Childminder not being paid, constant excuses, advice required

alison999

warehouse wrote: »

My wife simply wants what's owed. Neither of us believe in penalty charges or interest claims. That's just being greedy in our opinions.

its good that youve given her notice, that way, the child itself wont feel like somethings wrong and its his/her at fault

choille

My wife simply wants what's owed. Neither of us believe in penalty charges or interest claims. That's just being greedy in our opinions.

I have never collected a late payment charge, but it does often 'encourage' people to pay their bills on time, gives them a bit of incentive.

warehouse

choille wrote: »

My wife simply wants what's owed. Neither of us believe in penalty charges or interest claims. That's just being greedy in our opinions.

I have never collected a late payment charge, but it does often 'encourage' people to pay their bills on time, gives them a bit of incentive.

Hello Choille, I didn't really mean that as it came accross. I would have been better putting that it would make a bad situation worse as far as this case is concerned. I agree that it certainly would be a kick up the backside that same late payers require .

danielanthony

Just keep the child until they pay.

Surprised no one has thought of this yet.

RobertoMoir

warehouse wrote: »

My wife simply wants what's owed. Neither of us believe in penalty charges or interest claims. That's just being greedy in our opinions.

It's good that you're ethical people who aren't trying to "turn the screw" for the sake of it, but setting out a clear schedule of charges and imposing penalty charges and limiting the supply of your service isn't being greedy, it's being professional. Charging someone late charges for being 2 days late with a payment is (though some might argue) greedy in a business like this, but I'd suggest that putting your foot down after a few months isn't.

I'm not saying this to suggest that you guys should do something you disagree with, and I'm not trying to challenge your ethics either, in fact I admire your patience here.... however you have to accept that some people are less well behaved and if you don't have a firm line and penalties for crossing it (which doesn't have to include extra charges, it could simply mean recovering any debt then refusing to do business with them in the future) then these people will sadly take advantage of the good natured people around them.

warehouse

Good reply there RobertMoir, thanks. What WILL happen in future with children who are looked after for more than one day a week is payment in advance. She's adamant about that now. Live and learn.

To update: Another excuse yesterday and the mother didn't even turn up. My wife went to her house and delivered the letter by hand, stating exactly what was said in the post earlier with a full breakdown of charges, payments and outstanding moneys owed.

I do hope this can be sorted out as the little girl is very sweet and I'm sure my wife and children would miss her if they didn't see her again, and probably vica verca. It's because of the involvment of young children that makes this whole thing much more difficult than not paying a plasterer for example!

alison999

At least you know she has the letter so no excuses there then!

choille

You should send the next letter by recorded delivery. Don't give up on the money as you've earned it - well your wife has. Wait a week & send out another bill stating that if not paid then you'll raise a small claims against her, or asking her to make immediate contact to discuss the debt - Well I would.

Savvy_Sue

danielanthony wrote: »

Just keep the child until they pay.

Surprised no one has thought of this yet.

:rotfl: very good, only some parents might be only too glad to do this! :rotfl: