Need Some Advice

Rachel G. · 11-09-2006, 02:20 PM

I have a PP Client that I have been talking to for a couple of months. And yesterday I talked to her about signing a contract so that the time would be saved for her. And she didn't seem to think it was important I continued to explain that the next few months I would be busy with other clients also. Going to be meeting with her this weekend.

And I just want to get things planed out. Have any of yall had problems with parents that seem to flip flop about things? Anyway any advice would be great...
Rachel

MyDoulaStacia · 11-09-2006, 02:28 PM

Just tell it like you said. If she signs with you then the spot is reserved for her. If she doesn't and another client approaches you and signs then you won't have the opening anymore and she will have to have a back up doula planned.
That is usually enough to get them thinking seriously how much it matters to them to have pp care.

BlessedBottomz · 11-09-2006, 04:15 PM

Do you ask for a retainer when you have them sign the contract? Maybe 1 hours worth of pay. In order to "book" me, I need contract signed and retainer collected. Someone is more likely to follow through if they have money on the line. Even if it is very little.

ctowndoula · 11-09-2006, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlessedBottomz

Do you ask for a retainer when you have them sign the contract? Maybe 1 hours worth of pay. In order to "book" me, I need contract signed and retainer collected. Someone is more likely to follow through if they have money on the line. Even if it is very little.

If I dont' have a signed contract and deposit, you don't go on my calendar. But b/c of getting burned I usually get the first day's or weeks pay in advance. Sometimes it is obvious that one weeks advance won't set them back, so I get that. I really really can't afford to do it otherwise. I would turn too many people away. (Of course, I am not doing any pp work right now.

)

Rachel G. · 11-13-2006, 01:35 PM

Thanks everyone for the advice. I am really learning things as they come up for the next time. It has been a big learning experiance for me.

Amydoula · 11-14-2006, 08:19 PM

I only reserve spots for people who sign my very specific contract and give a 3 hour deposit that goes towards their first week of service.

BlessedBottomz · 11-15-2006, 02:06 PM

I have changed my contract to include a 15% retainer fee that needs to be paid to reserve the spot. The fee is applied to the total, which is due to me before the job even begins. IF for any reason during my work the client desides that they no longer need my services after I've completed 1 full day's work, they forfit half of their dues. Time blocks are crutial. We depend on our schedules because it is our work and our livelyhood. If we have reserved a week/month for someone, and they cancel or nonchalantly pick us up when they want, then they are not respecting our profession. That is time that could have gone towards another needing family.