parent not paid - shoudl I charge retainer?

[acorns]

I have a parent who is term time only, when we did the original contracts I thought it would be school term, but it is for university term and they will finish in June for the holidays and I wont see lo again till end Sep, something i wasn't told until after contracts had been done. Still I was ok with that. I took them on not charging a retainer as i charge a higher hourly rate, but although I have been paid (& in advance) they are normally 3 days late & this month 3 days late & still no payment. I have txtd Mum but got no response & lo is off for another 2 weeks. It has got me thinking that i would be better to charge a retainer to avoid them not paying or not turning up in September. This would mean a big change in contracts & cost for them, but I feel less trusting of them despite Mums assurances that they'll be back in Sep. I did think that I could charge a retainer for the holidays & then refund it from the first months fees in September. I'd like to know a few views form those muchly experienced in these things, thanks

[jane5]

I would at least ask them for Septembers payment in June as a non refundable deposit if they dont come back.

I hope you get it sorted as its very frustrating when you dont know where you stand.

[cuddlybunny38]

I have un*****ren, the uni tends to stop payments may/ june them resume in sep. but some do pay a retainer, the mum has to chase it though, my mum is doing that at the moment, as I have said to her I cant hold a place for 3 mths. I have had the children nearly 3 years. Was the same when she was ta college though, hope it works out x

[margaret]

I get half the weekly amount throughout all hols, have been doing this for two years.

[acorns]

Thanks, Mum came back to me saying she didn't think there was anything to pay until then end of the month (despite my invoice 2 wks ago ) Anyway I've emailed to clarify everything and forewarned that i'll be requesting a 4 week deposit in June for Sep/Oct fees (thanks for that idea). We'll see how it goes from here.

[acorns]

WOW - Mum replied straight away and is ok with everything & very apologetic & is bringing cash to me tomorrow, even though they're not due here. V proud of myself as it's the 1st time I've ever had to deal with a late payment situation phew

[Goatgirl]

well done acorns glad it worked out well

bws, Wendy