Increase of Fees Issue

**NoMoreJuice!** · 07-13-2014, 07:26 AM

Your business is none of her business, and you are in the business of making money. If I had a client that was threatening to leave, I would absolutely replace them ASAP. Your current client has no right to any courtesy except that which is outlined in your contract (your month's notice). Personally, I only give clients two weeks, so I think a month is more than generous.

You are 100% IN THE RIGHT to make business decisions for the good of your business. Be brief, professional, and do NOT explain why you are terminating their contract, because frankly, you do not have to explain yourself.

**daycarediva** · 07-13-2014, 07:30 AM

As long as you are fulfilling your obligation to her, then you are absolutely in the right. Is it in your contract to give her a month's notice?

You have to do what's best for you and your business long term, just as this family has to do what's best for them. It's NOT personal. Mom verbally told you and has been actively seeking new care. It's only a matter of time until they give you notice. I would absolutely fill my spaces as soon as possible.

Give her a short and sweet note with the last day of care on it. I would be prepared for the possibility of it to turn ugly, and make sure that note included that you can term for immediately during the notice period for breach of contract, policies and/or disrespect.

**Kabob** · 07-13-2014, 07:36 AM

This is your business, not hers. I never have told my families that I'm looking to replace them or asked their opinion on a policy/fee change as it is my business, not theirs.

You had to assume she was leaving and rather than continue to lose money or be taken by surprise by her leaving, you took a proactive approach. It makes sense to me to find a family that will pay you steady income at your full rate rather than keep a family that told you outright that they plan to leave and can't pay your full rate. Plus, you will be giving her notice, which is more than enough time to find other care. I'm sure she could find care quickly if she was willing to pay someone rather than looking for free or cheap care...either way, it's not your problem. She obviously doesn't care about your wellbeing as she was willing to leave you without concern over whether you'd find a replacement.

I used to feel bad about business decisions and gave people extra chances and made exceptions and all that did was cause headaches as they asked or expected special all the time or got angry the second I couldn't give them special accommodations. So, don't feel bad about saving yourself a headache.

**midaycare** · 07-13-2014, 07:43 AM

What you did was perfectly acceptable and dcm has no one to blame but herself. A month's notice is great! Truly generous.

**WAHMderful_Life** · 07-13-2014, 07:55 AM

Thank you & one more question?

Thank you for the quick responses I wasn't sure I was going to hear from anyone before tomorrow. Your responses are very helpful. I was wanting opinions/ advise from others in the business as this is the first time I have had to deal with termination.

I guess I should also have asked how do you go by giving them notice?

I have a simple termination form. Do you just send it home in a lunch box(seems kinda cold or sneaky to me. Maybe its not i dunno)? Or do you hand it right to them saying something (I don't know what to say exactly)? These kind of situations give me a bit of anxiety as its not something Im use to having to do. Nor am I a very assertive person which I know I need to be in this situation.

Any advise on how to break the news would be greatly appreciated and again thank you for the great advise I have already received.

**daycarediva** · 07-13-2014, 08:24 AM

I hand them the notice and tell them verbally. It's awkward. Always is, but it's part of the business. Even if you only say "Dcm there is a note here for you. Please let me know if you have any questions." as you usher them out the door.

**nannyde** · 07-13-2014, 08:28 AM

Oh yes. No problem. She can't afford the fees. She has to understand you have to make money. She has no problem switching daycare because of money. You shouldn't either

**midaycare** · 07-13-2014, 11:57 AM

It will be awkward when you talk to her, and she may even get upset - who knows? But she did tell you she was looking for other care. If she tells you she has changed her mind, I would still term. She may be using it as a stalling technique until she finds other care.

**Butter Biskets** · 07-13-2014, 12:04 PM

Are you guys FB friends? Did you think to get a screenshot of her comment? If you didn't and the post is still there, I would get a screenshot of it. That, plus saying upfront that she was looking is MORE than enough reason to replace them. At the end of the day, parents don't usually care about your side of things so you have to do what is right for you. Keep us posted!

**CraftyMom** · 07-13-2014, 12:52 PM

My question is, do you have an actual policy that you need to give her a month's notice? If not and you're just being nice then only give 2 weeks. That is the standard. I wouldn't want to see someone I just termed another whole month.

Don't feel bad. As the others said, SHE told YOU she would be leaving. Doesn't matter if she found care yet or not. You're not going to sit around and twiddle your thumbs while you wait for her notice.

A family came along, take them. Sometimes it's hard to find a replacement, so if you already have one lined up that will work out well don't pass them up!

**Josiegirl** · 07-13-2014, 01:02 PM

I have no advice to add but did want to say that wasn't the smartest move on her part, asking on FB, knowing you'd see it, plus telling you. Did she intend to intimidate you into changing the rates back for just her? Came back to bite her in the butt. Glad you didn't cave!!

**WAHMderful_Life** · 07-13-2014, 01:28 PM

I do actually have a screen shot of the post as I sent it to my husband while he was at work.

As for my policies I have it stated that I need a months notice when parents terminate but I never stated how much notice I would give them. So I am just giving her the same courtesy. I am a little worried about (not looking fwd to) the awkwardness that this might cause.

It has crossed my mind that she may have been trying to intimidate me into waving the updated fees for her. Although Im not sure why she would think I couldn't replace her as there is such a huge demand for daycare in our little city.

thank you all for the support

I will for sure give an update on how this pans out

**nannyde** · 07-13-2014, 01:31 PM

Originally posted by WAHMderful_Life

I do actually have a screen shot of the post as I sent it to my husband while he was at work.

As for my policies I have it stated that I need a months notice when parents terminate but I never stated how much notice I would give them. So I am just giving her the same courtesy. I am a little worried about (not looking fwd to) the awkwardness that this might cause.

It has crossed my mind that she may have been trying to intimidate me into waving the updated fees for her. Although Im not sure why she would think I couldn't replace her as there is such a huge demand for daycare in our little city.

thank you all for the support

I will for sure give an update on how this pans out

Don't be nervous. She doesn't have any issue with switching. Just offer her the higher rates and let her say no.

**TheGoodLife** · 07-13-2014, 01:38 PM

My contract is 4 weeks for parents to give me notice, and 2 week when I give norice. I've never had anyone question it- it is harder to find new families and I wanted to cover my bases as far as income is concerned. I'd consider giving two weeks, and stating that is standard termination notice given by providers. This may get ugly/ uncomfortable and 4 weeks is a LONG time if it goes sour. Good luck!

Increase of Fees Issue

Increase of Fees Issue

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