I run a in home childcare and I have problems with parent paying

Question

i need help asapI have my rules set up and i have a issue with parents paying on time .. every monday and late after monday 20 late fee but its allways oh he forgot well i will bring it in the morning or well i need to go to the back i will bring it back or am waiting on a check to post this is getting on my last nerve and i have been very patient!!! ANd i feel like i have been taking for granted i want to make a a flyer stating that this will no longer be acceptable how do i go about stating all this to parents without making it seem harsh!!!

Answer 1

Managing the money in a service business with children can really feel uncomfortable.  It's tough to balance the fact that you care about the kids/families you work with, but that it is also a business.

By the way, good for you for having your own business!  This is definitely a common issue for business owners.  You are not alone but there are simple solutions.

First, I agree with the other write in's.  Just like with children, you have to say what you mean and mean what you say.  A firm, but positive flyer announcing the specifics of late fees is a great start.

Second, adults are like kids.  We respond to consequences.  Follow through! One or two late charges and you will get people being more respectful.  For those that continue to be late, you will get more money in your pocket, which will reduce your resentment.

I know there are some day care sites that add to the late fee every day, which I saw mentioned by another writer.  That is definitely a good option and one that tells parents you are serious.  However, I would try the flyer and follow up first.  For some people, that accelerating late fee might be too much of a quick change from your more lenient policy.  

Finally, my goofy recommendation.  This may sound strange, but, instead of focusing on all the late paying parents, focus your attention on all the people who pay you on time. Give some time in your mind to those great parents that pay you and don's stress you out. Then, put energy toward visualizing your late payers as on-time payers.  This is powerful stuff.  Not just because of the actual visualization, but becuase it affects your mood, your body launguage, etc. and that will make things better.  

I have watched many situations go from bad to worse because negative feelings got in the way.  Make clear rules, be consistent and be positive.  You can whip those parents into shape in no time.  Once you change your message and make it clear that, in a positive and loving way, you expect to get what you want....you will!

Answer 2

Make a flyer stating just what you said: that late fees will nonger be acceptable and the consequences will be _______. If you have any questions, contact me at (x*x) x*x-xxxx.

People will get the point, you just have to stick to whatever you say and be stern about it.

Answer 3

make a small flyer saying due to several delinquent(sp?) payments i am going to have to add to my payment policy. part of my policy is that if it isn't paid that friday it must be here the following monday and if not i cannot accept the child until payment has been recieved. it is a bit harsh but i'm a real softie and it was the only way i could get them to stop taking advantage of me.

Answer 4

My daycare post a sign on the door every Tuesday that reads, "Late fees will be added today".  You could try something like that, she would probably know who it is directed to.  You are running a business, if she signed a contract and you had rules in place that indicate the child(ren) will no longer be accepted in your care after being X days late, enforce the rules.  If you don't, update your binding agreement.  

Answer 5

make a sign if you want to, put it in the contract, and tell them flat out.  There IS a deadline and if you don't pay by that time there WILL be fees.  simple as that.

Answer 6

It won't sound harsh, you're a business person not these kids' aunt.  If you don't act like a business person, they'll keep taking advantage of you.  Make a simple flier and hand it out to everyone this week.  Say: I know you're all aware of the policy on late payments but I just want to remind you that <explain the policy>  In the past this policy has not been enforced but beginning this Monday anyone who does not pay on time will be charged $x*x.  

Make sure the late fee is high enough that 1) it will make people try harder to pay on time and 2) even if they are late every week the extra fee will make it worth it to you to wait.  It's ok to raise the late fee at this point.  Also put in something like "I love caring for your children, but just like you I have bills to pay."  

If this person still has excuses just cut them off and say, "You now owe me $x*x dollars, please have it tomorrow."  If someone continually gets behind you should stop providing your services to them until they pay up.  I hope everyone pays you promptly on Monday am!

Answer 7

maybe sent home flyer on friday's that says "Don't forget payment is due on Monday. If I don't receive payments on Monday's there will be a $20 late fee. No exceptions!"

It shouldn't even matter if you sound rude or not. Its your job. People are taking advantage of you b/c it is a home business. I'm sure they expect to get paid on time for their work.

Answer 8

I would start making them pay a week in advance, and if that doesn't work, tell them you can no longer care for their child if they can't bother to pay you on time, or with the appropriate late fees. Tell them it is not in your best financial interest. In every daycare I have ever looked into, they have wanted a deposit and at least a week advance payment. And late fees are strictly adhered to. Sometimes you have to be harsh when it comes to financial things, I know it sounds kinda mean, but I hope this helps you out.

Answer 9

Just give them a reminder notice. It sounds like you have been more than understanding about it. Put something like "Just a reminder that payment is due on (so and so day/date). Any payment made after that date will have an additional $20 late fee. Thank you for your cooperation."

They have to understand that you're running a business just like anyone else. If they continually take advantage of this or are continually "forgetting" to make a payment then you may just have to terminate business with them.

Answer 10

Charge late fees and stick to it...no exceptions.  Otherwise people will be taking advantage of you forever.

Answer 11

don't worry about it sounding harsh. you are running a business my daughter's daycare has a sign posted that reads "weekly payments due every friday" you can do something like that and add that if late 20 dollar late fee. you can keep it up all the time so parents know and you can even send it home with the kids so there are no excuses as to why they didn't pay on time.

Answer 12

Well, how late are they?  The next day, or is it like 3 days late?  If it's the next day, I would be a little more patient.  After all, it's Monday and people do forget things after the weekend.

However, if it's several days late, then yes, I would do a flyer on the door, say on Wednesday, a late fee of $20 will be added (wow, that's a bit steep don't you think?) I would single out those who keep doing it over and over again - you know who they are.  And they know they do it, so don't try to hide it.  Just be polite and say that you can't keep getting such late payments and if it continues I will have to double my late fee.  Then if they don't put it on their next check (the late fee) say, oh you forgot to add last week's late fee. I'll need that by tomorrow.  If these people have any manners whatsoever, they will learn.  Otherwise, you'll have to say, I'm sorry but I can't watch your kids anymore because you never pay me on time.

Answer 13

I don't know how many children you have, but you can just send out a form saying  " due to some trouble with non and late payments there will now be a $20 late fee A DAY for late payments thank you for your cooperation and understanding- Jane Doe" sometimes you have to be a little more harsh and if this does not work then you may need to tell the person that you can not watch your child anymore due to payment issues. I really love suzie so I hope you understand....most people who arn't paying and who are reasonable people know they are at fault and will just move on....good luck...I've been there and done that...sorry you have to deal with this!

Answer 14

I would simply send a notice home with each child, let them know that payment is due no later then - whenever you accept it, and if there is a balance on the childs acount there will be a late fee of $20 and you will no longer watch the child until the account is paid in full.

Answer 15

If it were me, I might change the policy.  Keep the late fee, but add that after __ number of times being late, parents will have to pay for one week in advance in order to continue receiving child care.  (Not just pay this Monday for this week).  On the letter informing parents of the change, address it to "All Parents" so that the people causing the problem don't feel singled out.

Answer 16

Send out a letter saying that some parents haven't been paying on time. Due to that, each day late will be an added $20 fee. The rules will be strictly inforced.

Then every Friday either send a little reminder out OR you could just verbally remind them at pick-up time.

Answer 17

Noah's mommy is right.