It was probably a mistake, so how can I say it without being too accusing?
2006-12-10 02:50:09 · 9 answers · asked by s w 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Ask them why you only got $3. Did they accidently figure the total wrong, or are they in a pinch?
2006-12-10 02:57:37 · answer #1 · answered by Concerned of legality 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just be honest. Let them know you charge $5/hr which is what they normally pay you. Let them know it came out to $3/hr this time and you wanted to make sure they were not upset with the job you did for them.
I'd keep it low key and say something like, "it's no problem, just catch it next time I babysit."
Now if they make a habit of underpaying, then be very formal with your billing. Have a notebook and document when you show up and when they return. Then tell them, "OK that's 4 hours, so that will be $20."
If they are good customers, I'd give them the benefit of the doubt. They might have just been short of cash on hand. They should have told you and you could have said "that's OK. Catch it next time or just bring it by my parents house tomorrow."
2006-12-10 11:03:37 · answer #2 · answered by thkiabdks 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"Hi, last time I babysat for you, you gave me less than usual. I don't mean to seem rude, but I'd like to know if I did something wrong or different from usual that led you to give me less. If so, I'd like to know what it was so that I can give your child the best care possible."
Like you say, it was probably a mistake, but it's possible it was intentional, and saying something like this shows them you care more about their kid and not about the money, which is what parents like to hear. Other possible reasons for the lower amount as others have mentioned are that they're short money right now, and if so you should discuss whether they intend to pay you the difference later, or they could be purposefully trying to shortchange you. If they're short on cash, you have to decide whether you're willing to work for less money because they're nice people. If they're trying to be cheap, drop them and find another family to work for.
Good luck!
2006-12-10 11:03:27 · answer #3 · answered by zandyandi 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The best thing to do going forward is to make sure that the parents understand your fee. Don;t let them take advantage of you
2006-12-10 10:59:13 · answer #4 · answered by tnbadbunny 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
say :"i usually take $5" and when u sit for them the next time, tell them b4hand that u hv a fixed rate!
2006-12-11 09:59:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It probably wasn't a mistake. Don't say anything about it, just be gracious and accept it.
2006-12-10 13:47:47 · answer #6 · answered by The Pope 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell them they gave you short $2 and if they don't like it, don't do it for them again. Sometimes confrontations are unavoidable. Even if they don't hire you again because of your brazen act of questioning them, so be it. No loss there...........because they show themselves to be unreasonable, inconsistent people.
2006-12-10 11:12:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Clarify the mix-up. Then, tell those parents that other parents are paying $10.00 an hour and they are lucky to have you as their sitter.
2006-12-10 12:26:43 · answer #8 · answered by TML ♥'er 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wait till the next time and see if they do it again. If so, confront them.
2006-12-10 10:58:35 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