Was it some variation of "I keep it if canceled within 24 hrs" or "I'll keep it but we can reschedule"? Did you end up needing the deposit to cover your expenses? Given this guy's history and that he painlessly obliged with the first deposit, I suggest that you require it again to cover your ass. If he turns out to be on the up and up, and you feel bad about it, rewarding him with some extra time/services is of insignificant marginal cost to you and is a win-win for both of you: he's got the cash and wants the booty, you got the booty and want the cash.
I have a situation and I am unsure on how to proceed, so a little mind-share would be greatly appreciated.
Seeing as how this involves the treatment/proceedures with a client, I would also appreciate a little male perspective.
I am fully aware I could (should?) post this in the Ladie's area, however, I wouldn't be getting any feedback from the gentlemen, right?
Situation at hand:
Client fills out appointment/screening.
I run the info, come to find out Mr. Client has a history of NCNS.
I inform Mr. Client that in order to book a session I will require a deposit.
(The deposit is enough to cover the incall & a smidge extra, but not the total cost of said session. More of a retainer deposit.)
He sent the deposit.
So... countdown to appointment day... within the 24 hour window, I receive an email with... a cancellation.
No reschedule is made at that exact time. (He claimed he was sick, I just wished him a speedy recovery!)
Now.... some weeks (months? losing track of time...) he has emailed again to seek another appointment booking.
NOW.... so that I have full disclosure...
I do not have a posted cancellation fee (up to this point, I have a pretty consistent client base who doesn't do so... until recent) and no posted deposit info, other than "Travel Deposit."
Should I ask for another deposit?
(I am still pondering the "risk assessment" of another "cancellation.")
Should I consider the first deposit forfeit in full?
Should I give him any credit from the last one? Partial? Full? None?
(No I didn't save it, lmao!)
This is the part of this job that gives me a headache....
But I want to be FAIR, so I am asking!
Any advice or perspective is greatly appreciated!
Foxy
P.S. Yes, I see the need NOW to have these guidelines in place in writing on the ol' website....
Guess that will be in the works now as well...
-- Modified on 10/9/2015 8:00:34 AM
with history of ncns, i'd suggest another deposit as being prudent. if he balks then no harm no foul. at some point he'll get the message that he should be serious.
Move on and don't bother with this person. On the other hand, maybe he likes the idea of financial domination.
I agree here. Some guys get off on the anticipation of seeing a provider and suddenly back out at the last minute. Why bother? There are plenty of clients that won't waste your time.
I agree, move on! Respect of your time seems unimportant to him.
Was it some variation of "I keep it if canceled within 24 hrs" or "I'll keep it but we can reschedule"? Did you end up needing the deposit to cover your expenses? Given this guy's history and that he painlessly obliged with the first deposit, I suggest that you require it again to cover your ass. If he turns out to be on the up and up, and you feel bad about it, rewarding him with some extra time/services is of insignificant marginal cost to you and is a win-win for both of you: he's got the cash and wants the booty, you got the booty and want the cash.
My advice is probably a bit different than my normal advice might be, and apparently different than the advice you have been getting to simply drop the guy.
Since the guy did send you a deposit the last time, obviously he was serious about seeing you despite the fact he flaked. To his credit he did give you "some" notice and didn't just fail to show up NCNS. That doesn't change the fact that he is a known flake and you can't count on him to show. In light of those facts I would definitely advise you get a new deposit, said new deposit to be applied towards the session, and reserve the right to declare the last deposit forfeit.
Time wasters are a PITA from both sides, but your case is pretty clear cut. I think you are more than justified in requiring a new deposit, but I think you have a lot of latitude in whether to give him any credit for his previous deposit. One thing you might consider is to give him credit for his last deposit in the form of a bit of extra time if and when he does actually show up, otherwise call it an "aggravation tax" and buy yourself lunch with it.
I do agree with Gambler, the guy would not have made a deposit for no reason at all, and I do not believe he is into power play. I mean throwing away, who in the heck does that?
I know when I set up dates on one day for a week or a month later, I don't always feel the way I did when I set up the date. If nothing else, collect a bigger deposit, to cover you time and last but least respect your gut instinct.
"Past behavior is indicative of future behavior" Dr. Phil
If he was the first person you required a deposit (I agree with your reasons). I would have written in the request NO REFUNDS for cancellations within XX hours. However you did not do that so it was his choice to reconnect with you. Now, you didn't say whether he mentioned his prior deposit. If not then great. If he did mention it fine too, but still require another deposit and forget about the prior one.
If you are overly gracious, I would agree with the prior post and maybe grant him additional time. In no way would I change your posted donation
I considered everyone's input;
And I have decided to give Mr. Client another opportunity.
We emailed. And we have an understanding now.
A new deposit will be sent next time.
I really appreciate everyone's input on this!
Foxy