How would you word this?

As I stated in another thread, I'm a go with my gut kind of person. So here's my problem: I had an interview booked with a family. Mom called me 20 minutes after they were supposed to be there and said "Oh, I completely forgot we had an appointment with you until now, can we reschedule?" and because I thought maybe just maybe it was an honest mistake I said ok. On the rescheduled day, they showed up 30 minutes late for the interview. During the interview Mom tells me that they are looking for full time Mon - Fri 8 - 4:30. Now she contacts me almost 3 weeks after our interview saying that she now wants only part time for an undetermined amount of time as her husband is still looking for work. I do NOT want to take on this family. My gut says NO NO NO. Any advice on a very polite way to tell them I won't take them on?

Go with your gut!!! as far as i can see, they already have 3 strikes against them.

"I'm sorry, I do not have a part-time space available." I think that is polite. If you take them on, you will probably regret it.

So tough to find just the right wording; "I'd like to thank you so much for your interest in my daycare. However at this time I am interviewing for full time spaces only. Should you require full time care in the future feel free to contact me and we can discuss further. Otherwise I wish you well in your search."

Well since its been three weeks just contact them and say the space has been filled or if your still advertising and you dont want them to think you are dishonest just say you don't have a part time space available at this time

all you need to do is give a call and inform them you really enjoyed meeting them but you no longer have room for their child, wish them best of luck and thank them for their time. You could even let them know that you will give a call if anything opens up. ;)

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Originally Posted by Dreamalittledream

So tough to find just the right wording; "I'd like to thank you so much for your interest in my daycare. However at this time I am interviewing for full time spaces only. Should you require full time care in the future feel free to contact me and we can discuss further. Otherwise I wish you well in your search."

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This is how i would reply!

Thanks for the advice! I guess I kind of feel a little uncomfortable with this because it was a bad impression that led me to this decision rather than a true lack of space.

just because you have space doesn't mean you have to take someone....consider it a "bad fit" not a bad impression! we always have to remember this is our home as well as our business, if we are not comfortable with a potential or current client, we have every right to politely decline our services. ;)

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Originally Posted by Dreamalittledream

So tough to find just the right wording; "I'd like to thank you so much for your interest in my daycare. However at this time I am interviewing for full time spaces only. Should you require full time care in the future feel free to contact me and we can discuss further. Otherwise I wish you well in your search."

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I like this very much, polite and to the point.

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Originally Posted by Dreamalittledream

So tough to find just the right wording; "I'd like to thank you so much for your interest in my daycare. However at this time I am interviewing for full time spaces only. Should you require full time care in the future feel free to contact me and we can discuss further. Otherwise I wish you well in your search."

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I think this is perfect and polite ... if it is true ~ are you indeed willing to have them contact you in the future for full time care since mom is waffling on what they need while dad looks for work?

I definitely agree with Kidlove in that you are not obligated to take on every client who shows interest in your business ... and their behavior is all RED FLAG issues that your gut should listen to ... they are all signs of 'disrespect' towards you and your time ... forgetting the first interview, showing up LATE for the second interview, telling you one thing to GET the interview and than trying to change the commitment afterward ... all things that would get them a 'thanks but no thanks' from me as well!

When I have a space and someone is just not a match for it even if I do not have anyone else lined up or interest I just state 'thank you for your interest in the program however at this time I have opted to go another route' and leave it at that ... because that is still the TRUTH and if they assume that means I filled the spot than that is their prerogative ... another route could mean so many things ... like I just want full time or shorter hours, it could mean I decided I want an older or younger child as a better match, it could mean I decide I just want to 'sit' on the spot a bit longer rather than fill it right away ... but ultimately it means that I am heading in a different direction away from serving them and I do not want to be specific about that reason in case they try to call back and say 'ok we can XYZ instead' and than I am stuck with having to come right and say 'sorry I was trying to be polite before but I just do not want to serve you regardless' ... cause that would be ackward :(

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Originally Posted by Inspired by Reggio

When I have a space and someone is just not a match for it even if I do not have anyone else lined up or interest I just state 'thank you for your interest in the program however at this time I have opted to go another route' and leave it at that ... because that is still the TRUTH and if they assume that means I filled the spot than that is their prerogative ... another route could mean so many things ... like I just want full time or shorter hours, it could mean I decided I want an older or younger child as a better match, it could mean I decide I just want to 'sit' on the spot a bit longer rather than fill it right away ... but ultimately it means that I am heading in a different direction away from serving them and I do not want to be specific about that reason in case they try to call back and say 'ok we can XYZ instead' and than I am stuck with having to come right and say 'sorry I was trying to be polite before but I just do not want to serve you regardless' ... cause that would be ackward :(

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I think I like this best, because quite frankly, I still do not want to take them on even if they want full time in the future. It's true, forgetting the first meeting, and then showing up late to the second one was disrespectful, and seeing as how I agreed to meet them in the evening, two nights they set me back for dinner and bed times with my own children. I feel that if they show that much disrespect before even obtaining a spot, how much will they show me if I take them on?

I agree with reggio. Don't use the line about only having full time space or,else,they may reply that they will do full time in order to guarantee,the spot,and,then you will be in a real pickle and have to find a different excuse.

I would tell them that you have chosen to go a different route or else tell then that "unfortunately I no longer have that spot available for you but thank you for your interest and I wish you well in your daycare,search. It was nice meeting you and your beautiful family"

Done and done. Thanks so much for all the advice ladies! I did not say that I couldn't take them on because of the part time hours, I left it short, sweet and vague.

Atta girl on listening to your instincts!! :)

Thanks for this thread :) It is something I have struggled with as well...how to word it when I just don't want to take a family on because I don't feel they are a good fit. I really like Reggio's vague line...may have to use that one in the future. Even though I always warn families that I am interviewing several families for one spot and looking for the best fit...I find it hard to actually tell them I didn't choose them.