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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>How Would You Respond To This Text?
MCC 07:46 AM 02-10-2014
All my families are on direct deposit, payment has to be in my account by today at drop off in order for the child to stay. This morning I have a new 1 yo, and it has been a little crazy, so I didn't have time to check my account.
I just checked, around 9:30, and realized a different DCD (kid is already here) had not sent payment, they normally send it a couple days early, so I am surprised by this. I sent a text to both mom and dad letting them know I had not seen it come through, and if they could please check with their bank and make sure it's on the way.
DCD text back and said "Figured we had till the end of the day"
Me: No, It is due at drop off, please let me know if you need another copy of the policies" (they have been here for 5 months, they know this!)
DCD: We were stuck in Philly last night in a snow storm, so a little understanding would be appreciated.
What would you say to this? I am almost livid. He did send the payment, btw.
My contract states that I charge a $10 late fee for any payment not made at drop off, I would have never charged him that fee, but after that comment, I am seriously considering it.
I just checked, around 9:30, and realized a different DCD (kid is already here) had not sent payment, they normally send it a couple days early, so I am surprised by this. I sent a text to both mom and dad letting them know I had not seen it come through, and if they could please check with their bank and make sure it's on the way.
DCD text back and said "Figured we had till the end of the day"
Me: No, It is due at drop off, please let me know if you need another copy of the policies" (they have been here for 5 months, they know this!)
DCD: We were stuck in Philly last night in a snow storm, so a little understanding would be appreciated.
What would you say to this? I am almost livid. He did send the payment, btw.
My contract states that I charge a $10 late fee for any payment not made at drop off, I would have never charged him that fee, but after that comment, I am seriously considering it.
SilverSabre25 07:51 AM 02-10-2014
Honestly, I would NOT charge the fee this time, but I would respond with,
Oh man, I didn't know that! I understand how stressful situations like that can be. I will waive the late fee this time, but please remember for the future that payment is due at drop off and if I don't have it, it's a $10 late fee.
Oh man, I didn't know that! I understand how stressful situations like that can be. I will waive the late fee this time, but please remember for the future that payment is due at drop off and if I don't have it, it's a $10 late fee.
Blackcat31 08:00 AM 02-10-2014
I disagree about waiving the late fee. I would probably have waived it IF the parent had told me.
With NO advance notice or even a quick head's up, I don't feel a "little understanding" applies here.
I would have responded back with "I'm sorry you were stuck in Philly. Glad to hear everyone is okay/safe. I understand about the situation however, a little advance notice or a head's up would been appreciated on my end and would have saved you the late fee. Unfortunately with no advance notice, the late fee was automatically applied."
There really is NO excuse for not at least letting you know. Texting is simple, easy and takes only a few seconds to do.
I don't get why parents do things and then ask AFTERWARDS about fees. If they were stuck in Philly, I still don't see how that would effect their ability to pay something over the internet?
Also if they knew they were stuck, then they knew payment would be late so why not let you know BEFORE the due date/time?
With NO advance notice or even a quick head's up, I don't feel a "little understanding" applies here.
I would have responded back with "I'm sorry you were stuck in Philly. Glad to hear everyone is okay/safe. I understand about the situation however, a little advance notice or a head's up would been appreciated on my end and would have saved you the late fee. Unfortunately with no advance notice, the late fee was automatically applied."
There really is NO excuse for not at least letting you know. Texting is simple, easy and takes only a few seconds to do.
I don't get why parents do things and then ask AFTERWARDS about fees. If they were stuck in Philly, I still don't see how that would effect their ability to pay something over the internet?
Also if they knew they were stuck, then they knew payment would be late so why not let you know BEFORE the due date/time?
Kimskiddos 08:00 AM 02-10-2014
Originally Posted by SilverSabre25:
Honestly, I would NOT charge the fee this time, but I would respond with,
Oh man, I didn't know that! I understand how stressful situations like that can be. I will waive the late fee this time, but please remember for the future that payment is due at drop off and if I don't have it, it's a $10 late fee.
