Payment issue

[Gloucestermom]

I have a little boy who started last week. We had the interview on the last Wed of August, and the mom said that she was desperate since her daycare provider decided to close in September. She asked if I could take her son the next day. I said no, that I'm full and the earliest I could start is Wed the 3rd. I got an email from her partner a couple days later saying 'Just to confirm, he's starting on Tuesday.'. I responded, saying that no, we agreed on Wednesday. During the interview, we discussed payment, and since he was starting on the Wednesday 2 days before my payments were due, I said she could pay me on the 5th for the first week, then the next 2 weeks. In my contract, it's written that I get paid every 2 weeks for the 2 weeks that are coming up. On Friday the 5th, she gave me $120 in cash and said "I'll get the rest to you soon" I said ok.
I haven't received any more money from them, so yesterday I sent an email saying 'Just a friendly reminder that payment was due last Friday for this week and next week, and that the remainder you owe is this much.' I was going to ask her today at pick-up if she received my email.
Today at pick-up she said "I was under the impression that you get paid after, like you work, and then I pay you." I said no, it's in advance. She said "Ok, I'll be honest, I can't afford to give you that, that's almost my whole paycheque" I said "I have bills to pay too though" She said she would talk to her partner and get back to me tomorrow.
So just to be clear, she:
-agreed verbally to pay in advance
-signed a contract where she agreed to pay me in advance
-told me she would give me the rest soon
and now she's going back on this, and saying that she didn't know and that she'll 'get back to me' about paying me for the work I've done.
I think that if she doesn't pay me tomorrow, I'm going to terminate. What do you all think?

[5 Little Monkeys]

I think that is exactly what you should do. I also wouldn't be accepting him into care tomorrow if she doesn't pay first thing in the morning. I also think in the future, do not give service until it's paid. If they didn't pay me last Friday they would not be in daycare this week until the bill was paid.

[Lou]

Exactly what 5LM said! Keep us posted.

[Lee-Bee]

Just want to point out that regardless of whether you charge 2 weeks ahead or 2 weeks after care...it is the same amount of money owed...so the same amount of her paycheck and she knew the price when she signed the contract. So, in my opinion if there are problems money wise now there will continue to be and if you give the tiniest of slack now she will continue to expect it.

She signed a contract which outlined all the details and she was responsible to have things in order on her end.

Protect yourself here.

[mickyc]

I am very particular when it comes to getting paid. My money is due every second Friday morning, not afternoon, not evening, morning and definitely not after the fact!! I have no problem asking for my money payday morning either. I would be terminating care immediately but also giving them the bill for what you owe. Do you have a late payment fee? If not I suggest putting one in your contract for situations like this. It isn't an "Ok" to pay late it is a deterrent. If she knows that her daycare bill is getting bigger by the day of non payment she will make sure it is paid.

I agree with Lee -Bee, she knew she can't afford you but continued to sign the agreement!

[5 Little Monkeys]

Let us know how this morning goes!! Stay strong and be firm. This is your business and you can't stay in business if you don't get paid!!

Good luck

[Secondtimearound]

In my limited experience , some people will pull this EVERY time pay is due ! I would sent email stating unless you are paid immed. You are no longer her dayhome provider !!
I had a similar experience and it last 4 months of chasing and then I termed !

[Crayola kiddies]

in my opinion you will never see this money ....however send her a text asking her to bring you the cash tonight or send you and EMT and if she says she doesn't have all of it then tell her to bring you what she can and then once you have some money in your hands tell her she has till sunday night to pay the rest ....and put up your ads and don't provide another days care with out money

[Secondtimearound]

I have everyone prepay for the month , less hassle for me !

[Lou]

How did it go?