friend who MAY want 3 days a week for her youngest dd. I've told her IF she wants it, I'll have to charge a deposit as I HAVE to keep it the same as everyone else as it's a business - I can't afford the risk! BUT....I'm not sure about asking for a month upfront? A weeks money would be roughly £114 and a month's roughly £456. I don't suppose it matters as it's knocked off the first month's payment. Oh, I don't know. Maybe ask for 2 weeks payment?

I wonder if my friend is reading this (she's a MNetter) - if you are, sorry, I always come on here to check these sort of thing to make sure I do things fair

I think it depends on how much she would be prepared to lose - IF she decides not to use you - would a week's worth be a lot of money to her?

The friend one would only not use me if she had a change of circumstances - she's been nagging me for ages for a space and won't use anyone else. January is the earliest I can help with one of her children, Easter is when I can take on the 2nd child. So, this is what she wants - she's just waiting to find something out from work next week (lots of stuff going on) and then she should know.