Have you ever charged anyone a late payment fee? Would you ever? Under what circumstances would you? (don't say "Late payment"!!).
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Have you ever charged anyone a late payment fee? Would you ever? Under what circumstances would you? (don't say "Late payment"!!).
I'm usually quite relaxed as long as the parents let me know. Our city seems to get traffic jams alot.
I have charged once when parents turned up together an hour and half later as they decided to nip to the pub. They weren't impressed with the late fee for 2 children but strangely were never late again:laughing:
I charge a late payment fee if monthly fees are late being paid WITHOUT parent informing me. I have a few who pay using voucher companies, and these can never pay out over a weekend, plus if a parent doesn't get paid until the 18th month, and the voucher company takes 2-4 working days to pay a 'claim', I don't get paid till a few days into the start of the month! However, all parents do know this, and tell me.
When I started childminding, I had a mum who was useless at remembering to pay me, even with reminders! She used to automatically add on 3 days late fees when she paid! And when she didn't need to, she'd always say. Keep it for when i'm even later paying!
I charge parents who are late to collect ( or early to drop off ), and ask that they always let me know if they want a late collection ( or early drop off ). If they let me know, and it is going to be more than 10/15 mins, then I add an extra half hour or hour to their invoice the following month. I've not had any parents take advantage though, and I have had to say to parents that if i am going to be out, they will have to come and find me and their child where ever I am, or arrange some one else to collect their child at the normal time.
If they don't let me know, then I say I will charge a higher fee. I've never had to charge it!
I never have. I have had a couple of circumstances where a nursery or tougher childminder would have charged, but generally my parents have been good - touch wood.
If you are thinking of charging a late fee though, I would definitely cover yourself by putting in writing a reminder or warning that you will adding a late fee if x,y,z happens. Don't just apply it out of the blue, even if it is in your written policy which you know the parent has a copy of, or if you mentioned it on the initial visit.
Good luck.