Honestly, I would NOT charge the fee this time, but I would respond with,
Oh man, I didn't know that! I understand how stressful situations like that can be. I will waive the late fee this time, but please remember for the future that payment is due at drop off and if I don't have it, it's a $10 late fee.
MCC 08:05 AM 02-10-2014
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
I disagree about waiving the late fee. I would probably have waived it IF the parent had told me.
With NO advance notice or even a quick head's up, I don't feel a "little understanding" applies here.
I would have responded back with "I'm sorry you were stuck in Philly. Glad to hear everyone is okay/safe. I understand about the situation however, a little advance notice or a head's up would been appreciated on my end and would have saved you the late fee. Unfortunately with no advance notice, the late fee was automatically applied."
There really is NO excuse for not at least letting you know. Texting is simple, easy and takes only a few seconds to do.
I don't get why parents do things and then ask AFTERWARDS about fees. If they were stuck in Philly, I still don't see how that would effect their ability to pay something over the internet?
Also if they knew they were stuck, then they knew payment would be late so why not let you know BEFORE the due date/time?
Thank you, I like this response. I also do not understand why they would not have been able to make the payment on their phone, or over the internet in Philly, they were at his parents house, not a hotel, I'm sure they have internet. Or they could have just brought a check with them today if they had trouble with internet while they were there.I disagree about waiving the late fee. I would probably have waived it IF the parent had told me.
With NO advance notice or even a quick head's up, I don't feel a "little understanding" applies here.
I would have responded back with "I'm sorry you were stuck in Philly. Glad to hear everyone is okay/safe. I understand about the situation however, a little advance notice or a head's up would been appreciated on my end and would have saved you the late fee. Unfortunately with no advance notice, the late fee was automatically applied."
There really is NO excuse for not at least letting you know. Texting is simple, easy and takes only a few seconds to do.
I don't get why parents do things and then ask AFTERWARDS about fees. If they were stuck in Philly, I still don't see how that would effect their ability to pay something over the internet?
Also if they knew they were stuck, then they knew payment would be late so why not let you know BEFORE the due date/time?
Meyou 08:07 AM 02-10-2014
Online banking is available everywhere. 
I would charge the fee although if they had texted and said they were stuck and had to delay a day I would have waived it. It's all about respect and communication.
FWIW I regularly have clients pay me through online banking while out of town on business. Being 3000 km away in Miama (another country) didn't stop one of them from paying my last Thursday in fact.
I would charge the fee although if they had texted and said they were stuck and had to delay a day I would have waived it. It's all about respect and communication. FWIW I regularly have clients pay me through online banking while out of town on business. Being 3000 km away in Miama (another country) didn't stop one of them from paying my last Thursday in fact.
sharlan 08:51 AM 02-10-2014
If this was the first time, I would let it go.
I charged a father $70 in late fees yesterday because his ex was supposed to pay last week and she didn't. She had agreed to pay on Friday along with the late fees, but instead had his mom pick up so she wouldn't see me.
I charged a father $70 in late fees yesterday because his ex was supposed to pay last week and she didn't. She had agreed to pay on Friday along with the late fees, but instead had his mom pick up so she wouldn't see me.
VTMom 09:35 AM 02-10-2014
Maybe I'm stirring the pot a little here, but...is this just a transfer within the same bank - their account to yours, or is between different banks? If it's between different banks, I'm pretty sure the payment would have had to be executed prior to Sunday, and more likely on a business day, if not two, before payment date. Just speculating
Their weekend plans should not effect your family's ability to pay your bills. Really...what difference would have made if they were able to come in "on time"? Are we talking about them being stranded for days or delayed hours?
Their weekend plans should not effect your family's ability to pay your bills. Really...what difference would have made if they were able to come in "on time"? Are we talking about them being stranded for days or delayed hours?
cheerfuldom 10:22 AM 02-10-2014
I agree with BC. Even if the internet was out, they most likely could have called you BEFORE this whole thing went down plus I find DCDs response incredibly rude.
Cat Herder 10:27 AM 02-10-2014
For me, if DCD did not "approve" the payment until today, it would not be in my account until NEXT week. A week late. 
Payments coming out today ("approved" last week), won't show up in my account until this Friday.
