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View Full Version : parents coming round to sign contracts tonight...


Delly
19-03-2008, 07:07 PM
its my first proper contract with people i don't know, so want to make a good impression.

I am holding a place for this LO who is going to be starting in August, so therefore charging a retainer fee,
does £5 a week in advance, so to be paid tonight.. sound ok?
Its only going to be minding for one day a week, so it equates, near enough to a full months money.

I would feel a little cheeky asking for anything more than a months money, but i am holding the place for 5 mths so they should pay something..
what do you all think? am I underselling?
HilaryT
19-03-2008, 07:12 PM
You are basically holding their place open for 4 months, so maybe you could ask for more - perhaps do some negotiation with them? 50% of the weekly fees would be what I would hope for, but you could strike a deal if they faint with shock! Suggest a figure you would be happy with and negotiate quickly depending on their reaction?

Good luck!

Hilary
Alibali
19-03-2008, 07:15 PM
Alot of the childminders I know charge half fee for a retainer, and as you are holding the space for so long you won't be able to fill that space, therefore be out of pocket. I think you should try half fee and see what they say.

Alison x
Kelly
19-03-2008, 07:17 PM
I agree with the above, I would ask for more, keeping a space for such a long time could be very costly to you. I would try and negotiate 50% of the fees.

Kelly
angeldelight
19-03-2008, 07:18 PM
Just wanted to say good luck

Angel xx
son77
19-03-2008, 07:22 PM
I charged a retainer fee of a third & that was for 6 weeks.

Good luck x
tomthumb
19-03-2008, 07:33 PM
I would really ask for a retainer fee as well. I have one parent wanting to start full time in October and I a holding the place for £100 a month. It is not a lot but I can be sure she will come in October and I am still earning a littlebit.

Good luck!!
smartypants
19-03-2008, 07:40 PM
First of all i want to wish you "good Luck"

I charge 1/2 the fee for retainer to but like the others have said, say a figue and see what the reaction is :thumbsup:
berkschick
19-03-2008, 07:47 PM
Also mention that you will still advertise the place as a temp place and should you fill it then you will refund the retainer to them.

A friend of mine did this and as luck would have it, she got a child whose childminder was going on maternity leave so she covered the maternity leave, the parents were refunded the retainer and everyone was happy :)
angeldelight
19-03-2008, 08:43 PM
How did it go tonight ?

Angel xx
Delly
19-03-2008, 09:13 PM
well they have only just gone,

little boy is lovely, such a cutie, at 4 mths old..
dont think i'm going to be very good at this negotiation stuff, i'm too soft.

i mentioned to them about half fee for retainer and they looked pretty shocked to be honest,

so in end we opted for the £100 retainer fee, to hold the place till august, suppose its only 150 quid less than what I would have got if they paid half fees.

Think I need to go on an assertiveness course.. :doh:
Banana
19-03-2008, 09:18 PM
well they have only just gone,

little boy is lovely, such a cutie, at 4 mths old..
dont think i'm going to be very good at this negotiation stuff, i'm too soft.

i mentioned to them about half fee for retainer and they looked pretty shocked to be honest,

so in end we opted for the £100 retainer fee, to hold the place till august, suppose its only 150 quid less than what I would have got if they paid half fees.

Think I need to go on an assertiveness course.. :doh:


You and me both!!

Really pleased you got the contract signed!!

Well done you!
x
Delly
19-03-2008, 09:21 PM
You and me both!!

Really pleased you got the contract signed!!

Well done you!
x

thanks, just hope i've done it right though, blimey my head hurts, think going to have a beer now !! oh yes and a hot cross bun (i'm addicted to them ! )
Tily Bud
19-03-2008, 09:22 PM
congratulations on getting the contract sorted xx
sarah707
19-03-2008, 09:22 PM
Well done you! And you got a retainer out of them which is brilliant! :clapping:
miffy
19-03-2008, 09:30 PM
Well done pleased it worked out for you

Miffy xx
Kelly
19-03-2008, 09:37 PM
I'm pleased it worked out for you. At least you will be getting some income in the knowledge you've got a new LO starting, even if it is a few months off yet.

Well done

Kelly
ma7ie
19-03-2008, 09:54 PM
Well done on the contract.:D
tomthumb
20-03-2008, 02:23 PM
Well done on signing contract AND getting retainer. I find it a tricky one as well but you have to think that you won't be making money until he comes in August so it is only fair they pay you a little bit.
LittleMissSparkles
20-03-2008, 05:42 PM
well done and congratulations xxxx
charleyfarley
20-03-2008, 05:49 PM
Congratulations on the contract signing

Carol xxx
angeldelight
21-03-2008, 11:33 AM
Well done

Angel xx
barbarella68
21-03-2008, 11:41 AM
Congratualtions:clapping:
Do you do what I do? I think seriously about what I want retainer etc.
Then it comes to the crunch I get all tongue tied and all embarrassed because I hate talking about money,so I really am my own worst enemy.
Alyson
deeb66
22-03-2008, 06:06 PM
Well done!

At least you got something that both you and the parents are happy with. :thumbsup: