Refund for Terminating?

**laundryduchess@yahoo.com** · 06-07-2010, 09:38 AM

I would not refund a deposit used to hold their spot. Thats why you get a deposit, because a parent likes you enough to give you money to hold the spot for them, if they choose to go elsewhere then its forfieted. of course this is laid out in my contract. how does yours read? if it says its refunded , then refund it, if not I would assume its implied that its forfieted. I would just tell mom that her deposit was to hold the spot, and that when she chose to go somewhere else, she lost it.

**Greenshadow** · 06-07-2010, 09:41 AM

Thats what the deposit is for...to hold the spot. I would not refund her. No way. Because Im nice, I probably wouldnt hold her to the two-week notice paid (although it sounds like legally you could) but I would NOT give her deposit back.

**HeatherB** · 06-07-2010, 09:42 AM

This is why you have a deposit.. her loss. Tell her that they deposit was securing the spot and if it was her choice not to bring the child then it is her loss.

**professionalmom** · 06-07-2010, 09:52 AM

Thanks for the replies. I was pretty secure on NOT refunding the deposit. I glad to hear that others agree. I'm still torn on the 2 weeks. Basically, I was expecting payment for this week at drop-off this morning, so I really feel like I got screwed on that. I was thinking about charging for the 2 weeks but apply the deposit toward that so it wouldn't be quite so much. Any thoughts on that?

**Greenshadow** · 06-07-2010, 09:56 AM

Have you talked to her about whether she's already signed on with someone else? Sometimes you get what you pay for and maybe in the long run your higher rate is better. Anyway, I probably wouldnt charge her the two weeks only because its probably more of a nightmare trying to get it from her than its worth. I would be worried about word of mouth after something like that. Word gets around fast about providers here. I guess if you want to charge her though, I would say include the deposit in it to make it alittle less.

**jen** · 06-07-2010, 09:57 AM

Agh! That ****s! Personally, I think you deserve the 2 weeks and are probably legally entitled to it..but I also think you would probably have to go to court to get it and since there are no guarantees I would probably let it go.

You may want to consider having people pay for their first weeks care when they sign the contract.

**professionalmom** · 06-07-2010, 10:05 AM

Originally posted by jen

Agh! That ****s! Personally, I think you deserve the 2 weeks and are probably legally entitled to it..but I also think you would probably have to go to court to get it and since there are no guarantees I would probably let it go.

You may want to consider having people pay for their first weeks care when they sign the contract.

Here's the weird thing - people in this area do this ALL the time. So I have been quickly building my backbone and getting tougher and tougher on this type of stuff. Now, I have NO problem going to court and getting people to pay up. I am currently waiting on the process server to serve 1 more for me. When he gets that one served, I will have 3 deadbeat in court. I have had my contract in front of a magistrate before and it has held up, so I am not letting anyone slide anymore. The problem with this one is that she didn't start. I have thought, "oh, I don't want anyone to think I'm a B****" But since she obviously is not going to be a client, why should I care what she thinks of me?

I'd love to charge for the first 2 weeks when they sign, but then I doubt I'd get many clients. I am in MI which is the most poverty stricken state in the country. The parents will just go elsewhere. It was a gamble with the $50 deposit.

But, why would someone sign a contract and pay a deposit if they were still looking? I find that weird.

**alyssyn** · 06-07-2010, 11:02 AM

I would not refund her. I would also go after my two weeks. After all, if she signed the contract she knew what she was getting into. Good Luck!

**momofboys** · 06-07-2010, 11:22 AM

Originally posted by professionalmom

Here's the weird thing - people in this area do this ALL the time. So I have been quickly building my backbone and getting tougher and tougher on this type of stuff. Now, I have NO problem going to court and getting people to pay up. I am currently waiting on the process server to serve 1 more for me. When he gets that one served, I will have 3 deadbeat in court. I have had my contract in front of a magistrate before and it has held up, so I am not letting anyone slide anymore. The problem with this one is that she didn't start. I have thought, "oh, I don't want anyone to think I'm a B****" But since she obviously is not going to be a client, why should I care what she thinks of me?

I'd love to charge for the first 2 weeks when they sign, but then I doubt I'd get many clients. I am in MI which is the most poverty stricken state in the country. The parents will just go elsewhere. It was a gamble with the $50 deposit.

But, why would someone sign a contract and pay a deposit if they were still looking? I find that weird.

That's what's strange about this. Who would pay a deposit if they were still shopping around? I wouldn't pay a deposit unless I was 110% sure I wanted to use a certain provider.

**safechner** · 06-07-2010, 12:21 PM

I wouldn't refund her. It is her loss! That is why I just added a new policy last week. I have a new family just starting daycare with me today. They are wonderful for first day. I hope it will smooth so far like today...

Here is my new policy:

Deposit Fee
Before your child is admitted into Little Hands Daycare, or to hold a future spot, a security deposit must be paid. This deposit will be credited to your last week’s fee when you decide to depart from Little Hands Daycare. Your deposit amount is outlined in your Financial Agreement.

$_________ Deposit Fee.

*Please note* This fee will not be refunded should you decide not to enroll your child into Little Hands daycare.

**Daycare Mommy** · 06-07-2010, 12:44 PM

No way would I refund the deposit. (If you had to refund it when they change their mind then what's the point of it?) I just can't believe she called to ask for it back! For the 2 weeks I personally would let that part go, but it's your call. GL!

**Former Teacher** · 06-07-2010, 02:15 PM

I agree that the deposit should be nonrefundable. I also agree with the posters that said to let the 2 weeks go. Besides you don't want to make a name for yourself. Who knows what this parent might say or do?

On the flip side I can understand your frustration because you bought all the materials. Just save that for the next child. I remember my former director would get upset with me because I would not make a child their cubby until they were enrolled 2 weeks. I would take the time and make these fun and elaborate designs on their name tag. It was great. However I would do it for a child only for them to be gone within a day or so. It was a total waste of time, effort, and money. That's why I waited for at least 2 weeks.

**TGT09** · 06-07-2010, 03:24 PM

Originally posted by professionalmom

I have thought, "oh, I don't want anyone to think I'm a B****" But since she obviously is not going to be a client, why should I care what she thinks of me?

This was my EXACT thought.

My contract states that the deposit is not refundable. I would think about re-wording yours if that's not in there.

**melissa ann** · 06-07-2010, 04:51 PM

No way refund the deposit. IT's her loss. It's a tough call about the 2 weeks. I agree you should get it, but I would probably let it go.

Refund for Terminating?

Refund for Terminating?

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