I was just overpaid - wwyd?

[Anonymous]

I babysit for a mom on a fairly regular basis. Thursday night, I went over for a few hours so she could go out. Before she left, she told me that her father was temporarily living with her and if he came home before her, I could leave and she would drop my payment off the next day. The father did end up coming home first, and I texted her the next day and we arranged for her to drop off the money today. She just dropped it off and I didn't think to check it before the drove away - she owed me $52 but gave me $72. She was very apologetic for not paying me the day of, and for showing up a few minutes late to drop the money off today - I have no idea if she gave me the extra $20 on purpose or not. Should I text her and let her know she overpaid me?

[Anonymous]

Ok this is OP - I ended up texting her because it occurred to me how greedy this sounds. But I'm still curious to hear what you guys would do!

[Anonymous]

I have been overpaid several times and
Always mention it, everytime they have told
Me they meant to add in extra because they
appreciate me.

[Anonymous]

It happened to me. I texted DB and said he overpaid me.
He came home a little tipsy and didn't realize he gave me and extra $20 bill.
We agreed to deduct one hour of pay next time.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like it was a tip because of the inconvenience of being late

[Anonymous]

for me it would depend on the family and our overall relationship. for a single mom I'd be more likely to mention it than for a family who's frequently late or nickel and dimes me, though overall it would depend on how much the overpayment was and how much was,owed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sounds like it was a tip because of the inconvenience of being late

Hah! I was hoping that was the case, or at least she'd tell me not to worry about it. She's taking off $20 next time I babysit. Easy come easy go, I suppose.

[Anonymous]

Wow, their mistake. I would not deduct it from future sitting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow, their mistake. I would not deduct it from future sitting.

+1 neither would I

[Anonymous]

Happens frequently. I used to always mention the error but as I get to know families better I know when it's a tip or on accident. So, for families who pay exactly or close to it, I mention the discrepancy. Others I thank for the generous tips every time.

[Anonymous]

Wow I would never deduct!! If a family tips they are 10x more likely to get the sitter back!