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Post by karent30 on Nov 16, 2007 20:55:10 GMT
Hi
I am quite new to child minding and possibly have my second child starting in February. The parents are coming to see me tomorrow. Do i charge a holding fee as they don't want me to start until Feb! If so how much should i charge. I currently charge a deposit of 1 week on signing the contract which is repaid at the end of the contract after deducting any reasonable amounts.
Many thanks Karen
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Post by tasha on Nov 16, 2007 21:02:03 GMT
Hi, Welcome! They want you to hold a place for 2 & a 1/2 months...which means you could potetially loose this amount of money. I would charge a retaining fee of 1 & 1/2 months...which is yours to keep. I have PM'd you my number if you want a bit more indepth answer! Tasha  |
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Post by miffy on Nov 16, 2007 21:38:15 GMT
Hi Karen
welcome to the forum - I look forward to chatting to you
I'll leave the other matter in Tasha's most capable hands
Miffy x
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Post by tasha on Nov 16, 2007 23:14:13 GMT
Why Miffy thank you for the compliment...you never fail to cheer me up! Tasha |
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Post by lisaurry on Nov 16, 2007 23:55:01 GMT
Hi Karen,
I too have children starting in February - and after advice of the forum crew (!) I have charged a retainer fee.
I was a bit embarressed at first, but as soon as I mentioned it, the parent was fine about it. She knows that to keep the places open she needs to pay a fee.
Good luck
Lisa x
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Post by karent30 on Nov 17, 2007 12:03:43 GMT
Hi Lisa
I am not sure what to charge! My support childminder has suggested 50% and to offer a settling in period of a couple of hours each week, what do you think?
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Post by sarsar3nch on Nov 17, 2007 13:08:23 GMT
Hi Karen
Retainers are important so don't be embarrassed, especially for that period of time. I think 50% sounds fair.
Sarah
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Post by polly2 on Nov 17, 2007 13:26:38 GMT
Hi
I recently had to hold a place for 2 months. I charged a months fees as retainer.
Mum had no problem with this.
hollyx
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Post by lisaurry on Nov 18, 2007 0:05:01 GMT
Hi again,
I was a bit chicken to ask for 50% (but I think she would have been alright with that). I decided on £100 per child per month - wot a chicken - but it was the first time I'd asked, next time I will be better at it!
Remember, whilst those places are being saved - you could fill them with other children, so get your retainer.
50% is fair.
Lisa x
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Post by lisaurry on Nov 18, 2007 0:06:48 GMT
"Remember, whilst those places are being saved - you could fill them with other children, so get your retainer."
By this I mean don't feel guilty - as if you didn't have a retainer - you could fill these spaces. I'm tired! Is this coming out right!!
Lisa x
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Post by bubbly on Nov 18, 2007 21:42:22 GMT
I'm going to charge a 50% retainer fee, which I think is fair for everyone.
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Post by june on Nov 18, 2007 22:08:22 GMT
Well done I went a whole year with no pay from one family. They came back when baby was 6 months I will never get caught out again I hope . Im just too soft.
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Post by cathchad on Nov 21, 2007 11:10:22 GMT
Hi,
Thanks for yet more great advice!
I had a call yesterday from a lady wanting a place in Jan,she is coming to see me next wed,i too am a bit too unsure about what to charge for retainers/deposits, but i think 50% is totally acceptable, as i could go and say "yes have the place and i will see you in January",turn other people down between now and then...and whats to say they have a change of heart and don't want the place any more after xmas.....it does happen!!
Cath.xx
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