Why Is It So Hard To Remember To Pay Me???

[Maria2013]

I know I'm too nice.. I just feel weird saying "Umm.. did you bring a check?"

I had to get used to saying that too, speaking for my DCP I can see it's not done on purpose, they just simply forget so I don't take it personally I just simply give a reminder and usually that's all it takes...I'm to blame for not asking late Fees so I can't complain

[Brooksie]

It can definitely be uncomfortable but here is how I handle that situation;

DCP: "Ugh, I forgot my checkbook. Can I just pay you on Monday?"

Me: "Sure! No problem, but please remember to add $30 to your balance to cover the late fee. It will also be due AT drop off or I won't be able to care for Jimmy that day. Thanks."

What usually happens...

DCP "Oh..well I can run home and grab it so I will bring you a check at pick up"

If that doesn't happen, I simply make up another invoice for the with the late fees added and present it upon pick up. I also copy the section of my handbook that states late fess multiply with each occurrence and that termination will occur after 3 late payments.

Usually puts a stop to any late payments.

I haven't had a late payment in several years now.

This is exactly what I do. Let them know payment on Monday is fine but to add the late fee to the tuition, if check is not brought, dcb/g will not be accepted for care that day. My late fee is $10.00 per weekday and it doubles on the weekends.

[Leanna]

First late payment = a late fee
Second late payment = double the late fee
Third late payment = possible termination

...if you don't want to term, just continue doubling the late fees.

Parents RARELY, if ever, make more than 2 late payments.

So what do you guys do with all of the "Can I pay you next week because we had to get a part for the car?" "It is a tight month...can you hold the check for a week?" and etc. etc.

I want to be understanding but at the same time, why is day care the one area where some parents feel it is ok to cut cost corners/pay late/get free service and then pay? I have families who pay me every Friday, no questions ask and then I have a couple where it is always something.

Also, what about those families that DO always pay with no issues. If they asked just once or twice a year if they could pay late due to hardship so you allow it or do you stick to your policy no matter what?

[Blackcat31]

So what do you guys do with all of the "Can I pay you next week because we had to get a part for the car?" "It is a tight month...can you hold the check for a week?" and etc. etc.

"I'm sorry to hear that. The late fee still applies though as I have a car (or fill in the blank) to pay for too."

I want to be understanding but at the same time, why is day care the one area where some parents feel it is ok to cut cost corners/pay late/get free service and then pay? I have families who pay me every Friday, no questions ask and then I have a couple where it is always something.

I make sure parents know UPON ENROLLMENT that I DO understand that life happens and I DO feel empathy for them when stuff happens beyond their control but it still isn't MY responsibility. Like you said....it's always daycare that gets put at the bottom of the list for things to pay.

The way I look at it, is you can still go to work if they shut off your power but you can't go to work if you don't have someone to care for your child.

Also, what about those families that DO always pay with no issues. If they asked just once or twice a year if they could pay late due to hardship so you allow it or do you stick to your policy no matter what?

The families that have built a long standing relationship with me and have always been good about paying me DO get "special" treatment but ONLY if I am in the position to do so. I will never let someone else's situation be MORE important than what I have going on financially....but I have made payment exceptions in the past for those "golden" that show respect and consideration for what I do.

[Maria2013]

The families that have built a long standing relationship with me and have always been good about paying me DO get "special" treatment but ONLY if I am in the position to do so. I will never let someone else's situation be MORE important than what I have going on financially....but I have made payment exceptions in the past for those "golden" that show respect and consideration for what I do.

[coolconfidentme]

had a parent txt me earlier today:

"whoops, forgot to give (dcd) the check!" (dcd was dropping off)

i txted back:

"whoops, forgot to answer the door."

silence....then......

"dcd will bring a check."

thought so. :-)

bahahaha!!!!

[LK5kids]

I am uncomfortable too, but I ask for it. I have super, super parents but a few times they began to leave w/out paying and I stepped right in and requested it. I also let them know payment on Monday is NOT okay. They are required to go get a check and come back.

[jenn]

First late payment = a late fee
Second late payment = double the late fee
Third late payment = possible termination

...if you don't want to term, just continue doubling the late fees.

Parents RARELY, if ever, make more than 2 late payments.

I really like that plan! Thankfully, the mom has never really been late, she pays every Friday. She just always has some song and dance about why she doesn't have the money, then leaves and comes back with it before closing. She's smart enough to not get charged the late fee, but I guess just wants to feel it out each week to see if I'm serious.

