Getting Paid on Time

[cece123]

Hi,

I have a problem that I need some advice on.  I run a dayhome and have a hard time getting people to pay me on time.  I have asked for payment on the 1st of the month and by the middle of the month I am still asking.  I always get "oh yah I forgot"  or "what is it the beginning of the a new month already"  Okay and if that is enough, at the beginning of the month I am to take two weeks holiday which no one pays me for but to top if off I did not get paid at all as they told me they would pay me when I came back in holidays - did they ever think I might need the money.  I don't know to pay bills, buy groceries or go on vacation.

[grandma bear]

Ask to be paid up front before services are rendered.

[Lifes-A-Dance]

Do you give them an actual paper bill for tuition?  I bill my families with an actual paper invoice at the end of each week or two weeks whichever they have chosen on their contract.  Change your rules, if they don't pay you when it is due, the next morning when they walk in the door tell them their child can't stay until you are paid in full.  They are taking up a spot in your daycare and you can get paying clients.  Its easier said than done, but all you have to do it is once, it won't happen again when they can't go to work because they have nowhere for their child to go.  Tell them, when your new policy will go into affect.  Put it in writing and have the parents sign it so when it happens it won't be a surprise.