Letter Wording

[NoMoreJuice!]

Just double checking with you ladies if you think this letter sounds too rude. I am in a very cranky mood and don't trust myself right now. DCM owes me for two weeks of care, claiming she didn't know she owed when the kids weren't here. And this is the third week they've been gone (she is claiming custody battle is causing the absences). I requested payment on Monday, she wrote back and said she'd give me a schedule that afternoon. Never heard from her. Wrote her two more letters, one Monday night and one on Tuesday. So now I'm cranky.



Dear daycare mom,
I'm not sure why you won't respond to my requests for payment, but I would like to inform you that we are in a very precarious situation. I refuse to allow you to become any further behind on payments, because it's not fair to either one of us. I would absolutely hate to end up in small claims court over this, as I know you have enough to deal with already. However, I can't shake the feeling that you're being dishonest with me since you haven't given me a schedule for three weeks and you won't respond to my previous emails requesting payment for this week. I feel that I have been more patient than I am obligated to be, and more generous by waiving the $10 per day late fee that is in my contract.

You must submit this week's payment and a schedule for the next week by 5pm tomorrow, June 27th, or I will terminate our contract.

[craftymissbeth]

Dear daycare mom,

Payment of $xxx.xx and next week's schedule is due by June 27th by 5:00 pm. I have previously waived the late payment fee of $10 per day, but if payment and schedule are not received by the above date the accumulated late fee of $xxx.xx will be added for a total of $xxx.xx and your account will be reported for collections and/or small claims court.

Sincerely,
Sick of this Crap

[Blackcat31]

Just double checking with you ladies if you think this letter sounds too rude. I am in a very cranky mood and don't trust myself right now. DCM owes me for two weeks of care, claiming she didn't know she owed when the kids weren't here. And this is the third week they've been gone (she is claiming custody battle is causing the absences). I requested payment on Monday, she wrote back and said she'd give me a schedule that afternoon. Never heard from her. So now I'm cranky.



Dear daycare mom,
I'm not sure why you won't respond to my requests for payment, but I would like to inform you that we are in a very precarious situation. I refuse to allow you to become any further behind on payments, because it's not fair to either one of us. I would absolutely hate to end up in small claims court over this, as I know you have enough to deal with already. However, I can't shake the feeling that you're being dishonest with me since you haven't given me a schedule for three weeks and you won't respond to my previous emails requesting payment for this week. I feel that I have been more patient than I am obligated to be, and more generous by waiving the $10 per day late fee that is in my contract.

You must submit this week's payment and a schedule for the next week by 5pm tomorrow, June 27th, or I will terminate our contract.

How about something more business and less personal (I can "feel" your anger/frustration in your words.. )

Here is something I might say:

"Dear DCM

After repeated attempts to communicate with you, I can't help but feel as though you are avoiding me.

I understand that you are having personal issue with the children's father but none of that has anything to do with me or the agreement you signed upon enrollment.

While I do empathize with you, I must insist that you bring your current past due balance of $xxx up to date IN FULL NO later than 5PM Friday, June 27.

A schedule WITH payment for the next week(s) will also be due at that time if you wish to continue receiving services.

If I do not hear back from you by close of business today, I will consider your lack of reply immediate termination of our service agreement and will file the necessary paperwork for small claims court to collect ANY and ALL fees owed, including late fees, withdrawal fees and court costs.

Thank you

Daycare Provider"

[craftymissbeth]

I'd just give her the facts and not any additional fuel that could make the situation worse. Just tell her she needs to pay and submit a schedule and she either will or she won't... then you'll know what to do.

FWIW, your letter is what I'd WANT to say... but I've learned to keep things short, simple, and devoid of all emotion.

[AmyKidsCo]

Dear daycare mom,

Payment of $xxx.xx and next week's schedule is due by June 27th by 5:00 pm. I have previously waived the late payment fee of $10 per day, but if payment and schedule are not received by the above date the accumulated late fee of $xxx.xx will be added for a total of $xxx.xx and your account will be reported for collections and/or small claims court.

Sincerely,
Sick of this Crap

I'd just give her the facts and not any additional fuel that could make the situation worse. Just tell her she needs to pay and submit a schedule and she either will or she won't... then you'll know what to do.

FWIW, your letter is what I'd WANT to say... but I've learned to keep things short, simple, and devoid of all emotion.

ITA - short, simple and just the facts. I think the letter above is perfect. Don't add any fuel to the fire or give her any ammunition to use against you if it does go to court.

[NoMoreJuice!]

Dear daycare mom,

Payment of $xxx.xx and next week's schedule is due by June 27th by 5:00 pm. I have previously waived the late payment fee of $10 per day, but if payment and schedule are not received by the above date the accumulated late fee of $xxx.xx will be added for a total of $xxx.xx and your account will be reported for collections and/or small claims court.

Sincerely,
Sick of this Crap

Sent a modified version of this with no emotion. Thanks for the help!

Yes, BC, I could FEEL my anger radiating from that letter too...glad I listened to you gals!

This is why I trust the advice I receive here: she showed up this morning with payment!! I'm pretty shocked actually.

[Blackcat31]

Sent a modified version of this with no emotion. Thanks for the help!

Yes, BC, I could FEEL my anger radiating from that letter too...glad I listened to you gals!

This is why I trust the advice I receive here: she showed up this morning with payment!! I'm pretty shocked actually.

happyface happyface

Did she give you a schedule too? Or is she terming? Was she mad or apologetic at all?

[NoMoreJuice!]

Yep, schedule in hand, payment plan in writing, and she was gushing apologies. It's going to be a great weekend!

[AmyKidsCo]

Yep, schedule in hand, payment plan in writing, and she was gushing apologies. It's going to be a great weekend!

[daycarediva]

Yep, schedule in hand, payment plan in writing, and she was gushing apologies. It's going to be a great weekend!

[Blackcat31]

Yep, schedule in hand, payment plan in writing, and she was gushing apologies. It's going to be a great weekend!

Awesome!! happyface