what would you charge??

[jen]

i have a mum coming to see me tomorrow at 5pm wanting 2/3 days a week from march.

If she decides she wants me to have the child what would everyone charge for a retainer fee? It seems such a long time away

Jen x

[tasha]

She is expecting you to hold a place for 5 1/2 months so I would charge 3 months fees. (For the days she wants).
Tasha

[fruitbat]

That's a long time to hold a space and a long time for mum to change her mind. I'd charge a half fee retainer.

Fruitbat

[rubybubbles]

It's up to you at the end of the day, for that far in advance I would charge say £100 per month (for full timer) just because I'm soft! My policies state I would charge 1/2 fee for the duration, go with whats best for you

[fionamal]

I too have a mum comng to see me for next April for 3 full days per week.

Had thought about charging half fee from when she signs the contract to April when she starts.

Other childminders had said to charge a one off payment like £250 to hold the placement.

The half fee works out better for me but dont want to scare her away.

Sorry! im not much help either

[angeldelight]

Sorry I am not much help either

I am a softie

I only ever charge a large one off payment
I make them sign so they understand it is none refundable if they change their mind

It also comes off their first month bill when the child starts with me

Good luck tomorrow let us know how it goes

Angel xx

[jen]

HI everyone, thanks for your advice.

The parents came round last night and it went really well. mum rang me today and said they really wanted me to look after E. The baby is 4 months now so will be 9 months when i start looking after her. its for 2 days 7am till 2pm from march

I told the parents when they came to look round that i would have to charge a retainer fee and they were happy about that. i have worked it out and she wants the place saving for 23 weeks so it will cost her about £500 but she was happy and said she was pleased it was all sorted out.

it has worked out really well as i was recommended to her from some sisters i look after so i know i am at least doing something right!!

Jen x

[rubybubbles]

jen said:

HI everyone, thanks for your advice.

The parents came round last night and it went really well. mum rang me today and said they really wanted me to look after E. The baby is 4 months now so will be 9 months when i start looking after her. its for 2 days 7am till 2pm from march

I told the parents when they came to look round that i would have to charge a retainer fee and they were happy about that. i have worked it out and she wants the place saving for 23 weeks so it will cost her about £500 but she was happy and said she was pleased it was all sorted out.

it has worked out really well as i was recommended to her from some sisters i look after so i know i am at least doing something right!!

Jen x

excellent glad you managed to sort it out!! I thing everyone is too soft though lol reading these messages - but we're all hard on here when ranting teehee

[mel]

glad you managed to sort it out - I have the same happening today with a couple coming who want a place held until January. Not sure what I'll ask for as a deposit yet. Will have to see how the conversation goes. I know she turned down a nursery place as the deposit was so high but don't really want to lose the business.

Mel x

[lisaurry]

Sorry to sound thick, but would you give this retainer back once they start??

I have a lady who wants to start in February, and am just wondering what to do. I would like to get her to pay something and after reading this, just wondered how it would work?

thanks
Lisa x

[susan]

No a retainer is paid to hold the place for her till she wants to start and isnt given back or knocked off fees it's your iyswim xxx