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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

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Original poster

Would you charge for this?

10 replies

Tabbykat · 19/01/2009 17:50

New mindee was supposed to start this morning - all contracts signed etc. Her mum then phoned this morning to say that she had car trouble and couldn't make it, so she'll be starting on wednesday. Would you charge her for today even though she didn't come? I know it says in the contracts that absences are charged but I feel a bit mean doing this on the very first day , especially as the car will cost the mum a lot to fix. WWYD?

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Ripeberry · 19/01/2009 18:00

Best to start on the right foot and let her off. Not her fault the car packed up! She will know then that you are as lovely as you are

crace · 19/01/2009 18:03

Same here, I know its a loss of income but it's best to start with trying to work together. I think when they are messing around then it's a different story - she did call as well. And good for you for thinking of her.

littlestarschildminding · 19/01/2009 18:09

I would make her pay...start as you mean to go on!! Otherwise the next time the car breaks down or she needs the day off then she will expect not to pay...maybe Im a meanie. I have been nice to so many people in the past and they have taken taken taken that Im afraid I stick firmly to the rules.

SammyK · 19/01/2009 18:10

Hmm, this is where I come in and disagree, I have been soft at the beginning of working relationships and it always bites you in the bum later on down the line. I would start as you mean to go on, you are running a business and she should respect that when she reads the invoice.

Original poster

Tabbykat · 19/01/2009 18:23

Thanks for the advice. I know my business head is screaming no but I think I should maybe let her off - it just seems too mean on the very first day. She's due to pay on Wednesday, so unless she insists on paying for today as well (!) I think I might let it go - just this once - and then be VERY STRICT in the future! Oh the decisions....thanks guys

OP posts:

nomoreamover · 19/01/2009 19:18

you could always charge a half fee for today - tell her as it was her first day you felt mean charging the usual full rate-that way you don't lose out completely and she feels you've done her a favour too

Numberfour · 19/01/2009 19:33

start as you mean to go on...I second that.

wish i had followed that advice when i first started.

MatNanPlusAbroad · 19/01/2009 19:35

I would charge her a 50% fee for today and make it very clear on the invoice that it was a first day discount and that the terms and conditions are now fully in force.

Original poster

Tabbykat · 19/01/2009 20:27

actually, 50% does sound like a good compromise if she's willing to go for it. So hard to know what to do, but cheers for all your help, x

OP posts:

MatNanPlusAbroad · 19/01/2009 20:45

To be honest as she has read and signed acceptance of your terms and conditions she should fully expect to pay 100% but 50% is a nice gesture on your part.

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