If there is a Holiday in between.... it kind of shows up when it wants to. 
There seems to be no such thing as EASY pay....
The fact that he was rude about it after HE procrastinated the payment does not sit well for him.
Payments coming out today ("approved" last week), won't show up in my account until this Friday.
If there is a Holiday in between.... it kind of shows up when it wants to. There seems to be no such thing as EASY pay....
The fact that he was rude about it after HE procrastinated the payment does not sit well for him.
Josiegirl 10:29 AM 02-10-2014
"My house will be a bit chilly today because I could not afford my heating bill due to late payment, so a little understanding would be appreciated."
craftymissbeth 10:30 AM 02-10-2014
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
I disagree about waiving the late fee. I would probably have waived it IF the parent had told me.
With NO advance notice or even a quick head's up, I don't feel a "little understanding" applies here.
I would have responded back with "I'm sorry you were stuck in Philly. Glad to hear everyone is okay/safe. I understand about the situation however, a little advance notice or a head's up would been appreciated on my end and would have saved you the late fee. Unfortunately with no advance notice, the late fee was automatically applied."
There really is NO excuse for not at least letting you know. Texting is simple, easy and takes only a few seconds to do.
I don't get why parents do things and then ask AFTERWARDS about fees. If they were stuck in Philly, I still don't see how that would effect their ability to pay something over the internet?
Also if they knew they were stuck, then they knew payment would be late so why not let you know BEFORE the due date/time?
I disagree about waiving the late fee. I would probably have waived it IF the parent had told me.
With NO advance notice or even a quick head's up, I don't feel a "little understanding" applies here.
I would have responded back with "I'm sorry you were stuck in Philly. Glad to hear everyone is okay/safe. I understand about the situation however, a little advance notice or a head's up would been appreciated on my end and would have saved you the late fee. Unfortunately with no advance notice, the late fee was automatically applied."
There really is NO excuse for not at least letting you know. Texting is simple, easy and takes only a few seconds to do.
I don't get why parents do things and then ask AFTERWARDS about fees. If they were stuck in Philly, I still don't see how that would effect their ability to pay something over the internet?
Also if they knew they were stuck, then they knew payment would be late so why not let you know BEFORE the due date/time?
I agree with this. Btw, OP, since you're psychic and all (since you obviously knew dcf was stuck in Philly without being told
) I'd love a reading!
daycarediva 10:30 AM 02-10-2014
Originally Posted by cheerfuldom:
I agree with BC. Even if the internet was out, they most likely could have called you BEFORE this whole thing went down plus I find DCDs response incredibly rude.
I agree with BC. Even if the internet was out, they most likely could have called you BEFORE this whole thing went down plus I find DCDs response incredibly rude.
I also like bc's response. Next time you will be expected to be understanding because; they were sick, they forgot, they weren't home that night, the bank service was down, it was a holiday, are you sure payments are supposed to be made before drop off?
MCC 11:01 AM 02-10-2014
Originally Posted by VTMom:
Maybe I'm stirring the pot a little here, but...is this just a transfer within the same bank - their account to yours, or is between different banks? If it's between different banks, I'm pretty sure the payment would have had to be executed prior to Sunday, and more likely on a business day, if not two, before payment date. Just speculating
Their weekend plans should not effect your family's ability to pay your bills. Really...what difference would have made if they were able to come in "on time"? Are we talking about them being stranded for days or delayed hours?
This is a transfer between the same bank, so it is instant, but we both have the app, which takes about 35 seconds to make a transfer.Maybe I'm stirring the pot a little here, but...is this just a transfer within the same bank - their account to yours, or is between different banks? If it's between different banks, I'm pretty sure the payment would have had to be executed prior to Sunday, and more likely on a business day, if not two, before payment date. Just speculating
Their weekend plans should not effect your family's ability to pay your bills. Really...what difference would have made if they were able to come in "on time"? Are we talking about them being stranded for days or delayed hours?
MCC 11:04 AM 02-10-2014
Originally Posted by cheerfuldom:
I agree with BC. Even if the internet was out, they most likely could have called you BEFORE this whole thing went down plus I find DCDs response incredibly rude.
