Daycare.com Forum
Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>To Charge or Not?
Baby Beluga 06:40 AM 08-31-2016
First time this has come up.
Last family of the day is contracted until 4:30pm. After 4:30pm, I charge an extended day fee of $5 per every 15 minutes until 5:00pm. After 5:00pm, it is $1 per minute.
DCM has a work commitment and can't pick up DCB until 5:15ish. She asked if he could stay, I originally said yes he could and I would just charge the extended day fee for the time, making it $15 from 4:30 - 5:15.
Now I am wondering if I should give her this one for free? Here is why:
*Family is very very very rarely late. Most often DCM picks up at 3:45 - 4:00.
*DCM is bringing DCB later today. This technically doesn't matter as my contract states "late drop off does not constitute late pick up" but it was something that came up.
*I close early for maternity appointments once a month. It is only by 30 minutes at the most for this mom, but still.
What would you do?
Last family of the day is contracted until 4:30pm. After 4:30pm, I charge an extended day fee of $5 per every 15 minutes until 5:00pm. After 5:00pm, it is $1 per minute.
DCM has a work commitment and can't pick up DCB until 5:15ish. She asked if he could stay, I originally said yes he could and I would just charge the extended day fee for the time, making it $15 from 4:30 - 5:15.
Now I am wondering if I should give her this one for free? Here is why:
*Family is very very very rarely late. Most often DCM picks up at 3:45 - 4:00.
*DCM is bringing DCB later today. This technically doesn't matter as my contract states "late drop off does not constitute late pick up" but it was something that came up.
*I close early for maternity appointments once a month. It is only by 30 minutes at the most for this mom, but still.
What would you do?
Unregistered 06:48 AM 08-31-2016
If this is a really good family that won't take advantage I think that would be nice.
You could even say "No late charge for today! It's a little thank you for always being on time" or say "since its your first time, no late charge" and that way it's clear it's something special and not something that's going to happen all the time.
You could even say "No late charge for today! It's a little thank you for always being on time" or say "since its your first time, no late charge" and that way it's clear it's something special and not something that's going to happen all the time.
Indoorvoice 06:52 AM 08-31-2016
If it's a family that doesn't do this stuff often to me, doesn't complain about policies, and picks up on time every day, I usually will bend and not charge for things like that if it doesn't put me out too much. BUT I make sure to make clear that it's a one time thing and that I won't be able to do it every time. I know other providers never bend for their own very good reasons, but I have a very small daycare and can make this work. I find my families are often more mindful of me and my family, more appreciative, and more inclined to help me out if I do it for them. I know this isn't the case for everyone though.
Blackcat31 07:00 AM 08-31-2016
Originally Posted by Baby Beluga:
First time this has come up.
Last family of the day is contracted until 4:30pm. After 4:30pm, I charge an extended day fee of $5 per every 15 minutes until 5:00pm. After 5:00pm, it is $1 per minute.
DCM has a work commitment and can't pick up DCB until 5:15ish. She asked if he could stay, I originally said yes he could and I would just charge the extended day fee for the time, making it $15 from 4:30 - 5:15.
Now I am wondering if I should give her this one for free? Here is why:
*Family is very very very rarely late. Most often DCM picks up at 3:45 - 4:00.
*DCM is bringing DCB later today. This technically doesn't matter as my contract states "late drop off does not constitute late pick up" but it was something that came up.
*I close early for maternity appointments once a month. It is only by 30 minutes at the most for this mom, but still.
What would you do?
I don't reward parents for following my rules. First time this has come up.
Last family of the day is contracted until 4:30pm. After 4:30pm, I charge an extended day fee of $5 per every 15 minutes until 5:00pm. After 5:00pm, it is $1 per minute.
DCM has a work commitment and can't pick up DCB until 5:15ish. She asked if he could stay, I originally said yes he could and I would just charge the extended day fee for the time, making it $15 from 4:30 - 5:15.
