Days to charge for

[Dory]

I have a problem I'll try to be brief. Parent wants discount on her vacation time 5 weeks! I only cover before/after school care. term time.PA days full day and in between Christmas full days. I wont be charging for stats. So, should I allow her these half price breaks or not? Am I unrealistic in my expectations? She also happens to be a friend(not a close one, but enough that I'm feeling uncomfortable with how this may go) I'd rather say no to the breaks and her go somewhere else, as I have no other clients due to just starting out. I need income from somewhere NOW. Oh and she's getting a 40% discount anyways! (I don't know what I was thinking!?) plz help!!

[playfelt]

She is definitely asking for too much. Remind her that she is already getting a discount on her regular fees and give her two options. Pay the regular fee you would charge anyone else and pay half fees for her vacation time or pay the reduced friend fee and pay for the vacation time.

Alternately charge her 50% of the regular fee for the vacation days since she is not coming she doesn't qualify for the friend fee for these days.

Absolutely do not let her have the time at no pay. She is being paid her salary while she is on vacation and you deserve your salary for the space she has booked whether she chooses to use it or not.

[Dory]

Thanks Playfelt. I think I'm going to go with the reduced fee and no breaks for vk. I'll let you know how it goes.

[playfelt]

I do a half pay rate for vacation days up to the limit I set with the idea that I still have house expenses that have to be paid whether child is in care or not but recognizes the fact I do not incur food, craft, wipes, or other supply fees. Parents think they are getting a break which they are so everyone turns out happy but I can afford to do that in the summers and enjoy the lighter load with still some income.