I find it incredibly rude as well...I mean, REALLY rude.I agree with BC. Even if the internet was out, they most likely could have called you BEFORE this whole thing went down plus I find DCDs response incredibly rude.
cheerfuldom 11:10 AM 02-10-2014
Originally Posted by Josiegirl:
"My house will be a bit chilly today because I could not afford my heating bill due to late payment, so a little understanding would be appreciated."
I know right! Like "oh we won't have snacks or meals today because my kids were sick so I would appreciate a little understanding when I don't feed your kids today" or "oh we were snowed in and I didnt get diapers purchased so your child will have to be in the same diaper all day. The snow was not my fault so I would appreciate some understanding" "My house will be a bit chilly today because I could not afford my heating bill due to late payment, so a little understanding would be appreciated."
My word, what is wrong with people?!?! The bank, the store, the loan officer does NOT care why your bill cannot be paid, why should your daycare provider?
MCC 11:15 AM 02-10-2014
Originally Posted by craftymissbeth:
I agree with this.
Btw, OP, since you're psychic and all (since you obviously knew dcf was stuck in Philly without being told) I'd love a reading!
I agree with this. Btw, OP, since you're psychic and all (since you obviously knew dcf was stuck in Philly without being told
) I'd love a reading! 
I see lots of money and happy babies and families in your future!
itlw8 11:47 AM 02-10-2014
He was trying to make his problem your problem. The child arrived on time this morning? They knew then they had not paid it. They could have brought cash with them. He forgot plain and simple. And was rude about it by trying to make you feel like you were rude for not knowing they were stuck in Philly so could not pay his bills.... yeah right... It was paid today so I would not charge the late fee this time but I would tell them the rude reply almost got them the late fee enforced.
JenNJ 01:07 PM 02-10-2014
I like BC's response. I think his response was beyond rude.
LadyPearl 02:57 PM 02-10-2014
Originally Posted by MCC:
This is a transfer between the same bank, so it is instant, but we both have the app, which takes about 35 seconds to make a transfer.
This is a transfer between the same bank, so it is instant, but we both have the app, which takes about 35 seconds to make a transfer.
Then he could have done it right when you mentioned it!! No "understanding" needed; just a quick apology from him!
TwinKristi 04:39 PM 02-10-2014
I'm glad he made the payment. Like others brought up, if he was stuck last night why not make it this morning before drop off? The whole "I thought I had til pickup" and then "We got stuck in Philly"... what's next? And if its an app on their phone they don't even need anything except phone service. I would just reprint the contract highlighting the payment policy and waive it this time (as it seems something else is agitating him) and don't waive it in the future if it happens again. I would also just say a little "I'm an understanding person, but need a chance to be made aware of something I need to be understanding of." If you have to go ask for payment and then their reply is that they thought it was due by the end of the day NOT "Oh my gosh so sorry, we were away this weekend and got stuck in Philly last night ! I'll send it right over!" it's not the same as what took place. And you would have been understanding! How hard is that? It seems like something else is going on that prevented them from making the payment this weekend and they probably did think they had til the end of the day but when you asked he was irritated.
MarinaVanessa 04:57 PM 02-10-2014
Originally Posted by TwinKristi:
I'm glad he made the payment. Like others brought up, if he was stuck last night why not make it this morning before drop off? The whole "I thought I had til pickup" and then "We got stuck in Philly"... what's next? .....
He messed up, he forgot, or didn't understand that it had to be paid in the morning ... he said it himself. He "thought I had til pickup". That's where the story should have ended. By him saying he made a mistake, you clearing up the misconception and hopefully him saying he was sorry and that it would never happen again. I'm glad he made the payment. Like others brought up, if he was stuck last night why not make it this morning before drop off? The whole "I thought I had til pickup" and then "We got stuck in Philly"... what's next? .....
That's what SHOULD have happened ... instead he messed up, you cleared up the mistake and he tried to make you feel guilty and trying to make you out to be the bad guy because he had a misconception about when payments were due. That's not your fault and neither was them getting stuck which you had no way of knowing anyway. Not your problem. No need to take it out on you and be rude because HE made a mistake. He feels that for whatever reason (maybe they're good clients, pay on time all of the time, pay in advance, give you great xmas bonuses, bring snacks etc.) it still doesn't give him reason to cop an attitude when he's the one in the wrong. just my opinion.