Now I am wondering if I should give her this one for free? Here is why:
*Family is very very very rarely late. Most often DCM picks up at 3:45 - 4:00.
*DCM is bringing DCB later today. This technically doesn't matter as my contract states "late drop off does not constitute late pick up" but it was something that came up.
*I close early for maternity appointments once a month. It is only by 30 minutes at the most for this mom, but still.
What would you do?
I feel that is an expectation that doesn't need to be rewarded.
Cat Herder 07:09 AM 08-31-2016
Originally Posted by Baby Beluga:
*I close early for maternity appointments once a month. It is only by 30 minutes at the most for this mom, but still.
What would you do?
I would stick to my contract because I know that by not doing so I am teaching them I *also* feel it is unfair. *I close early for maternity appointments once a month. It is only by 30 minutes at the most for this mom, but still.
What would you do?
But.
I hold myself to the same standards I hold my clients. I would be discounting or allowing credit for my early closures.
Leigh 07:15 AM 08-31-2016
Originally Posted by Baby Beluga:
First time this has come up.
Last family of the day is contracted until 4:30pm. After 4:30pm, I charge an extended day fee of $5 per every 15 minutes until 5:00pm. After 5:00pm, it is $1 per minute.
DCM has a work commitment and can't pick up DCB until 5:15ish. She asked if he could stay, I originally said yes he could and I would just charge the extended day fee for the time, making it $15 from 4:30 - 5:15.
Now I am wondering if I should give her this one for free? Here is why:
*Family is very very very rarely late. Most often DCM picks up at 3:45 - 4:00.
*DCM is bringing DCB later today. This technically doesn't matter as my contract states "late drop off does not constitute late pick up" but it was something that came up.
*I close early for maternity appointments once a month. It is only by 30 minutes at the most for this mom, but still.
What would you do?
Would a hotel let you stay an extra night for free? Would your massage therapist let you sit on her table for an extra 45 minutes for free (working on you)? First time this has come up.
Last family of the day is contracted until 4:30pm. After 4:30pm, I charge an extended day fee of $5 per every 15 minutes until 5:00pm. After 5:00pm, it is $1 per minute.
DCM has a work commitment and can't pick up DCB until 5:15ish. She asked if he could stay, I originally said yes he could and I would just charge the extended day fee for the time, making it $15 from 4:30 - 5:15.
Now I am wondering if I should give her this one for free? Here is why:
*Family is very very very rarely late. Most often DCM picks up at 3:45 - 4:00.
*DCM is bringing DCB later today. This technically doesn't matter as my contract states "late drop off does not constitute late pick up" but it was something that came up.
*I close early for maternity appointments once a month. It is only by 30 minutes at the most for this mom, but still.
What would you do?
Your business is no different. You are working-you should get paid for it. If you discount this ONE time, they'll ask you to next time, trust me. I've done it in the past for "favorite" clients-it's turned those favorites into nightmares. Just get paid for your work.
Baby Beluga 07:26 AM 08-31-2016
Originally Posted by Cat Herder:
I would stick to my contract because I know that by not doing so I am teaching them I *also* feel it is unfair.
But.
I hold myself to the same standards I hold my clients. I would be discounting or allowing credit for my early closures.
The bold above is a good point. I would stick to my contract because I know that by not doing so I am teaching them I *also* feel it is unfair.
But.
I hold myself to the same standards I hold my clients. I would be discounting or allowing credit for my early closures.
I don't discount for those early closures - it would literally be credit of $1.25. My policy is half days or early closures will not be prorated or credited. I have never closed more than 2 hours from anyone's contracted pick up time (so now half days here). I do this because I don't have built in sick or personal days. If I close for an entire day, I don't charge. I also take one week of unpaid vacation and families get one week of vacation days.
Snowmom 07:30 AM 08-31-2016
Originally Posted by Baby Beluga:
The bold above is a good point.
