How to deal with deposits

[Wonderwiper]

I would call that a holding fee...not a deposit.

I charge a 2 week deposit that gets used to cover the last 2 weeks of care. It is non refundable and gets charged even if you start care tomorrow. It covers me if they skip out(has never happened).

I think of a holding fee as a non refundable payment for a spot that I want but am not ready to occupy yet. As a parent I would never pay one. As a provider I do not charge one either. I simply do not hold spots. If you want it take it now or take your chances on it being available when you want it.

My understanding is that most people here that charge it as a bit of income to tide them over until the child comes full time. It is not a deposit nor a contribution to future fees.