Would You Cash This Check?

[Shell]

I had a family that I had to term almost a year ago. They were one of my first families, and I gave them special everything-didn't charge late fees, let them come and go as the pleased, no set days, etc. I finally couldn't take it anymore, and decided to part ways. They didn't take it well, and although it was handled professionally, feelings were still hurt.

When tax season rolled around, they contacted me asking for the total amount paid and EIN. I complied, and sent it along. I also mentioned that they had been late so many times, that it totaled over 4 hours of late fees- and I told them that I would not charge for that now, but just letting them know (maybe it was a little immature to mention it after the fact).
Well anyway, dcm sends me a check a few months ago for the 4 hours of late fees, and it's a check for $20 I wasn't going to get into the fact that some providers charge up to $1/minute, and in her defense, I never told her how much it would be, so it was a nice gesture to offer anything.

I still haven't cashed the check- would you? Is it worth it for the $20, or should I just leave it alone since I should have been charging her each and every time she was late?

[Maria2013]

I would!
I know you're sorry you had to term, but you are running a business and if you want to make the most out of your business you have to maintain a professional perspective...
I don't think 20$ is too much but if makes you uncomfortable, you might want to consider not charging late fees

you done nothing wrong, not cashing that check is not gonna matter

[MotherNature]

I wouldn't, since you said you weren't charging for the late fees.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Would I? Yes.

[Maria2013]

it totaled over 4 hours of late fees- and I told them that I would not charge for that now, but just letting them know

maybe I misunderstood you...when were you planing on charging her?

[MyAngels]

How old is the check? A lot of banks won't cash after 180 days. If I was going to cash it I would have done it when they first sent it, not months later. It's a pet peeve of mine when someone holds my checks for a long time so I make it a point not to do it.

[Willow]

I wouldn't have mentioned it seeing as you parted ways a year ago (I agree with your assertion that it was immature and unprofessional).

I wouldn't cash it now either seeing as it's been several months since they sent it to you.


Why did you bring all that up when they simply requested tax information and why did you wait so long to cash it?

[Play Care]

I wouldn't have mentioned it seeing as you parted ways a year ago (I agree with your assertion that it was immature and unprofessional).

I wouldn't cash it now either seeing as it's been several months since they sent it to you.


Why did you bring all that up when they simply requested tax information and why did you wait so long to cash it?

No, I wouldn't cash it. I'd be mortified I even brought it up (because at that point this was well past the "business" stage - this was pettiness) and let it go. The time to have given them the late fee was when they were still clients.
Also, if you don't already have a written policy for late fees, get one. Then there is no confusion as to who owes what.

FWIW cashing a check implies that you agree with the amount given. Never cash a check if the amount isn't correct.

[MamaBearCanada]

No, I wouldn't cash it. I'd be mortified I even brought it up (because at that point this was well past the "business" stage - this was pettiness) and let it go. The time to have given them the late fee was when they were still clients.
Also, if you don't already have a written policy for late fees, get one. Then there is no confusion as to who owes what.

FWIW cashing a check implies that you agree with the amount given. Never cash a check if the amount isn't correct.

I agree

[Shell]

Why did you bring all that up when they simply requested tax information and why did you wait so long to cash it?

Unfortunately, they didn't just ask for tax info. Dcm was still hurt, and wanted more answers as to why I couldn't provide care for them anymore. The late fees came out as I was explaining that the day was just too long, and I was working more hours than we had originally agreed to.

I didn't cash it because I felt the same way- I should have had a late fee from the get-go. I think dcm just needed a daycare that was open till 6:30, so hopefully, she found one. I was just curious what other people would have/would do in this situation.

[Shell]

How old is the check? A lot of banks won't cash after 180 days. If I was going to cash it I would have done it when they first sent it, not months later. It's a pet peeve of mine when someone holds my checks for a long time so I make it a point not to do it.

I think you are right about the 180 days. The check is just about at this cut off date.

[Blackcat31]

Unfortunately, they didn't just ask for tax info. Dcm was still hurt, and wanted more answers as to why I couldn't provide care for them anymore. The late fees came out as I was explaining that the day was just too long, and I was working more hours than we had originally agreed to.

I didn't cash it because I felt the same way- I should have had a late fee from the get-go. I think dcm just needed a daycare that was open till 6:30, so hopefully, she found one. I was just curious what other people would have/would do in this situation.

I wouldn't have cashed it either.

I do have a question though. I know this is all in the past but did this DCM know the late pick ups were an issue at the time and did she KNOW you had a late pick up fee but you weren't charging them?

I am asking because all too often you see this same scenario played out.

Provider has rules/policies but is nice and doesn't charge the late fees. Pretty soon, it gets annoying and resentment builds. It can get to the point where you just don't enjoy having the family and the relationship takes a nose dive.

All the while the parent has NO clue that this resentment is building because nothing is said about the issues (that were tiny to begin with but have grown now....) or if comments are made to the family.....it's usually passive aggressive ones that really serve no purpose.

Then the provider decides one day that she just can't take it anymore and she terms....leaving the family dumbstruck as to why....

*********************************************************

Just curious if that was what happened in this situation or not. If so, I can see why this DCM sent the check. I think she is trying to right the wrongs...but wrongs I kind of think she may not have been completely aware of....kwim?

I would send the check back to her, tell her you appreciate her offer but it's all water under the bridge now.

Lesson learned for both parties.

[Shell]

I wouldn't have cashed it either.

I do have a question though. I know this is all in the past but did this DCM know the late pick ups were an issue at the time and did she KNOW you had a late pick up fee but you weren't charging them?

I am asking because all too often you see this same scenario played out.

Provider has rules/policies but is nice and doesn't charge the late fees. Pretty soon, it gets annoying and resentment builds. It can get to the point where you just don't enjoy having the family and the relationship takes a nose dive.

All the while the parent has NO clue that this resentment is building because nothing is said about the issues (that were tiny to begin with but have grown now....) or if comments are made to the family.....it's usually passive aggressive ones that really serve no purpose.

Then the provider decides one day that she just can't take it anymore and she terms....leaving the family dumbstruck as to why....

This is exactly what happened! My contract now has a late/early fee section for everyone- no more special treatment.
*********************************************************

Just curious if that was what happened in this situation or not. If so, I can see why this DCM sent the check. I think she is trying to right the wrongs...but wrongs I kind of think she may not have been completely aware of....kwim?

Never thought of it that way-good point!

I would send the check back to her, tell her you appreciate her offer but it's all water under the bridge now.

Lesson learned for both parties.

Great advice- thanks!