possible mindee, deposit or retainer

[coffee-time]

hi all, i got a message today asking if i have space for a 10mnth old thurs and fri from september, i do have spaces at the moment as this is my first enquiry, if she is interested should i ask for a deposit to hold the space or a retainer, i really should know but ive gone blank and got butterflies just from getting an enquiry!! ive been really eager to get going and now im panicking:eek:

[Pipsqueak]

I'd probably charge a retainer - normally 50% of the weekly fee.

[funfunfun]

Yes thats what id do :)

[coffee-time]

dont want to sound stupid, but can someone explain the difference between a deposit and retainer, is a retainer paid weekly/monthly until they start or do you take the whole amount upfront? thanks for any help!