Goatgirl
02-01-2010, 05:34 PM
Hi all,
I've had a family with 2 little ones come back to me in December, after a break for maternity leave. They're lovely children and the parents do always pay, but never the whole amount on time. Its really annoyed me, especially as I have been very clear about it. Every month its "there's been a problem but definitely the whole lot on time next month".
They were due to pay me by last friday for the next 4 weeks, but i got a text on weds saying they had a certain amount, but wouldn't have the balance until a week monday. Rather than let it go again, I said I would accept a 2 part payment this one last time and thereafter would be charging a daily late fee for any money not paid on the due date. I was polite, careful not to sound patronising, and shortly after sent another friendly message about times etc, saying when i'd be around for them to drop off payment and reminding them I have xmas pressies here for the children to be collected.
Then nothing. No money brought round, no message to say why. I started thinking they'd got stressy and I'd never see them again and was even starting to come around to the idea that I'd have some free time! (but not much money, lol)
Then today i got a text saying can i give them a price for the next 2 weeks, as mum is giving notice at work and wont need me after that.!!
I'm pretty sure its a response to me being firm with them and to be honest I'd rather not have the constant stress of not knowing when I'll get my money every month, but its still disappointing and the children are so lovely... not to mention the loss of income :(
Anyway I guess what i need help with is to decide if its worth getting into a battle with them over the outstanding fees, or to just have a quiet life; give them a figure, work the 2 weeks and let them get away with taking the mick...as usual. The 2 weeks are worth around £300.. or even just not answer them!! see how they like not knowing what's going on for a few days :idea:
What would you guys do?
sorry for rambling :blush:
wendy :)
I've had a family with 2 little ones come back to me in December, after a break for maternity leave. They're lovely children and the parents do always pay, but never the whole amount on time. Its really annoyed me, especially as I have been very clear about it. Every month its "there's been a problem but definitely the whole lot on time next month".
They were due to pay me by last friday for the next 4 weeks, but i got a text on weds saying they had a certain amount, but wouldn't have the balance until a week monday. Rather than let it go again, I said I would accept a 2 part payment this one last time and thereafter would be charging a daily late fee for any money not paid on the due date. I was polite, careful not to sound patronising, and shortly after sent another friendly message about times etc, saying when i'd be around for them to drop off payment and reminding them I have xmas pressies here for the children to be collected.
Then nothing. No money brought round, no message to say why. I started thinking they'd got stressy and I'd never see them again and was even starting to come around to the idea that I'd have some free time! (but not much money, lol)
Then today i got a text saying can i give them a price for the next 2 weeks, as mum is giving notice at work and wont need me after that.!!
I'm pretty sure its a response to me being firm with them and to be honest I'd rather not have the constant stress of not knowing when I'll get my money every month, but its still disappointing and the children are so lovely... not to mention the loss of income :(
Anyway I guess what i need help with is to decide if its worth getting into a battle with them over the outstanding fees, or to just have a quiet life; give them a figure, work the 2 weeks and let them get away with taking the mick...as usual. The 2 weeks are worth around £300.. or even just not answer them!! see how they like not knowing what's going on for a few days :idea:
What would you guys do?
sorry for rambling :blush:
wendy :)