[Unregistered]

Contract

I had this problem ALL THE TIME at my old daycare, but when I moved to a new city and opened a new daycare with all new, highly-trainable parents, I changed my contract. It is a prepaid contract only. Just like minutes on a prepaid phone...they can pay ahead as many weeks as they'd like, but I absolutely will not work unless there is money on the account. The very first day they start they owe me for that week.

This has been a huge help both to me and to the parents because I have NO late fees and accept NO excuses. They know the rules and absolutely no one has attempted to break them in the last 2 years. A few times they have been grumpy because they had to turn around and find an atm at 7 am, but it is SO much less stress for me.

I have a spreadsheet that, when they pay me any amount, we sign a receipt together and make a note about when the next payment will be due. So simple.

Good luck, I totally feel your pain. Especially when you really like the families you have to be hard on.

[TwinKristi]

So is up front payment not common on here? I really don't know any providers who take a check at the end of the week because of this. Doing month or bi-weekly invoices to pay for upcoming services makes life so much easier. I'm going to try and do an invoice system and new contract after the 1st of the year since SO many things have changed in the last 2 months. The only kids who pay after services are a family with a year round schedule and I watch them a few days a week when dad can't but it's never a for sure thing and they're SA so it's not contracted care.
I had one mom, a friend of mine for 20yrs, and she was the worst at paying. Only once in 18mos did she pay me on the first day for the whole month and maybe twice did she pay two timely payments in the month. I sent reminder texts and friendly requests at drop off and she forgot or left her checkbook or the ATM wasn't working. 18 months! You would think I was happy to see them go last month! LOL One mom always pays on time for the month for our contracted 4 days and pays for occasional drop-in 5th day but usually does at pick up. She forgot once last month for 2 days and then forgot to sign the check she finally remembered. I didn't charge a late fee because I appreciate the extra days and I know she wasn't trying to pull a fast one plus prepaid for the contracted days. My other mom makes 2 payments a month and once her mom forgot to pay for a couple days she usually watches him and I know they just forgot. But after the first of the year I think I'm going to get serious about late payments.

[SSWonders]

So is up front payment not common on here?

I get payment on Friday for the following week's care. I've learned the hard way to refuse care without payment. Two years ago I was shorted $1,000 by one set of parents and $600 by another. Complicated situations with both of them. Tried small claims court with both but they somehow disappeared into the wind. Without an address to find them you can't move forward with the claim. Never again.

[daycare]

I used to be like you and not able to speak up. that was until one day, NOT ONE parent paid me when they were supposed to. That day I typed up an email and sent it out to every parent...

I said something along the lines of........(not ecaxt words)

Today, no one paid their tuition fee. Which I am very shocked, after all, I do send each and everyone of you an invoice on the 15th of each month. As you are all aware, in our contract that you signed when you enrolled, you all agreed to pay a $50 late fee should you pay late. Just like any other business, if you pay late, you are subject to a late fee.

I am very upset that I have been put in this situation as I am here every day right on time each and every single day so that you can go to work. The job that you need to have so that you can provide for your family. NOT once have I ever been late for you, I am always here when you need me. I just don't understand why it should be ok for everyone to pay me when it is convenient for them because if I only opened my childcare business when it was convenient for me, you would be here knocking down my door. You all know that I am very flexible and easy going, a way that I would have liked to have been able to keep it. BUt if I don't make the necessary changes, there won't be a ABC childcare anymore.

Upon arrival on Monday, please attach a $50. late fee to your tuition. If you do not have your tuition, your child will not be able to attend until all childcare fees are paid in full.

Love your DCP

After I sent the letter out, I got a ton of apologies, which I did not respond to. Everyone paid the late fee, and so far other than new enrollments that have taken place since that letter went out two years ago, I have not had anyone pay late.........

bottom line is if you don't take action, don't expect anything to change..........

[Maria2013]

So is up front payment not common on here?

I get paid up front

[Unregistered]

I am a parent who is a former dcp.I HATED asking for my $ from parents but I also know that as a parent I honestly forget. So when my kids started with a new sitter. I flat out said. "I will ALWAYS pay you and I ALWAYS have the $ but I honestly am the most forgetful parent ever.PLEASE remind me if I forget to pay you.I will run home and get the money or checkbook." I am just a ding dong.When we had my former provider I would pick up my kids,get in my van,drive home,then I would turn around in the driveway and tell the kids"mommy forgot to give Miss Carla the check put your seat belts back on" It was never intentional I'm just a moron!

[Unregistered]

sorry i shouldn't say "sitter" I meant daycare provider.Here in our town "sitter" is a common term.Sorry about that.