Fab visit from parent, advice on retainers/deposits?

[crazyhazy]

Finally I have just had a great visit from a parent and it's pretty much 100% that I'll be getting their baby. They are due to go back to work in Jan and will want me 4 days per week from then, but she mentioned me starting maybe in Oct time for two days a week to get the little girl used to me and being left etc. She is going to chat with her husband tonight but didn't see any issues cos they already know me etc and she'll give me a call once she knows when she needs me to start, which will be a couple of weeks time. So, can someone please advise me on deposits/retainers? How soon should I be getting a contract signed with them?

Thanks, am so excited after weeks of waiting on the phone to ring this seems perfect!

[hello kitty]

I found this and thought you may find it useful:

[The Juggler]

If you have a space now, then I would charge a retainer definately. It's a long time to hold a place. If you don't have a space until say October, then you wouldn't charge a retainer fee.

However, I would charge a months' non-refundable deposit from when you sign the contracts.

Well done!