To retain or not to retain?

Hello,

Apologies for the following waffle:

I have had a request from a prospective parent who is looking for adhoc care for their 10 month old beginning in April. The parents work shifts and know their childcare requirement in advance. In April, for instance they need a childminder for 8th (pm) and full days on the 11th, 12th, 13th and 20th. For May the 4th (pm), 13th (am), and full days on the 18th and 25th. For June, full days on 1st, 2nd and pm for the 8th.

To be honest, I don't object to working part time, although money is tight (it allows me to spend more time with my lo).

I need to reply to the parent asap, what would you do? Would you charge a retainer and when, how would you impose it? Or would you charge for a minimum amount of hours per week? Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.:D

I would charge a minimum price per week, for example £100 so that I knew that I had that coming in. I would charge per hour (minimum daily rate of £20.00) and once the £100 was used up I would invoice for the extra

Hope I am explaining this well

1 week £100 - hourly rate £4.00

Mon : 8am - 5pm = 9 hours at £4 = £36
Tues : 8am - 12pm = 4 hours at £4 = £20 (min fee)
Wed : Not required
Thurs: as Tues = £20
Fri : 10am - 5pm = 7 hours at £4 = £28

Week = £104 payment due £104

Week 2

Mon not required
Tues not required
Wed 8am - 12pm = £20
Thurs not required
Fri not required

Payment due £100

Many thanks Debbie for your advice. I have emailed the parent and she is going to consider her options.

Thanks once again:thumbsup:

Hope she comes back to you.

I'm sure she won't find it easy to place her lo as she needs a full time place available sometimes for very little usage. It wouldn't be worthwhile if you just charged the hours she actually needs.

Miffy xx

What I did with mine was charge full day rate for days used and half fee for days not used, so I always had at least half fee coming in.

Excellent hope she comes back