Cancellation Charges

[nannynick]

A family had booked me to babysit on New Years Eve, but they have e-mailed saying they are cancelling, as a relative has now volunteered to babysit.
My policy is to charge a nominal fee if cancellation is made with less than 24-hours notice. Am I being too kind with this policy?

If it weren't New Year Eve it wouldn't be an issue, I guess next year ask for a deposit!

This is a difficult one Nick; I agree with carGirl in that if it hadn't have been NYE wouldn't have been an issue. I think a deposit is a good idea.

Although that said, I was booked by a family who I used to childmind for last weekend, as I arrived a problem occured with the electrics in the house so they decided not to go out which is understandable. I was disappointed though that they did not offer me a nominal fee considering that they knew I could have babysat for the Agency that I am registered with.

When childminding during the day, I have no qualms about charging if a child does not attend on the contracted day for any reason.

a pain in the backside but they have given you 4-5 days notice, so i dont think you could do anything..you COULD state in future, x amount charged if cancelled with 48 hours to go, xx amount if 24 hours(maybe half!?), and full amount if cancelled on the day?

No there is nothing that can be done, as my policy is only to charge if less than 24-hours notice. I was just wondering what other people did. Doubt I will re-sell the evening, so anyone having a New Years Eve party near me?

If i had more money you could have come and babysat for me , one day I will get to a new years eve party!