Retainer Fees for childminders

[bec5696]

Just after some advice really, on what percentage childminders charge on retainer fees?
A parent has approached us regarding childcare 4 months in advance, what parecentage of the fees would you charge for keeping a space open for this amount of time?

I charge half the permanent fee.

If you think she may be put off by that much you could agree a fixed amount. A tip though, ask for more than you are prepared to accept so that if she trys to haggle, you will still have the figure you had in mind to start with

If you really want the child you may have to take what she can afford but personally I'd rather let them go elsewhere than do that

I also would charge 1/2 fees if they weren't using the place at all.

But sometimes I've agreed an extended settling in period in the run up to the required start date instead. Where the parent has booked specific hours each week and I've agreed to only charge for the booked hours until the agreed start date. (and a months deposit, which I keep til the arrangement ends).