Holding a spot for someone....help!

[sandylynn]

HELP AGAIN! I initially started this post. This woman says she DEFINATELY wants the spot...she wants to rush right over with a 2 week nonrefundable deposit. I told her the deposit DOES NOT count towards any of the daycare...she doesn't understand why it wouldn't go towards her first 2 weeks of daycare, if she follows through and accepts the spot!!! She says "you won't have lost anything"!

[Wonderwiper]

HELP AGAIN! I initially started this post. This woman says she DEFINATELY wants the spot...she wants to rush right over with a 2 week nonrefundable deposit. I told her the deposit DOES NOT count towards any of the daycare...she doesn't understand why it wouldn't go towards her first 2 weeks of daycare, if she follows through and accepts the spot!!! She says "you won't have lost anything"!

She is correct in her assumption. You have called it a deposit. A deposit is a payment towards something. If she in fact accepts the spot than a deposit should go towards first 2 weeks (or last). Calling it non refundable just means she doesn't get "money" back. She can have 2 weeks of care or walk away from the deposit.

If what you want is her to give you money for reserving a spot then you have to call it something else. Maybe a holding fee.

To be honest, I am unclear on what you want from her? Are you keeping a spot empty waiting for her? Your post reads like she has found temporary care to fill in while she waits for your spot to open.

[Lee-Bee]

A deposit goes to either the first 2 weeks of care or last two weeks of care as per your contract. it isn't just a bonus pay.

There is a "holding fee" which is used to pay to hold a spot that is open but not yet needed. It helps cover the caregivers expenses while the spot remains unused. This is also specified in the contract.

My understanding is that you have a spot opening in Sept that she wants to secure. Your concern is she will be using other care now and may choose to stay settled there rather than changing to you.

This is a risk YOU accept by taking this 2 week deposit. The deposit just means they are committed and you no longer look to fill the space. You both have contracted a promise hat the spot goes to this child. The money then goes to the care at your specified time.

I do believe it is illegal to charge money for a spot where the money does not go to the use of that spot. It would just create a richer person gets the spot kind of system which is not beneficial to anyone.

[Fearlessbaby]

I have a $100/week holding fee for this situation. However, 6 months is way too long for you to hold it. Say that you'll keep her posted 1 or 2 months before and then charge a holding fee or if you feel comfortable- take her deposit then to secure the spot.