Payment plan due dates creating problems (enrollment contracts)

Anita Li

We just learned that parents who are trying to sign enrollment contracts now are being blocked because they are too close to the due date of the first payment. 

Is anybody else having this problem?  Have you designed flexible payment plans (Enrollment Management/SmartTuition) to accommodate the reality that contracts can be signed whenever a parent feels sure?  We can't force people to sign by a certain date.  

Elizabeth Perron

Hi Anita Li‍,


I've noticed a peer has not answered your question yet and your issue seems to be technical. If you haven't opened a support ticket yet, I encourage you to do so.


If you still have questions, please scroll to the bottom of this community page to click on customer support. 


Please let me know if this is helpful or if you need something else!


In harmony and inclusion,

Elizabeth

Blackbaud Community Team
https://community.blackbaud.com/community-managers



 

Rose Mary Herbert

We actually have struggled with this issue (this is year 2 of using Smart).  Our first year did not go well at all because we were not made aware that there was a 5 day business rule.  Guess if you are in that window then that payment plan becomes invalid (my understanding is this is something standard and around not having enough time to make and process the payment).  If you have multiple months available in Smart for your payment plan (like a monthly payment plan) then the contract can still process since there is still another month available as you approach that 5 day.


Not sure if this makes sense (and not completely sure it all makes sense to me!)  This has been our biggest struggle since moving to the tuition management--payment plans that cause hangups with contracts.  This year I had wanted to only have the option--monthly payment plan--and do away with all the other options in hopes that would get contracts through.  Any parent who wished to pay in full or 2 pay could then be adjusted by our business office on the Smart side.  We went with a different approach though and are still struggling...maybe next year!


I would love to hear from anyone else who has figured out how to resolve this and what payment plans are working for your school!

Anita Li

Rose Mary, thank you so much!  We are working with Blackbaud Managed Services to find a solution.  Hearing your experience helps me know that we are not alone.

And ... your idea to only offer a monthly payment plan makes sense.  Blinding flash of the obvious!  Any family who wants to pay it all at once is free to do so. 

I am going to mention this to our Business Director.  We might try that.  I am SO grateful to have heard from you.    Have a peaceful day.