Does This Sound Okay??

[littlefriends]

I’m currently dealing with a dad who is arguing with me about paying a late fee because he tried to drop off payment last Friday after I closed. He got here at 7 (close at 6) and knocked interrupting my dinner time with my family and got super mad when I wouldn’t take the money. I ended up just telling him I was clocked out and we’d talk about it Monday but that I wouldn’t take his kiddo if he didn’t have the full payment plus the late fee. He hasn’t brought her all week!So today he texts me asking if I “still feel the same about Friday’s situation”! This is what I have to write back but I’m not sure if I sound professional or if I just sound like a sassy brat?? I want to say a whole lot worse.
All families were given my policy update in July and asked to sign that they had read and understood them. This policy change states that I will not accept payments outside of daycare hours and that there is a $30 late payment fee if payment is not made before 6pm on Friday for the week ahead. It also states that childcare will not be provided until payments have been received by me in full and that no exceptions will be taken. This policy change has been posted above the sign in table since July 2018 as well. If you need a copy of the policy change to keep for your records I’ll be happy to provide you with a copy of the signed one in your child’s file.

[Snowmom]

I think it sounds professional.
You're not being a sassy brat... he is!

The only thing I might add is that tomorrow (Friday's) payment is due as well or late fees apply.

[BGM]

I think it sounds professional.
You're not being a sassy brat... he is!

The only thing I might add is that tomorrow (Friday's) payment is due as well or late fees apply.

Ditto. If they signed this contract, it's not your fault they didn't read/understand it. And he should definitely pay for this week.

Stick to your guns!

[Cat Herder]

You wrote a lot more than I would. I'd text back:

"Of course I do. _____'s bag is packed, ready to be picked up. I really enjoyed my time with ___ and hate to see her go. I wish your family well on your search for childcare. Here is the link for the states childcare search website _____. Have a great afternoon!"

I don't respond well to ultimatums, especially something so easily resolved by paying on time. I would have filled the slot with a weeks non-payment. I do recommend your considering an online payment option to make payment more convenient for clients in the future. They are well worth their small fee.

[Blackcat31]

Exactly what others said ^^^


Dad is the sassy brat.

[Jo123ABC]

It's not like we can walk to any other business after hours to get a payment in before late fees are applied. I think you sound professional as well.

[BrynleeJean]

sounds great!
Good luck! :hug:

[Cat Herder]

I wanted to verify 1) he did not pay Friday on time 2) did not pay Monday and 3) did not pay the late fee.

As of Tomorrow at 6, he is two weeks behind.

That was my understanding. Did I get it right?

[littlefriends]

I wanted to verify 1) he did not pay Friday on time 2) did not pay Monday and 3) did not pay the late fee.

As of Tomorrow at 6, he is two weeks behind.

That was my understanding. Did I get it right?

Exactly right. Guess who just tried to give me notice they won’t be back...

[littlefriends]

You wrote a lot more than I would. I'd text back:

"Of course I do. _____'s bag is packed, ready to be picked up. I really enjoyed my time with ___ and hate to see her go. I wish your family well on your search for childcare. Here is the link for the states childcare search website _____. Have a great afternoon!"

I don't respond well to ultimatums, especially something so easily resolved by paying on time. I would have filled the slot with a weeks non-payment. I do recommend your considering an online payment option to make payment more convenient for clients in the future. They are well worth their small fee.

How do I go about taking payments online? Do they have to bank at the same bank?

[Homebody]

If he hasn't brought her all week to avoid paying, to me that is breach of contract. Services would automatically be terminated.

[littlefriends]

I think it sounds professional.
You're not being a sassy brat... he is!

The only thing I might add is that tomorrow (Friday's) payment is due as well or late fees apply.

This is exactly what I did, I emailed it so I’d have it in writing and told him I needed next week’s payment no later than 6pm tomorrow or he’d have another $30 late fee. He texted back (instead of replying to my email) that I’m not being fair! What?!

[Cat Herder]

How do I go about taking payments online? Do they have to bank at the same bank?

No. There are several services. I use KidKare auto invoicing. It gets glitchy from time to time but saves me a lot of time and effort. It also keeps all of my records for tax prep (time/space, expenses, extra hours, mileage, meal counts, etc. for $8 a month) . Really easy.

I will add the online payment tag so you can see the previous discussions about them.

[littlefriends]

No. There are several services. I use KidKare auto invoicing. It gets glitchy from time to time but saves me a lot of time and effort. It also keeps all of my records for tax prep (time/space, expenses, extra hours, mileage, meal counts, etc. for $8 a month) . Really easy.

I will add the online payment tag so you can see the previous discussions about them.

Ok thanks!!

[Cat Herder]

Ok thanks!!

You are very welcome! KidKare has a 30 day free trial to play around with to see if you like it. https://www.kidkare.com/#trial