Asking for payment due - How to approach this?

~Tranquility~Doula · 05-06-2006, 11:45 AM

I have a client that is due in 2 weeks. Per my contract the deposit is made when services are contracted and the rest of the payment is due at 37 weeks. She made her deposit and has not made the rest of the payment, which was technically due at the beginning of last week.

I've never had to ask for the money before and I don't know how to approach her about this. Help!

MothertheMother · 05-06-2006, 12:08 PM

I would send a gentle reminder via email. I think I would word it like "I was just updating my records and noticed I haven't received your full payment." If you still have prenatals just mention you can take care of it at the next one.

DL · 05-06-2006, 01:42 PM

I agree with Christy about sending a gentle reminder, except that I would send it by physical mail and keep a copy for yourself. If you're in the same town, she should receive the mailed letter by the next day, possibly that same day depending upon what time of day you mailed it. If you did send an email for the sake of speed, you still should send a paper letter by mail, IMO. If time goes on with no acknowledment, then I would call her and also send a bill or invoice by mail. If she is having financial problems, it's up to her to contact you about that, but you could mention in your letter something like, "if you have any questions or concerns about the balance due, please feel free to call me." Just my

raspberrymoondoula · 05-06-2006, 05:24 PM

i usually send a note saying something like "just a friendly reminder that as per our contract your final pament is due by ____. if you have any questions or problems meeting the payment just let me know!"

tlcdoula · 05-06-2006, 06:08 PM

I would send a message via snail mail. I actually tell all my clients that they will receive a reminder from me two weeks before their final payment is due because people do forget, they get busy or they are so overwhelmed and lose track of the date.

heathenmamaof5 · 05-06-2006, 06:37 PM

Great advice Ladies...

~Tranquility~Doula · 05-06-2006, 08:06 PM

Thanks for the advice, ladies!

lloyddoula · 05-08-2006, 08:01 AM

Good Day Ladies,

I give 3 prenatal visits to all my clients. 34-36-38 weeks pregnant.
I charge $550 for my services. 1/2 is required as deposit at the first visit.
The other half is required at my 38 week visit. Even post-dated cheques are acceptable.

Have never had a problem.

My contract also gives specifics on the return of the deposits - from my contract:

I will make every effort to provide the services described herein. Sometimes this is impossible (for eg: rapid labour). If my failure to attend your birth is due to my error or due to circumstances beyond anyones' control, there will be no charge for my services beyond the $100.00 retaining fee, which covers the cost of prenatal visits, handouts and my availability. If it is due to your failure to call me, I will keep, or you will owe me, the agreed upon full cost of service.
Special Circumstances
Should the doulas presence be required as a witness in any legal proceedings related to the birth, the client agrees to pay for any and all court appearances or depositions requested of and/or required of the doula.
FEES
My fees for the services described above is $550.00. The fee is to be paid as follows:

_____$275 due when you choose to hire me(non-refundable deposit)
_____$275 due the 38th week of pregnancy.

Good luck and don't worry about it. A "gentle" phone reminder is all that is necessary and let your client know that you accept post-dated cheques if it is necessary.

Theresa

~Tranquility~Doula · 05-15-2006, 10:26 AM

Well, now I really don't know what to do. I spoke to her on the phone on Monday of last week and she seemed "happy" that I called to remind her because she was so busy with wrapping things up and work and such. Now she's 39 weeks and I still have no payment. I hate to call her again. I really hate dealing with the money! I'm just worried that she'll go into labor. Then what? Do I say no, I'm not coming because you never paid me? My contract does state that if the full payment is not made by the onset of labor that services will not be rendered. BUT will I actually go through with that??

fearlessbirth · 05-15-2006, 10:46 AM

What does your gut tell you, Noelia? Do you feel like she's blowing you off or that she is honestly just busy and frazzled because she's got other things on her mind?

I think if it were me, cause I hate dealing with money too, that at this point I'd sort of ask it like 'are you still interested in having a doula at your birth. per my contract xyz was due xxx'...and then maybe explain that if there's a true financial hardship and that's why she's not paying then discuss that and maybe you guys can work out a pmt plan or barter or something. If she's just dragging you along and doens't want to pay, then she should at least let you know and not keep draggin you along and you certainly shouldn't have to show up at her birth and then not be compensated for it (if she is in fact just trying to get something for nothing, or decided against a doula, which, in either case, is not fair to you).

You're in my thoughts. This is a tough one. Like I said in the beginning, what does your heart say?

~Tranquility~Doula · 05-15-2006, 11:04 AM

To be honest, I don't know what my heart is telling me. My first thought was that she's busy and just forgot. Now I'm thinking she either doesn't want to pay or she doesn't want a doula. I just don't know!!

capandcradle · 05-15-2006, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lloyddoula

Should the doulas presence be required as a witness in any legal proceedings related to the birth, the client agrees to pay for any and all court appearances or depositions requested of and/or required of the doula.

Typically PI cases are handled on contingency, meaning the attorney fronts the filing fees, research and attorney time and takes a percentage of any settlement or verdict. I've never heard of anyone on the plaintiff's end having to pay for being a witness in a court proceeding or their deposition. If you're going to add legal stuff it might be wise to have an attorney look over it. If you were subpoenaed you'd have no choice but to show up whether or not you want to.

DL · 05-15-2006, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fearlessbirth

I think if it were me, cause I hate dealing with money too, that at this point I'd sort of ask it like 'are you still interested in having a doula at your birth. per my contract xyz was due xxx'...and then maybe explain that if there's a true financial hardship and that's why she's not paying then discuss that and maybe you guys can work out a pmt plan or barter or something. If she's just dragging you along and doens't want to pay, then she should at least let you know and not keep draggin you along and you certainly shouldn't have to show up at her birth and then not be compensated for it (if she is in fact just trying to get something for nothing, or decided against a doula, which, in either case, is not fair to you).

I totally agree with this. I think that is how I'd handle it, too.

Jilian · 07-07-2006, 03:20 PM

I know this is an old thread but what happened? Did the mom end up paying? Did you attend the birth? I dread things like this happening because I hate sounding like I'm pushy when it comes to money, but I hate feeling like I'm being taken advantage of too.

~Tranquility~Doula · 07-07-2006, 03:39 PM

Yup, she ended up paying me and I was at her birth. It took a couple of reminders and she finally "remembered".