DCP Trying to Get Back Deposit

[DaisyMamma]

Advice needed.
I've been holding this spot for 2 months and child isn't scheduled to start until Sept. I don't mind holding it. But of course I required a deposit. Parent paid in cash and did not return any paperwork since baby wasn't born. Not even signed policies yep, my bad.

Now kid isn't coming and parent is asking for a refund. I simply replied (email) that deposits are not refundable and to refer to my policies. Of course she replied that she didn't sign anything.

[Blackcat31]

Advice needed.
I've been holding this spot for 2 months and child isn't scheduled to start until Sept. I don't mind holding it. But of course I required a deposit. Parent paid in cash and did not return any paperwork since baby wasn't born. Not even signed policies yep, my bad.

Now kid isn't coming and parent is asking for a refund. I simply replied (email) that deposits are not refundable and to refer to my policies. Of course she replied that she didn't sign anything.

She submitted a deposit. That IS committing.

I love how parents view the deposit as a guarantee but ONLY if they want it to be that. Then when things don't work out on their end, it should suddenly be something completely different.


E-mail her and ask her why she paid a deposit then?

When she replies "to hold the space"

Reply that you held up your end of the deal so the deposit is not refundable.

[LysesKids]

**** city... see when I ask for first & last weeks deposit, parents have to sign the contract or the intent to contract form at the same time (both say deposit is not refunded for any reason), then they get the rest of paperwork to fill out. I also write NO REFUND on the receipt given. Not sure how I would handle your situation

[Heidi]

She submitted a deposit. That IS committing.

I love how parents view the deposit as a guarantee but ONLY if they want it to be that. Then when things don't work out on their end, it should suddenly be something completely different.


E-mail her and ask her why she paid a deposit then?

When she replies "to hold the space"

Reply that you held up your end of the deal so the deposit is not refundable.

Yep!

I would have something written up to sign with your deposits in the future. But, your policies (which she received) state the deposit is non-refundable. If she took it to court (and I doubt she'd go that far), I doubt she'd win.

[NightOwl]

Ummmmmm. You're not a bank. People can't make deposits and withdrawals.

[Heidi]

Ummmmmm. You're not a bank. People can't make deposits and withdrawals.

::

[DaisyMamma]

**** city... see when I ask for first & last weeks deposit, parents have to sign the contract or the intent to contract form at the same time (both say deposit is not refunded for any reason), then they get the rest of paperwork to fill out. I also write NO REFUND on the receipt given. Not sure how I would handle your situation

Yes. Its certainly a lesson learned. I won't take a deposit without a contract again.

The last time I failed to return a deposit the state showed up at my door and I got a really mean lady and a laundry list of citations, which were ridiculous, not picky things.

[Heidi]

Yes. Its certainly a lesson learned. I won't take a deposit without a contract again.

The last time I failed to return a deposit the state showed up at my door and I got a really mean lady and a laundry list of citations, which were ridiculous, not picky things.

Interesting!

Do you have a licenser assigned to you? If so, give her a "heads up" this time. I do any time there is a parent conflict. Funny thing is, every time I've called, it's come to nothing (they dont' call). The first couple times in the beginning when I didn't call, the parent did. Murphy's Law? I'll use it to my advantage, if that's the case.

[midaycare]

Ummmmmm. You're not a bank. People can't make deposits and withdrawals.

Perfectly said.

[Second Home]

Maybe create a deposit form . Have it say they are leaving a deposit to hold the spot , non refundable , etc...

That way even if they do not sign , fill out or return the other paperwork you are covered .

[Crazy8]

lesson learned… deposit with signed contract (even if baby isn't born, they can leave first name blank). Did you even give a receipt for the cash deposit? If you google "security deposit receipts" you will find lots that you can make work for daycare - always have them on hand so even if you aren't collecting the contract yet you can have this on file! I would never take cash without giving a receipt for it.

I would tell her that the deposit was given to hold a spot in your childcare. You have held the spot for the past 2 months. Deposits are non-refundable. If she handed over cash she was requesting the hold, which you did, so she can either start when scheduled or not but the deposit does not get refunded.

[DaisyMamma]

Interesting!

Do you have a licenser assigned to you? If so, give her a "heads up" this time. I do any time there is a parent conflict. Funny thing is, every time I've called, it's come to nothing (they dont' call). The first couple times in the beginning when I didn't call, the parent did. Murphy's Law? I'll use it to my advantage, if that's the case.

In my state different people handle complaints than those who handle regular inspections. In addition, they all get moved around every couple of years to avoid relationships forming.

[DaisyMamma]

Ok. Major change of events here.

Literally has me saying WTF :confused::confused::confused:

Now she wants the spot and needs to know when I need the forms by?????

So far this email correspondence has been perfectly nice and civil and only consisted of e3 emails. Her terming and asking for a refund. My declining and her response that she didn't sign anything and basically nicely begging for a refund. I never responded. She just wrote back again asking to keep the slot.
I still have not responded.

but my blood pressure is through the roof and I currently would rather strangle her with my bare hands. Not literally! ::

[hope]

Ok. Major change of events here.

Literally has me saying WTF :confused::confused::confused:

Now she wants the spot and needs to know when I need the forms by?????

So far this email correspondence has been perfectly nice and civil and only consisted of e3 emails. Her terming and asking for a refund. My declining and her response that she didn't sign anything and basically nicely begging for a refund. I never responded. She just wrote back again asking to keep the slot.
I still have not responded.

but my blood pressure is through the roof and I currently would rather strangle her with my bare hands. Not literally! ::

She may want to use day care now as to not lose any money from deposit. I would highlight in contract that payment is made in advance and deposit would be used as last week's payments after notice has been given. She may be looking to just get her money worth if she thinks she can't get her deposit back.

[DaisyMamma]

She may want to use day care now as to not lose any money from deposit. I would highlight in contract that payment is made in advance and deposit would be used as last week's payments after notice has been given. She may be looking to just get her money worth if she thinks she can't get her deposit back.

Oh I would never let her through the door without a check in hand.