CM Club: Retainer fee problems

[LucieLucie]

Just looking for advice really from other cm's & parents on the subject of retainers...
I am a registered childminder and was visited in mid- November by a couple looking for childcare for their baby boy starting in January. Terms were 3 different days per week due to parents shift work, so effectively requiring a whole full time space.
I thought I was being really fair by NOT charging them for the week but by meeting half way (just under 4 days) because I will not be able to fit another part time in around this.
We all agreed to this then they were advised its a half fee retainer to hold the space until January.
Anyway, they have stalled and stalled but have signed the contract, however not paid a penny of the retainer.
I have just found out that the father has been mouthing off to workmates how he is unhappy with paying a childminder 'for nothing' !!!
I have already turned another baby away on the basis that they had wanted the space 1st.
I now feel awful and don't want to start off on the wrong foot.
HELP! I feel confused as to if Im right or wrong...ps nothing has ever been said directly to me....just silence...not bringing for settling in etc
what do I do...?
Thanx...sorry its long

hallo

i am not a childminder, but my two penceworth is - contract allowing -
give them a deadline of next week to pay retainer or say you will be offering place to other child. and carry through
ignore rumours of mouthing off, you have no idea if they are true

so you're already out of pocket because you can't fill the rest of the time and you are waiting till January to get fees - always with the risk that they may then change their minds? Too right you want a retainer! Don't explain, don't apologise, just bill them and if they don't pay up they lose the place. They need to understand that childcare costs - and is a risk for the provider as well as the parent!

I agree with Maz entirely. You have to charge a retainer! They have to understand that you have turned business down, on the understanding that they are taking the space!

Be strong. This is your business. You have been more than fair, by agreeing a reduced retainer already. Give them a deadline and stick to it.

I know he has been because the person who he said it to is the husband of a friend of a friend and was able to tell detail like how much charged etc.

Anyway, I suppose that is not really the issue, its more that I dont want to feel resented or worthless to this couple. If they are grudging paying before we even start its making me think how are they going to be when asked for monthly fees etc??

I really do try to be fair - I dont charge for my sickness or holidays etc, where some do.

Cross posted. Thanks for your supportive comments above.
I am really upset over this as I really do try hard to be nice. I would certainly not dream of 'ripping people off'.
I actually want to refuse them the space now anyway based on their feelings about the retainer, but I suppose that 's just cutting off my nose to spite my face lol.

I feel a bit better already ladies, thanks.

people say all sorts of stuff
husband of friend of friend - unless he says it to your face you don't know exactly what was said in what context - so don't let it bother you.
it is completely and utterly necessary and reasonable for you to charge a retainer, but it is the kind of thing someone might well have a grumble about, without any harm meant.Just noticed the not bringing for settling in - I'd be concerned about that.

however - get your deposit and can you set them up to pay monthly fees by standing order or something?

have you chased them for the money?

Mazzy - actually what you said about things being said etc sounds very sensible to me thanks! You kinda helped me get it in perspective a bit. I think i was just so shocked I just took it so seriously.

I think they have not brought the baby to settle in because they haven't paid the money. It was suggested mum came every monday afternoon for a couple of hours with baby for a coffee/chat and she was to phone me....still waiting. I feel embarrassed phoning them and 'chasing them up'.

I think they initially misunderstood what a retainer fee meant and assumed it would be deducted from the 1st months fees so that doesn't help matters.

A deadline sounds fair. I will fix it to next Monday then move on and cut my losses.