I don't discount for those early closures - it would literally be credit of $1.25. My policy is half days or early closures will not be prorated or credited. I have never closed more than 2 hours from anyone's contracted pick up time (so now half days here). I do this because I don't have built in sick or personal days. If I close for an entire day, I don't charge. I also take one week of unpaid vacation and families get one week of vacation days.
Right there is your "nice" gift to parents. The bold above is a good point.
I don't discount for those early closures - it would literally be credit of $1.25. My policy is half days or early closures will not be prorated or credited. I have never closed more than 2 hours from anyone's contracted pick up time (so now half days here). I do this because I don't have built in sick or personal days. If I close for an entire day, I don't charge. I also take one week of unpaid vacation and families get one week of vacation days.
I don't think they need any more.
Cat Herder 07:31 AM 08-31-2016
Originally Posted by Baby Beluga:
The bold above is a good point.
I don't discount for those early closures - it would literally be credit of $1.25. My policy is half days or early closures will not be prorated or credited. I have never closed more than 2 hours from anyone's contracted pick up time (so now half days here). I do this because I don't have built in sick or personal days. If I close for an entire day, I don't charge. I also take one week of unpaid vacation and families get one week of vacation days.
Oh, please don't take that as a critique. It was simply answering the "what would you do part". I would close the whole day on appointment days since I limit their ability to mess with my world. You are way more flexible than me. The bold above is a good point.
I don't discount for those early closures - it would literally be credit of $1.25. My policy is half days or early closures will not be prorated or credited. I have never closed more than 2 hours from anyone's contracted pick up time (so now half days here). I do this because I don't have built in sick or personal days. If I close for an entire day, I don't charge. I also take one week of unpaid vacation and families get one week of vacation days.
I also have PLENTY of paid days off.
Baby Beluga 08:31 AM 08-31-2016
Originally Posted by Cat Herder:
Oh, please don't take that as a critique. It was simply answering the "what would you do part". I would close the whole day on appointment days since I limit their ability to mess with my world. You are way more flexible than me.
I also have PLENTY of paid days off.
Not at all Oh, please don't take that as a critique. It was simply answering the "what would you do part". I would close the whole day on appointment days since I limit their ability to mess with my world. You are way more flexible than me.
I also have PLENTY of paid days off.
I think I was more justifying it to myself than anything. I try to make it fair - a little bit of "I get this and families get that." I would love to close the entire day for appointments, but it would be a big strain on parents and I would lose a lot of money. I seem to struggle with the business side and personal side of this business. It is more customer service oriented than I originally realized. I don't want to be a stick in the mud (which is what I think I tend to lean towards) but I also don't want to be walked on.
mommyneedsadayoff 08:36 AM 08-31-2016
Originally Posted by Baby Beluga:
First time this has come up.
Last family of the day is contracted until 4:30pm. After 4:30pm, I charge an extended day fee of $5 per every 15 minutes until 5:00pm. After 5:00pm, it is $1 per minute.
DCM has a work commitment and can't pick up DCB until 5:15ish. She asked if he could stay, I originally said yes he could and I would just charge the extended day fee for the time, making it $15 from 4:30 - 5:15.
Now I am wondering if I should give her this one for free? Here is why:
*Family is very very very rarely late. Most often DCM picks up at 3:45 - 4:00.
*DCM is bringing DCB later today. This technically doesn't matter as my contract states "late drop off does not constitute late pick up" but it was something that came up.
*I close early for maternity appointments once a month. It is only by 30 minutes at the most for this mom, but still.
What would you do?
I am not the best at mathFirst time this has come up.
Last family of the day is contracted until 4:30pm. After 4:30pm, I charge an extended day fee of $5 per every 15 minutes until 5:00pm. After 5:00pm, it is $1 per minute.
DCM has a work commitment and can't pick up DCB until 5:15ish. She asked if he could stay, I originally said yes he could and I would just charge the extended day fee for the time, making it $15 from 4:30 - 5:15.
Now I am wondering if I should give her this one for free? Here is why:
*Family is very very very rarely late. Most often DCM picks up at 3:45 - 4:00.
