What would you do?

[scoobysoo]

I am a self employed massage therapist. I have only been working for myself a few months, and money is tight. I have a regular client who, to be honest, keeps me afloat. He was booked in yesterday, but didn't turn up. After 30 minutes I left a message, and a bit later got a response saying that he was really sorry, but he'd had an accident and was injured. He had forgotten to cancel and would pay double next time. I'm now unsure whether I should accept this, or is it taking advantage? He did, after all have a good reason for not coming, but I had arranged my day around the appointment, and am now down �50 that I really needed this month. I can't shake off the feeling that it would be wrong for me to take the money.

Any thoughts??

[Lisa1983]

Take the money, business is business and how do you know he's not just making it up. You have to live and would be 50 quid down and he can probably afford it or he'd just book with someone else. : )

[~spaced~]

if he's one of your major clients, I would let it go. He should see this as a very kind gesture, all the more reason to keep coming. But, I would tell him that its only on this occassion that you wont charge for the non-cancellation, next time you will have to charge him for obvious reasons.

Where abouts are you, I could always pass your details onto friends, which might help!

[betterman]

If he is a regular client he may well be some kind of businessman, and will almost certainly understand that time is money.
You have to take the money.

[scoobysoo]

I'm in Cheltenham Spaced.

[Octavius]

Well if he is paying double next time, you won't get it until then anyway will you?

[karmgirl]

I agree with spaced. You should think about adding a cancellation charge to your policy for the future though

[scoobysoo]

Also I may not see him again for 12 weeks, as he has a serious injury. I don't want to seem callous, but should I ask him to send me a cheque now???

[~spaced~]

protect your investment, keep him happy to ensure that he returns

[scoobysoo]

It does say on my website that if you don't give 24 hours notice, then you will have to pay for the full cost of the treatment.

[scoobysoo]

But I really like this client and he's a great customer. Maybe if I said, the next treatment will be �100, and I'll throw in some Reiki for free??? Do you think that sounds reasonable?

[karmgirl]

Yes if theres a way around it like that its a good idea.

I agree with spaced - you should look after him if he's been such a good customer to keep him coming back

[scoobysoo]

Yeah, I think I'll do that

Thanks guys - god, this website makes my life so much easier!!! Lol!

Cheers

Soo

[~spaced~]

there's alway one innit!

[Doc_Spock]

�50, half an hour.


Is that full xes or just relief ?

[Doc_Spock]

I presume this is a jokey post, a pi55take.

[raysparx1]

I would not take the money, I have been self employed for 30 years, and it takes a long time to become established, he is offering to pay because he is a nice bloke, you should refuse the offer and forget about it, it will mean a lot to him, trust me on this, never come across as if you are only in it for the money. Ray