Do You Charge To Hold Spots That Aren't Available?

[CraftyMom]

I found myself in a new situation recently. With my 6yo home for the summer I am at capacity. When she goes back to school her spot will be available.

Would you charge a holding fee for the child who will fill the spot in September? I am confused on this. Since the spot isn't available until Sept. and they aren't looking to start until then anyway (unborn baby). I feel like I shouldn't charge for a spot that isn't available.

Normally I would have someone pay full price to hold a spot longer than one week. This one has me stumped...maybe you guys have suggestions.

[Blackcat31]

I don't do holding fees or deposits.

I don't hold spaces either.

[NightOwl]

I wouldn't. If you do deposits, I would ask for that. Them paying the deposit will tell you if they truly intend to take the spot. I would not turn other potential families away just on someone's word that they want the spot.

[Play Care]

I imagine that when your child will be home next summer, you will be in the same situation? In that case I would probably see if someone is looking for school year only and give them the "break" as you need the spot in the summer. I wouldn't feel right (and I wonder if it's even legal?) to charge for a spot you don't have, KWIM?

[CraftyMom]

I imagine that when your child will be home next summer, you will be in the same situation? In that case I would probably see if someone is looking for school year only and give them the "break" as you need the spot in the summer. I wouldn't feel right (and I wonder if it's even legal?) to charge for a spot you don't have, KWIM?

Next summer will be different. Right now I can have a total of 6. In November I will have my plus 2, which allows me to have 6 kids plus 2 school age. She will count as one of the school age, so really not taking up a spot since I don't do school agers other than my kids. (my 13 yo doesn't count in my numbers)

[Play Care]

Next summer will be different. Right now I can have a total of 6. In November I will have my plus 2, which allows me to have 6 kids plus 2 school age. She will count as one of the school age, so really not taking up a spot since I don't do school agers other than my kids. (my 13 yo doesn't count in my numbers)

Oh, I see. Can you advertise a September start? Then it wouldn't be an issue? I know my fall line up is pretty set, but you might get some bites from those whose care fell through - or didn't realize they should have made arrangements before now

[spinnymarie]

I charge an enrollment fee, to help me make sure I won't have to scramble at the last minute

[Leigh]

I would ask for a deposit in order to obtain a firm commitment, but I would not charge for the spot until it becomes available. Once the spot is open, I charge full price to hold a spot.

[TheGoodLife]

I have a holding fee. It's $100, that's nonrefundable but applied to their first week when they start. I wouldn't ever hold a spot with just someone's work, KWIM? Since she isn't wanting to start until then anyways, it works out for both. She's holding a spot until she needs it, and you'd be getting $ to reserve that spot for her, so she couldn't (hopefully) just change her mind and leave you in the lurch.

[Crazy8]

I require a deposit from all families, for spots not being filled within 2 weeks I charge an additional holding fee. The amount depends on how long I am holding the spot. Your child may be using the spot right now but by them paying you the holding fee you are not interviewing others to fill the spot - it is theirs when they will need it - which just so happens to coincide with when you have the opening. But to me the holding fee and deposit are so I don't keep looking for a client to fill that opening.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I wouldn't. If you do deposits, I would ask for that. Them paying the deposit will tell you if they truly intend to take the spot. I would not turn other potential families away just on someone's word that they want the spot.

YES. I did so in the past and it bit me in the rear. I use their security deposit fee to pay for their final 2 weeks in care should a written two weeks notice be given.

[Rachel]

I would also ask for a deposit. Here it works differently, but the parents pay monthly and have to pay for September (first month of the year) in 2 installments. One before I sign the contract, check dated July 31 (approximately 1/3 of the total fee), and the second payment for September 1st. If they pull out in August they lose the 1/3, and if they leave in September they lose the whole amount unless someone else takes over the spot (in which case they still lose the 1/3 amount).

[CraftyMom]

All food for thought, thank you!

A deposit sounds good to make sure they don't back out, then I'll start charging once the spot is available (Sept 2)

[AmyKidsCo]

In your situation I charge the regular enrollment fee and two weeks' tuition to cover the last two weeks' care. I would start charging the holding fee when the opening becomes available, but wouldn't charge until there's an opening.