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

**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..

**Banana** · 19-03-2008, 09:18 PM

Originally Posted by Delly

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..

You and me both!!

Really pleased you got the contract signed!!

Well done you!
x

**Delly** · 19-03-2008, 09:21 PM

Originally Posted by Banana

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!

**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.

**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.