Remember When I Said I Had My First Client...?

[preschoolteacher]

Well, not anymore!

The little one was going to be here for a short period of time until his summer nanny could care for him. He has been at a center up until now. I knew it was a temporary gig, but I was excited to ease into it with one child for a relatively short period of time.

DCM and I had a verbal agreement, named prices and schedules over the phone. They were coming over this week to finalize everything. I emailed her to confirm the time of our meeting, and then she responded back that a space opened at his center so they were going to keep him there for consistency. She said several times that it was nothing I said or did, just that it made more sense to keep him where he was.

Okay, I totally understand that. I'd make the same choice, too, for my kid.

But I'm still disappointed!

I also kind of feel like an idiot because I told some friends I had my first client. Now I don't. I put in my notice at my job, but I was planning to do that anyway. Next time, I'm keeping my mouth shut until enrollment forms are signed.

[Blackcat31]

Aw, I'm sorry.

Don't feel badly about telling people...you DID have a client. They just changed plans.

It happens.

Hang in there.

[rmc20021]

Unfortunately it happens all the time. I don't count on a family being a client until they walk through my door for the first day of care...

I had a family a few weeks ago declare they wanted their son to come to my daycare and would call me the next day.

A few days went by and I was having problems with another family so termed them. I wanted to make sure the family who told me they wanted the spot actually still wanted it or I'd move on, so I called mom to give her first option.

She ensured me she absolutely wanted the spot and was coming the next day to give me all the signed documents as well as the first weeks tuition.

Never heard from her again.

[Play Care]

That stinks! Hope you get someone in soon!

[DaisyMamma]

Oh no!
That's such a bummer. Especially since you put notice at your job!

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

That is always such a bummer. I now don't count anyone as my client UNTIL they have paid their security deposit (final two weeks of care paid in advance that will be applied to their final two weeks should they give me written notice). It is the only way I am able to tell those who are serious apart from those who aren't.

[melilley]

Awww, sorry! But as BC said, don't feel like an idiot! It's always so exciting when you get someone to start and when they don't it is a let down, but someone else will come along! And hopefully will be permanent instead of only for a while! When I first opened in Jan. I had a handful of interviews that didn't show up and it was so disappointing, but now I'm full and the empty interviews are a thing of the past! As someone on here once said, someday you will be able to look back and laugh because you will be full and have all the kids you need!

[allsmiles]

it ****s i know.. dont worry..somebody will come along.. like others have said, its really the nature of the business.. i still get my hopes up, you think i would have learned by now.. at least she let you know..ive had some say yes we will see u monday and never hear another word.. so it goes..

[Leigh]

I had a woman call me no less than 10 times in less than a week...begging me to take her child into my family daycare. Her kid was being mistreated in a center (which has a reputation for breaking licensing rules constantly) and she NEEDED me. I told her that I don't accept part-time kids. I told her that I had as many kids as I wanted. She told me how much it would mean to her and her child if he could come here. Finally, I told her (on Friday) to go ahead and bring him on Monday. I would make room for him (I'm well under my limit).

Never. Heard. From. Her. Again. Really? It happens, even when the parents shed tears and beg you to take their kid.

[sarahhardy2711]

Well, not anymore!

The little one was going to be here for a short period of time until his summer nanny could care for him. He has been at a center up until now. I knew it was a temporary gig, but I was excited to ease into it with one child for a relatively short period of time.

DCM and I had a verbal agreement, named prices and schedules over the phone. They were coming over this week to finalize everything. I emailed her to confirm the time of our meeting, and then she responded back that a space opened at his center so they were going to keep him there for consistency. She said several times that it was nothing I said or did, just that it made more sense to keep him where he was.

Okay, I totally understand that. I'd make the same choice, too, for my kid.

But I'm still disappointed!

I also kind of feel like an idiot because I told some friends I had my first client. Now I don't. I put in my notice at my job, but I was planning to do that anyway. Next time, I'm keeping my mouth shut until enrollment forms are signed.

I know exactly how you feel, I felt so stupid when I told people I had a client and it fell thru! I would never trust a verbal agreement with any of the interviews I've had, people are little liars. Sending you good vibes to find your first family.