retainer advice

[kel1983]

I had an enquiry yesterday for Jan 2013. I told the lady that unless she wanted to pay a retainer I would not be able to hold the 1 space we have left open for her.

Can someone give me advice on a retainer. I would like to know how one works etc as i'm having difficulties understanding it all. I'm assuming the parents would pay a certain amount for the days between now and then. Also that its non refundable if they decided not to take the space up. And im assuming I would have to make sure the space is definately there for them when they start

[The Juggler]

if I was going to do this (which I wouldn't as I couldn't afford only half pay til jan )

I would take a full months non-refundable deposit now and charge 50% of fees until they start. This is also non-refundable. They may use the space if they wish during that time as they are paying for it and you would need to either be available to work.

Hope that helps.