Would You Refund?

[WImom]

I had a new family start last week. They came two 1/2 days and one full day. After they started I found out they have zero discipline at home, their words even. When I talked about how important a routine is for their daughter to Adjust (never in dc, just moved, also was over seas - they are Indian) they mentioned maybe they will get a nanny instead to teach her a routine. Also found out they aren't even speaking English to her at home when I mentioned I wasn't sure she is understanding me. She is 2.5 and was having problems adjusting but not terrible. I did mention a few things but also we knew going into this that it would take awhile.

In my handbook it states you still pay during the two week trial and if you withdraw your child during that time there are no refunds. They are asking for one now that they decided on a nanny. Although I feel bad they are paying an extra week I am also not too happy that I am out a client and have to interview again. Would you still charge or would you refund?

[Cradle2crayons]

I had a new family start last week. They came two 1/2 days and one full day. After they started I found out they have zero discipline at home, their words even. When I talked about how important a routine is for their daughter to Adjust (never in dc, just moved, also was over seas - they are Indian) they mentioned maybe they will get a nanny instead to teach her a routine. Also found out they aren't even speaking English to her at home when I mentioned I wasn't sure she is understanding me. She is 2.5 and was having problems adjusting but not terrible. I did mention a few things but also we knew going into this that it would take awhile.

In my handbook it states you still pay during the two week trial and if you withdraw your child during that time there are no refunds. They are asking for one now that they decided on a nanny. Although I feel bad they are paying an extra week I am also not too happy that I am out a client and have to interview again. Would you still charge or would you refund?

When in doubt, I do exactly what my policy is. You said no refunds during the trial period, so I would not refund. They knew before hand. They are choosing to change their minds. You shouldn't suffer because of it.

[Unregistered]

Your contract is clear. I would enforce the contract. While you may feel bad, it is THEIR choice. You didn't kick them out; they just wanted a nanny because it wasn't the right fit; that's their right, but they COULD have finished out that last week and are CHOOSING not to. Not your fault.

[Patches]

I agree with PPs, your policy says no refunds, so no refunds

[nannyde]

No refund. There is no point in a deposit if it is returnable.

[Lorri]

No refund

[countrymom]

so why wouldn't they even try to make it work unless they were waiting for their nanny to come, then this would make sense why they only lasted one week.

[kitykids3]

No refund. Their choice, your policy.

[dalman]

No refund. It seems like they presented themselves to be someone they are not. Don't feel bad. Take the money they OWE you and count your blessings that they are moving on. This does not sound like it would have been any easy fit. You are better off in the long run.

[MarinaVanessa]

I agree, no refund. I would offer them the opportunity to finish out the last week that they have already paid for and suggest that their nanny start the week after that, otherwise they lose their deposit. They signed the contract.

[TwinKristi]

I agree, no refund. I would offer them the opportunity to finish out the last week that they have already paid for and suggest that their nanny start the week after that, otherwise they lose their deposit. They signed the contract.

They're choosing to leave before their trial is over so they lose the money.

[DaisyMamma]

3 days is hardly giving it a try. Their choice.
No refund.

[Great Beginnings]

No refund. You probably feel guilty but I bet anything they just couldn't find a nanny so settled for home daycare. Then after starting they were able to find a nanny. Based on how the homelife sounds it doesn't seem like they had intentions to mainstream her into american life.

[Brooksie]

No refund. There is no point in a deposit if it is returnable.