Pay your bill on time

[Snowmom]

I'm right there with you!
For the most part, my current families are pretty good about payment. But there are the occasions where someone pays me late, which just so happened this week.

I sent the dcm home to get the check though!
Then I texted my husband about what a bada$$ I was!

It's tough and very uncomfortable. But after years of dealing with people, and giving them more than you should... you realize nobody would do the same for you.
It's unfortunate, but a side effect of the job.
It gets easier though!

[mickyc]

Good for you snowmom! I guarantee she won't forget the cheque again now that you sent her home for it.

I actually had 2 previous families who provided me with a book of their cheques. I would write out the cheque for payday and get them to sign it at drop off time. They both knew they were bad at remembering. Whatever! Lol. Worked for me.

[AmandaKDT]

I don't run a store I run a home daycare so items vs. good childcare are two totally different things...Some people are rude and immature even though they are grown adults with children. My issue with money is having to repeat myself that PAYMENT is due at a specific time nothing more then that, so I'm confused at to your comment about not doing home daycare because of that?

I think she meant being self employed and running your own business - doesn't matter what you are selling or service you are providing. Having to deal with money and having tough conversation with people about it is one of those things that goes along with being self employed.

[Suzie_Homemaker]

so I'm confused at to your comment about not doing home daycare because of that?

I not say don't do day care specific, I said that self employed small businesses have to address money issues and bad debtors. It you not me, who keeps saying you don't like dealing with money issues, it's embarrassing to ask etc, etc, but that is part of any small business.

It seems your clients are really bad. I think you said more than one was often late. That suggest that they are not concerned about your wrath if late paying which is likely because you shy away from this part of business.

Be firm, first time, every time and mean it and it will be less issue when clients believe you that it's not okay.

In 15+ years, I have one client who paid late once, second time, they were gone. Terminated.

You are an enabler I think, not on purpose but because you embarrassed and insulted by late payers you likely not address in ways other providers would. This is what I mean when I say it part of small business.

It don't matter if you are store owner or day care owner. It's is all money at end of day and needs handling.

[Van]

Post-dated cheques is the way to go they make life a lot easier
not a good idea to work on Stats without the extra pay to pay your bills
it will be worth it in the end

[Emma H]

Thanks everyone
I just wrote a notice for everyone that effective march 2nd any payments that are not received by Monday at 12 pm are late and that its 10 dollars a day not 5 dollars anymore, I am closed for all stat holidays, I give parents free vacation days and they try using it last minute but when you already bought food and craft supplies that's not going to work so I said if you plan on using your vacation days to let me know 2 weeks in advance and if you don't you have to pay for your spot, if you go on vacation I need payment before you leave (if all days have been used up), if you are late (I am open from 6-6) then its 10 dollars an hour or portion there of....does all this seem fair?

[AmandaKDT]

Thanks everyone
I just wrote a notice for everyone that effective march 2nd any payments that are not received by Monday at 12 pm are late and that its 10 dollars a day not 5 dollars anymore, I am closed for all stat holidays, I give parents free vacation days and they try using it last minute but when you already bought food and craft supplies that's not going to work so I said if you plan on using your vacation days to let me know 2 weeks in advance and if you don't you have to pay for your spot, if you go on vacation I need payment before you leave (if all days have been used up), if you are late (I am open from 6-6) then its 10 dollars an hour or portion there of....does all this seem fair?

I would make the late pick up fee for every 15 minutes or portion there of - one hour is too long.

[sandylynn]

I Agree ...ABSOLUTELY....I CHARGE 10.00 PER 15 MINUTES OR PART THERE OF....SO IF SOMEONE IS 16 MINUTES LATE...IT'S 20.00 IN MY POCKET....AND I ASK FOR IT RIGHT THEN.....

[Snowmom]

Agree: definitely demand more for late pick ups (unless you WANT to work longer) to deter the people who WILL take advantage!

[Suzie_Homemaker]

My late fee is dollar minute. I used to be $5 for every 5 minutes but then someone said maybe if client comes 4 mins late they feel no pay so changed words to $1 per minute so it really clear.