Difficult Client Before Attending?

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

What would you do if a security deposit was already given, the family is supposed to begin attending tomorrow, and the past 24 hours have given you SERIOUS doubts?
The two previous interactions were pleasant. But, the past 24 hours have been less than pleasant.

I have had two demanding e-mails in the past 24 hours from Mom.
One essentially telling me that she was "the boss" (I corrected in a professional but assertive manner), and one acting shocked/confused/horrified at the fact that the bi-weekly tuition payment was due in full tomorrow (which was information provided to her verbally and in writing).

[KBCsMommy]

Trust your gut!

[wdmmom]

I would probably tell her that perhaps this isn't a situation that is going to work out well for either party.

Refund the deposit and with them luck!

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

In the last e-mail sent, I let her know that if she wasn't fully comfortable with my policies that I would be happy to refund her security deposit.

Can I go back on what I said at this point (9:50PM) and say that I decided that I am not fully comfortable and I will be refunding? WWYD?
Unfortunately she lives down the road from me. So close to home.

[wdmmom]

I don't know that I would do it via email this late. What time are you expecting the child tomorrow? Is there a reason they are wanting to start care on a Friday?

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I don't know that I would do it via email this late. What time are you expecting the child tomorrow? Is there a reason they are wanting to start care on a Friday?

Two children at 7:30AM.
They are wanting to start care on a Friday because the older child's Preschool ended today and they need care while they are at work. She was critical of the fact that my billing period begins on a Monday and wanted her billing period to be different. That did not work for me.

She said that she didn't budget to pay the remaining tuition ($340.75) tomorrow. So, I suppose we will see if she even shows up.

Her e-mail to me was at 6:20PM and all e-mails state that she sends them from her iphone. My reply back was at 8:41PM this evening. It is now 10:02PM and I have not received any response.

[wdmmom]

I think I would go ahead and send an email tonight. She might get it.

Just tell her after considerable thought, you have declined the offer to work for their family.

Apologize and tell them good luck.

Ask for them to send you an email back stating confirmation that they received it.

Tell them you will refund the money via cashiers check to the address you have on file within 5 days.

If you don't get confirmation, call them about 630am.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I think I would go ahead and send an email tonight. She might get it.

Just tell her after considerable thought, you have declined the offer to work for their family.

Apologize and tell them good luck.

Ask for them to send you an email back stating confirmation that they received it.

Tell them you will refund the money via cashiers check to the address you have on file within 5 days.

If you don't get confirmation, call them about 630am.

I discussed this with my husband, and I am taking your advice.

[wdmmom]

I discussed this with my husband, and I am taking your advice.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes!

[Meyou]

I think you've dodged a bullet! IMO "forgetting" that tuition is due in full on the first day is not something you can forget unless you want to. Let us know how it goes.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

6:30AM and no response yet.

[wdmmom]

Did they show up or did you hear anything?!

[Blackcat31]

...yes, do tell! What was/is the outcome?

Did she respond? Did she show up?

[texascare]

Sometimes people just make me shake my head....what do you mean they didn't budget for it? How much notice did they have that they needed to pay you? Daycare isn't free! I hope it all works out for you. Keep us posted.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Sometimes people just make me shake my head....what do you mean they didn't budget for it? How much notice did they have that they needed to pay you? Daycare isn't free! I hope it all works out for you. Keep us posted.

:: She toured the Preschool 4 weeks ago. She knew the price per child, including the 5% sibling discount. She received a paper copy and an e-mailed copy of the parent handbook (which is also available on my website).
She called 2 weeks ago to say she was bringing the security deposit by if I still had spots available. I did. I think from now on, if a parent takes 14 days to get back to me on how they feel about my Preschool ... that's going to be a RED FLAG.

She has known the price for 4 full weeks. She knew that the tuition was due in full either prior to or on the first day of care for 672 hours (4 weeks).
Anyways, I had to leave a message letting her know she needed to check her e-mail for an important message regarding today's care.

She never e-mailed, called, or texted nor did she show up at my door. She literally lives down the street from me. Maybe 10 houses down. We are mailing her security deposit to her today.
I have to tell you, I have had the best day. All of my parents were happy and thankful that I was taking care of their children today (really, and they pay me to do so!). They all live in our small community (within a few streets of me). The thought of a very LOCAL parent believing that they are my boss and behaving in a way that would make others believe that they were my boss would have really thrown my joy off today.