MCC 06:32 PM 02-10-2014
GRRRRRR....
I talked to DCM at pick up and asked about DCD's response. She said
" you obviuosly know that we have a copy of the policies, so it was your response that made him respond the way he did"
Um...well, hey then, if you have a copy of the policies, I'm not sure why we have a misunderstanding about payment times....So annoyed with them.
I talked to DCM at pick up and asked about DCD's response. She said
" you obviuosly know that we have a copy of the policies, so it was your response that made him respond the way he did"
Um...well, hey then, if you have a copy of the policies, I'm not sure why we have a misunderstanding about payment times....So annoyed with them.
TheGoodLife 07:21 PM 02-10-2014
So did you charge them?
EntropyControlSpecialist 05:59 AM 02-11-2014
Originally Posted by MCC:
GRRRRRR....
I talked to DCM at pick up and asked about DCD's response. She said
" you obviuosly know that we have a copy of the policies, so it was your response that made him respond the way he did"
Um...well, hey then, if you have a copy of the policies, I'm not sure why we have a misunderstanding about payment times....So annoyed with them.
"Great. Your late fee will be due in full by tomorrow morning. Thank you."GRRRRRR....
I talked to DCM at pick up and asked about DCD's response. She said
" you obviuosly know that we have a copy of the policies, so it was your response that made him respond the way he did"
Um...well, hey then, if you have a copy of the policies, I'm not sure why we have a misunderstanding about payment times....So annoyed with them.
Blackcat31 06:03 AM 02-11-2014
Originally Posted by MCC:
GRRRRRR....
I talked to DCM at pick up and asked about DCD's response. She said
" you obviuosly know that we have a copy of the policies, so it was your response that made him respond the way he did"
Um...well, hey then, if you have a copy of the policies, I'm not sure why we have a misunderstanding about payment times....So annoyed with them.
GRRRRRR....
I talked to DCM at pick up and asked about DCD's response. She said
" you obviuosly know that we have a copy of the policies, so it was your response that made him respond the way he did"
Um...well, hey then, if you have a copy of the policies, I'm not sure why we have a misunderstanding about payment times....So annoyed with them.
Originally Posted by EntropyControlSpecialist:
"Great. Your late fee will be due in full by tomorrow morning. Thank you."
"Great. Your late fee will be due in full by tomorrow morning. Thank you."
^^^Plus, if they have a copy of your policies why did DCD think he had until end of day or pick up to pay?
He should have read in the policies that it was due before drop off.
MCC 06:19 AM 02-11-2014
I did charge them, and got an eyeroll out of mom for it.
If any one has followed my cousin stories, this is, if you could believe it, one of the cousin families....These people are unbelievable.
If any one has followed my cousin stories, this is, if you could believe it, one of the cousin families....These people are unbelievable.
MarinaVanessa 08:29 AM 02-11-2014
Originally Posted by MCC:
" you obviuosly know that we have a copy of the policies, so it was your response that made him respond the way he did"
"Well if you have a copy of the policies then DCD knew that payments were due in the AM not in the PM like he said. Clients misplace or lose the policies. I was trying to be helpful." blank stare and long awkward silence." you obviuosly know that we have a copy of the policies, so it was your response that made him respond the way he did"
spud912 01:13 PM 02-11-2014
Originally Posted by MV:
"Well if you have a copy of the policies then DCD knew that payments were due in the AM not in the PM like he said. Clients misplace or lose the policies. I was trying to be helpful." blank stare and long awkward silence.
"Well if you have a copy of the policies then DCD knew that payments were due in the AM not in the PM like he said. Clients misplace or lose the policies. I was trying to be helpful." blank stare and long awkward silence.
TwinKristi 02:41 PM 02-11-2014
How rude!! Wow!! I haven't been in business as long as some of you ladies have but I've never had anyone be straight up rude to me like that. I don't think I would be able to deal with that very well.