*DCM is bringing DCB later today. This technically doesn't matter as my contract states "late drop off does not constitute late pick up" but it was something that came up.
*I close early for maternity appointments once a month. It is only by 30 minutes at the most for this mom, but still.
What would you do?
, but I think it should be $25 extra, not $15 (4:30-5=$10, 5-5:15=$15). I think you should do what you feel is best. If you think you want to cut her some slack, go for it, if not, just let her know the extra amount to add to her payment and take yourself out for pedicure with the extra money
Baby Beluga 08:51 AM 08-31-2016
Originally Posted by mommyneedsadayoff:
I am not the best at math, but I think it should be $25 extra, not $15 (4:30-5=$10, 5-5:15=$15). I think you should do what you feel is best. If you think you want to cut her some slack, go for it, if not, just let her know the extra amount to add to her payment and take yourself out for pedicure with the extra money
If I would have followed the normal fee schedule, your math would be correct I am not the best at math
, but I think it should be $25 extra, not $15 (4:30-5=$10, 5-5:15=$15). I think you should do what you feel is best. If you think you want to cut her some slack, go for it, if not, just let her know the extra amount to add to her payment and take yourself out for pedicure with the extra money I told her we would just do extended day fees for the entire time vs extended day fees until 5 and late fees after 5. If that makes sense
daycarediva 08:52 AM 08-31-2016
If I wasn't staying open later for her, I wouldn't charge and just tell her it was waived as a courtesy- but if I was staying open later, I would tell her that I would compromise... charge her from your closing time-pickup time (or last contracted pickup-her pickup time.)
She is getting paid for staying at work, so should you.
She is getting paid for staying at work, so should you.
EntropyControlSpecialist 10:57 AM 08-31-2016
Originally Posted by Cat Herder:
I would stick to my contract because I know that by not doing so I am teaching them I *also* feel it is unfair.
But.
I hold myself to the same standards I hold my clients. I would be discounting or allowing credit for my early closures.
Yes I would stick to my contract because I know that by not doing so I am teaching them I *also* feel it is unfair.
But.
I hold myself to the same standards I hold my clients. I would be discounting or allowing credit for my early closures.
I've learned this the hard way MORE than once!
Baby Beluga 08:15 AM 09-01-2016
Thank you for your advice everyone Just thought I would update this one.
Mom ended up only being 15 minutes late vs the 45 she originally estimated. She handed me money, I told her not to worry about it that this one was one me. She insisted on paying anyway. All worked out in the end.
Just thought I would update this one. Mom ended up only being 15 minutes late vs the 45 she originally estimated. She handed me money, I told her not to worry about it that this one was one me. She insisted on paying anyway. All worked out in the end.
sahm1225 11:47 AM 09-01-2016
Originally Posted by Baby Beluga:
Thank you for your advice everyone Just thought I would update this one.
Mom ended up only being 15 minutes late vs the 45 she originally estimated. She handed me money, I told her not to worry about it that this one was one me. She insisted on paying anyway. All worked out in the end.
Oh that's great! I love when dcf are like that!Thank you for your advice everyone
Just thought I would update this one. Mom ended up only being 15 minutes late vs the 45 she originally estimated. She handed me money, I told her not to worry about it that this one was one me. She insisted on paying anyway. All worked out in the end.
Unregistered 05:38 PM 09-01-2016
Originally Posted by Baby Beluga:
Thank you for your advice everyone Just thought I would update this one.
Mom ended up only being 15 minutes late vs the 45 she originally estimated. She handed me money, I told her not to worry about it that this one was one me. She insisted on paying anyway. All worked out in the end.
Sounds like a great dcm!!Thank you for your advice everyone
Just thought I would update this one. Mom ended up only being 15 minutes late vs the 45 she originally estimated. She handed me money, I told her not to worry about it that this one was one me. She insisted on paying anyway. All worked out in the end.
Baby Beluga 06:14 PM 09-01-2016
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Sounds like a great dcm!!
She really is Sounds like a great dcm!!