I love Boston and I love my clients. but i have had 4 hours cancel today.  One client who had a 3 hour appointment cancelled this morning for an appointment later today. He said he had not been feeling well for a few days! And the other client confirmed again this morning and just did not show up or call. It is like they did their best to insure that i could not fill the appointments. If that was their intention. Well done!

I have resisted charging a cancellation fee or requiring a deposit  . I am not ready to ask for a deposit but my time is valuable as well and I will be charging a cancellation fee. Less than 24 hours notice. You have to pay for the deposit.

This sucks

I agree. You have every right to change your policy.

With rewards, there sometimes are risks. Things do happen, there have been times I haven't believed them...I haven't even believed my own.
I'm not new to this board and there are many days I wish I was back there.
I have never asked for a deposit, I think that can go both ways.
No, I'm not a newbie to this board...I've been here for awhile and still visit.
Heard they need some talent in NH....my mini knows they way, she drove up to the Canadian border after the border opened.

I think this is awful but it can happen anywhere and for whatever reason. You were just unlucky that it happened with you here twice and on the same day. Happens to us from time to time too, especially with independents but also could happen with agencies. You set up an appointment, you confirm right before leaving, then you go there, text her that you arrived and she goes dark. Happened to me and most if not all hobbyists that I know.  

In fact just yesterday a lady who I was really looking forward meeting canceled on me right before I was about to head out. Sudden extra classes and seminars, homework, etc., etc. Made me feel like shit but guess what? C'est la vie c'est la guerre. I'm still going to try to see her next week. Got to give people benefit of the doubt. If it happens again then it's a pattern and you just got to put it behind you and move on.  

I spoke to plenty of ladies that experience the same thing as you just did from time to time.  

It's sort of an occupational hazard for you and the price for seeing you ladies for us. Both you and us are always under the risk that this might happen. You just try to minimize it as much as possible.  

If I'd be you I'd avoid setting up long appointments with people that you haven't seen before - I'd stick to 1.5h max - plenty of time to get a feel of who you are dealing with and move on. At least if something like that happens with your regular you'd know they are not lying and, you know, life does gets in the way sometimes even with best intentions. Asking for deposit and/or charging cancellation fees may weed out few unreliable elements but in the long run it would end up costing you more as many of us wouldn't even consider seeing someone that doesn't understand that 'shit happens'

I have been very accommodating in regards to clients canceling . I have had to cancel an appointment as well. But It is frustrating when someone tell you they had not been feeling well for a few days and cancel the morning of the appointment.  I have no chance to fill the void if they give me such little time.  I was turning people away.

In the future i will be charging 1/2 the fee if someone cancels with out 24 hours notice. I feel that we are expected to always be available but our time is not valued by some people.  

I enjoy longer appointments we have time to get to know each other and not feel rushed.  I  am just asking not to book if you are not sure if you can make it

Not too much to ask

I tried to refrain from deposits and cancelation fees BUT it's like covid gave people an excuse to waste people's time..my personal opinion before I started charging deposits I did the cancelation fee and the guys would just stop responding or not respect it.. BUT a small deposit fee upfront that's refundable under certain circumstances atleast he is committed to the appointment and you have your fee upfront incase it's a last minute cancelation. Traveling is stressful and expensive and it sucks when a few mess it up for others..

How do you collect the deposit? through venmo or cash app.

Adeline,
Something to consider:  I have given gifts and paid deposits with a pre-paid VISA gift card.  I email photos of the card.  It can be used for online purchases and you can verify the amount on the card to ensure you have the amount you expect.   I do not use my PayPal or my Venmo for deposits or cash gifts because I prefer not to have these payments showing up on my account.  However,  some folks have no problem paying with these services.    
T

Adeline: Clients ought to be more considerate & commit! Life happens, we all understand, but no shows are bad for everyone all around - it damages trust. You are a very nice person and deserve respect & consideration.

I had had the pleasure of meeting you in the past and look forward to another visit… Do what you need to protect yourself from these inconsiderates.

As a follow up and slight correction to what I wrote earlier...  

The other thing you may want to consider is requiring deposits for longer appointments only. I'd say anyone who is trying to book you beyond 1.5h (or 2h) would have to provide you with 50% deposit, especially those booking you for the first time. With anything less than that you take your chances.  

I don't know anyone would find it objectionable. If they do chance are these are the people you're trying to weed out.

Wondering if any of the cancellations were from p411 clients. Normally, they should be reliable.

It’s unacceptable to cancel last minute especially when it’s a touring girl. If you stay two nights and have to check out by 11 am. It leaves only so many hours to book.  
Start asking for deposits for first time clients. It’s not unheard of but you need to cover your expenses.

Many clients keep their appointments and almost never cancel. As for me, we would not have met at all if you had required a deposit. We did meet during your visit and it bore fruit.

Sorry you got stuck with those cancellations. Too bad Alex didn’t reach out to me, maybe I could have filled in some of that time. We were supposed to meet the day before, but unfortunately as you know that did not work out. Hoping to seen you on one of you future visits to Boston.