Need Fee Help ASAP

[truelife]

Here's the situation:

A couple called me at the last minute (week before due date - Gahhhhh!) and asked me to teach a Relaxation Class for a homebirth VBAC. I wouldn't have done it if it wasn't for them birthing with my MW and the Mom sounding so nervous. I went over last Wednesday night and taught for 3.5 hours and did a prenatal on her (for my MW) Her BP was 146/104 and they were preparing for a transfer. Next morning MW went to see her and it was 130/76 but her cervix had not changed- so she stayed home a little longer with a plan to go to the hospital if her BP went up again. Instead she went into labor - HUGE Shocker! Dad called me that night and asked me how to support his wife in labor and what would happen if they were transported! Yeah, ! So I spent an hour on the phone walking him through all of that.

Here's the situation: I told them on Night #1 that we would talk about the adjusted price on Night #2 but we never made it that far. I taught 3.5 hours in person (hour drive from my house to theirs) and then spent an hour on the phone Night #2. When I set up my fees I figured $25/hour for private class but how many hours should I charge them for?

TIA!!!!!

[truelife]

Also, how should I word it in the email I'm sending out? I hate doing the business side of this! I really wish I lived in a world where money wasn't an issue....

[MyDoulaStacia]

I would charge $100.00 for the classes. You did them in person and on the phone. I don't know that I would charge a milage fee unless you already stated that to them.
Just break down the cost in the e-mail with Doula fee plus Class fee. Then state it is due when you arrive via check or paypal.

[truelife]

That's what I was thinking, too! I am just not good at the asking for money part of it. LOL! Something I should probably learn how to do, huh? Thank you for responding!

[MyDoulaStacia]

I have letters that I send out for payment reminders.I tell clients I mail them out automaticaly 2 weeks before their due date so if they have already sent out payment not to be offended.
I think I would word your letter in the following way........

Dear "Family",
Thank you for choosing me to be your Doula. I feel very honored that with all the doulas out there you have chosen me to teach you Relaxation classes as well as support you during the birth of your child.
Payment for my services is as follows.
$100.00 Relaxtion Classes
$???.00 Doula Fee
Total amount due is _____________.
I accept cash, check, money order or credit card payments to my PayPal account.
Thank you again for choosing me as your Doula!

[truelife]

That's awesome! Thank you! I wrote them an email that was really friendly - especially b/c we didn't discuss the whole fee thing the first night. I'm definitely going to use your letter as an outline for future clients. What a great idea! Thank you again for sharing!

[truelife]

Okay, how does this sound (b/c I didn't have the "I send this to all clients" warning in advance... )

Hi _______ & _________ -

I thought about your family a lot over the weekend, and I would have called but it seems like everytime you lay down with a newborn someone calls! How is everything going? How are you feeling ________? How is ______ adjusting to having a sister?

I am writing to send you my class evaluation that I usually give on the last night but you guys didn't make it that far! If you get a chance to fill it out and email it back to me - I would love your feedback. We also said that we would talk about the price adjustment on the second night and we obviously didn't get around to that either! My class fees are set up at $25/hour and between the two nights I figured it to come out around 4 hours. Does that sound about right to you?

I hope you all are doing well and enjoying your sweet baby girl!
Talk with you soon,

[heathenmamaof5]

Looks great!!! I'm glad you got the help you needed, you can always count on AllDoula's!!!

[MyDoulaStacia]

Quote:

Originally Posted by truelife Okay, how does this sound (b/c I didn't have the "I send this to all clients" warning in advance... ) Hi _______ & _________ - I thought about your family a lot over the weekend, and I would have called but it seems like everytime you lay down with a newborn someone calls! How is everything going? How are you feeling ________? How is ______ adjusting to having a sister? I am writing to send you my class evaluation that I usually give on the last night but you guys didn't make it that far! If you get a chance to fill it out and email it back to me - I would love your feedback. We also said that we would talk about the price adjustment on the second night and we obviously didn't get around to that either! My class fees are set up at $25/hour and between the two nights I figured it to come out around 4 hours. Does that sound about right to you? I hope you all are doing well and enjoying your sweet baby girl! Talk with you soon,

I don't think I would put the word "around" next to the 4 hours.
And I would not ask them if that sounds ok to them.
That is your fee and you should stick to it!

[tianakaesha]

agree with stacia... I would not say "around" and I would not ask them if it is alright, 'cause often people say no! you tell them what you expect

[truelife]

Thank you both. I sent the email out before I read your responses. I took out the "does that sound okay" and replaced it with forms of payment. I did leave the 4 hours though - especially b/c it was leaning more towards 5 hours and if they stop to do the math they'll quickly figure that out - at least I hope. Thank you so much for your input!

[MyDoulaStacia]

I hope you receive payment soon!

[truelife]

I think I may have screwed myself over by not collecting payment on the first night. I know that the couple has a new baby, but they will not return my phone calls or reply to my email. The MW is going over there tonight so maybe they will say something to her. I'm thinking about calling (again) and telling them that I will be in the area and asking if it's okay to stop by for payment. We really, really need the money before Friday. Another lesson learned....

[MyDoulaStacia]

That truly isn't right that you have to repeatedly ask for payment.
It's a shame you can't go over with the midwife as a postpartum check up. How could they "not" pay you in person, plus they would already be expecting someone.
Keep us posted!

[truelife]

I finally got a hold of them last night and told them I would be in the area today and asked if I could swing by to get a check. They said that would be fine - so I did and just got back. Thank you for all of your advice Stacia - I really appreciate it! I'm learning as I go - which is a good thing.