retainer or deposit help

[nicola1981]

hi ive had an enquiry for lo for 2 days per week term time only to start in june.

im unsure whether to ask for a deposit to secure the place or retainer.

i want to charge a retainer in the holidays but feel asking for a rtainer from now till june then working for 6 weeks then a retainer for another 6 weeks over holidays is a lot to ask.

mum will def be due back in sept but may go back in june as she will qualify for paid summer holidays.

i want this contract but dont want to ask for too much or ask for too little and lose out on potential income.

is a retainer 50%

please help

[The Juggler]

meet mum first hon. you can explain to her once you've met that you work all year round and will have to charge a retainer for the holidays.

As to a retainer for the period to June, depends how busy work is hon. If you think you will lose her over charging a retainer and work is slow, I'd just charge a deposit. If work is plentiful, I would tell her and see what she says but say that you'll not be able to hold the place for free.