Newbies..Learn from my mistake, Don't get burned

[Other Mummy]

This is a perfect example of why you do not take on a new client WITHOUT A 2 WEEK DEPOSIT

This was one of my original clients from waaay before I had an Iron clad contract. As most seasoned providers can relate to, when you start out, you make a lot of dumb mistakes. Did I mention that you make a lot of dumb mistakes I've had her 2 children in care since they were 12 months & 2 years old. Her 2 kids and my 2 girls are best friends. Two years later (almost) the kids are sick for week. this is true. They were sick on the Friday prior. In fact, a couple more of my dc kids are sick this week as well with the same thing.

The kids love it here. We have a structured fun filled day. I've gotten the older one ready for JK this year. He might even be in the same class as my daughter as they will be at the same school. The kids love me. This is their 2nd home.

We chat throughout the week, how are kids, kids miss daycare and me and other kids, blah, blah. I keep asking if it's just a cold, why are they away for so many days. She keeps giving me vague answers like the doctor advises to keep them inside This from the same woman who drops her kids off even when she has 2 months off. Yup. She did. Every single day.

So long story short, I tell her I"m sorry the kids are sick, but when are you coming by later for the week's fees that were due on Monday. That's when my phone won't stop ringing and text after text of how the funds she was waiting for never came thru. It's social assistance and benefits and she called the gov't and does not know what is going on, but yet...she thinks she won't be able to afford daycare fees anymore....Okay..

So after a lengthy convo, she apologies and admits she's irresponsible and that she will pay me for the 2 wks (after I reminded her of our contract) and that she "does not forget people she owes money to" hmmmm... yeah, you won't forget, cause I will take you to small claims. AND I gave her a break for this week. She should have owed me 3 weeks (this week + 2 wks notice as of today).

So I'm going to draw up an "termination of contract" with stipulations such as she owes me for 2 wks by such and such date, failure to do so, will constitute legal action".

So Newbies....take note. ALWAYS GET 2 WEEKS DEPOSIT FOR NOTICE!

Did I mention all my newish clients since have a 2 wk deposit.