Its a classic stunt!

[crazydaycarelady]

Mom and dad owe me money today so guess who shows up to pick up the kid?

GRANDPA!

Poor guy - he has no idea he has been sent as payment avoidance!

Dcm usually texts me everyday to see how the baby is but today she was mum. Pretty sure she DOESN'T want to hear from me at all.

What do you do when this trick plays out at your dc?

[Blackcat31]

Personally, I don't do anything.

But when they show up on Monday, they find they don't have services unless they show up with payment in full AND the late fee.

There have been occasions I have called the parent and simply called them out on their lack of payment and forewarned them of the consequences but I've only done that if I truly believe it was something that was forgotten.

If I even suspect that they avoided me on purpose, then I don't say a word and just let them think they pulled a fast one...they are usually pretty smug....until Monday morning.

My late fee is BIG enough to put a halt to that behavior after the first time.

[SignMeUp]

My late fee is BIG enough to put a halt to that behavior after the first time.

That begs the question ::
Could you give us a range?
I swear I have had parents who don't care in the least about $$$

[Blackcat31]

That begs the question ::
Could you give us a range?
I swear I have had parents who don't care in the least about $$$

Fee for late payment is $30.

Fee PER day past due date is $10 for the FIRST time

Second time the fee doubles.

Third time the fee is doubled again OR termination occurs. (MY choice which option)

I don't want to say I've never had a late payment since implementing that policy but I don't think I have honestly.... if I have...it happens so rarely that I can't even recall it.

[Crazy8]

Funny, I had grandma pick up today too - mine are off tomorrow and on vacation all next week. I texted mom and said check needed to be here by 5pm or late fees would start accruing and since I know they are going out of town tomorrow they really don't want to see those fees. Dad stopped by with check 15 min. before I closed.

I am just tired of having to remind and ask for my money. Yes, I could not say anything and just refuse them on Mondays but I would prefer to get my grocery shopping and errands done on the weekend and it requires their checks.

[Cat Herder]

Did you casually ask Grandpa if they sent the payment with him?

Grandparents can be awesome allies.

It may take your asking him a few different pick-ups, but he will get the picture.

[Laurel]

Did you casually ask Grandpa if they sent the payment with him?

Grandparents can be awesome allies.

It may take your asking him a few different pick-ups, but he will get the picture.

That is a really good idea!

I like it!

Laurel

[KiddieCahoots]

Would it be too bold to start posting on Thursday's, big neon signs on the entry door, on the cubbies, at the sign in/out board that says, FRIDAY=PAY DAY!
or do you think they'd ignore that too?

[Is it bedtime yet?]

I now post a sign on the door on Friday am before opening stating that payment is due by 5:30pm. It has made a huge difference!

[AmyKidsCo]

Did you casually ask Grandpa if they sent the payment with him?

Grandparents can be awesome allies.

It may take your asking him a few different pick-ups, but he will get the picture.

I've done that. It often works great! like this

Honestly, since I started asking for payment on Thursday but not charging late fees until 5:00pm Friday I haven't had any problems. The parents who forget Thursday bring it Friday morning and everyone is happy. We wouldn't deposit until Saturday anyway.

[nannyde]

I never have late payments. They KNOW better.

[TwinKristi]

I have one DCF that is always making me wonder if I'll get paid on time. This week I have already given them two reminders because their payment is due Fri but they only came T & W this week and live 40 mins away. I said on Sun when they texted the week's schedule that their payment is due Fri and they can leave a check Wed and I would wait til Fri to cash it. Wed comes and another parent was there during drop off and when he didn't have a check I wasn't able to ask. I texted him later and he said they ran out of checks so he's going to bring me cash on Friday. Similar story with their last payment 3 weeks ago and he came Sat. to pay so I charged a $10 late fee but he only brought $7 and his wife never brought me the $3 like he said and it just felt so petty at that point. I don't want the $10, I want my money on time.

[Play Care]

I now post a sign on the door on Friday am before opening stating that payment is due by 5:30pm. It has made a huge difference!

I do this when I start new families. I make a bright red sign and put it on the door. I also have a bright red notice that I send home the day before stating payment is due and reminders of late fees...I find if I'm firm from the get go then I have no issues down the road.

[debbiedoeszip]

I would text/call mom and let her know that if she arrives Monday morning without the payment owing then you will be discontinuing services immediately (ie, she will not be able to leave her child with you).

[Unregistered]

Any updates???