Do you expect any level of client service?  Do you expect to be responded to?  Do you expect a professional response?  Are there any expectations you should...well expect?  Or is the hobby becoming just another frustrating ordeal...like calling up CrapCast or trying to find a same day appointment with your doctor?

that there is still some level of customer service out there!  I know in general it seems like that is a thing of the past, but I have to believe that there are a great many of the lovely ladies out there that respond to e-mails in a timely fashion and provide a great level of service as I remember  I am looking forward to reading the responses to this post to see what expectations as clients are, and how the ladies of TER can better meet those expectations

The last few years I have noticed a decrease in customer relations.  Don't have any real answers for this, only an observation.  Not much one can do.

... and some are pretty easy.  Here's some suggestions, based on my experience not only as a client in this business but in over 30 years of working in client-facing roles.  I know many providers who follow some/all of these practices, and it makes interacting with them much easier!

* Be responsive with your primary contact channel - If it's email, check it as often as you can, but a few times a day at least.  Same with phone/voice mail or texts, if that's your primary channel.  If you're so busy that you can't check a few times a day (and that happens!), or you're away from email for awhile (maybe traveling or on vacation), set up an out-of-office message to let people know when you'll return.

* If you rely on phone contact, be sure to keep your voice mail cleaned out so it doesn't fill up.  For email, be sure to check the Spam folder often.

* Set up an auto-response on your email.  Then when a potential client makes a first contact, you can easily provide your status and all the info he/she needs to know about making an appointment.  You can also include in that an "out-of-office" message if applicable.

* State clearly on your web/ad site how clients should contact you.  Also set their expectations about your response.  For example, if it's your policy to get back to requests within 24 hours under normal circumstances, say that.  And if you do not respond at all to disrespectful/inappropriate requests, say that too.

* Respond to EVERY request, if it was respectful/appropriate.  Even if the answer is "no" for whatever reason, e.g. the client asked for a specific time slot and it won't work, or you just don't feel you want to see that person, don't leave them hanging.  If the time won't work but you'd be OK seeing that client, let them know when you are available.  If you'd rather not see them, a simple response like "Thanks for contacting me, but I don't think we're a good fit" is fine.  (And there's no need to say more, even if the client presses you on it.)

* Confirm every appointment in some way.  Timing depends on how far in advance the appointment was made.  If it was made more than a day in advance, I like a confirmation at least 24 hours in advance, especially with a provider I've never seen before.  Be clear in your confirmation what your expectations are, e.g. if the client doesn't confirm with YOU within X timeframe of the appointment, you'll consider the appointment cancelled.  I also appreciate a follow up confirmation the day of the appointment.  I know some providers who have auto-generated reminders, based on their appointment calendars.  And if an emergency happens and you must cancel even after confirming, be sure to notify the client ASAP.

* Be sure logistics are communicated to the client clearly and with enough advance notice so they can plan their trip to see you.  If you don't want to give out your address until right before the appointment, fine, but at least let the client know approximately where you are so they can make travel plans.  And clearly communicate how logistics details will be provided, and when.  So if you for example use a 2-call system, explain that to the client.

And if all of this is too difficult or you don't have time--or would rather spend your time seeing clients or in class or with family etc.--then get help!  There's some great assistants out there who can take most if not all of this work/hassle off your hands.  That was not a paid promotion for assistants, but I really appreciate them and what they do to make it easier for me to see the wonderful providers of Minnesota!  

Did I just time travel back to 2005? WOW are you still active?

In trying to schedule a date here in MPLS I send out an e-mail request if someone I have seen before. Often it is a scheduler that gets back to me which from a customer standpoint ( while less personal) is almost immediate as to what is open or possibly an alternative. I do prefer direct contact when possible but usually not as timely/
In P-411 requests I can send out about dinner time and get a go not go before I retire for the evening and if not usually before 10:30'thenext morning.
When going through TER it seems like I may need to jump through a few more hoops such as notifying a reference or whitelisting provider that she may be contacted.
What is frustrating when you send a request and hear nothing back and even more so when it is someone you have seen in the past. At this point you do not know if they are too busy or if you have done something to be on ther DNS list.
I try not to send out more than one request at a time Nita's the window closes may send the second one and take the first that responds/
Overall I have had reasonably timely responses from all and appreciate that if for some reason time , age,  or whatever that rather than crickets that I hear something.
One thing I do though is not send out a request unless I am serious and I get the feeling that this is not often the case.
Be upfront guys and be honest and timely in your response providers.

I have been out of action since 2008. but I couldn't stay away forever!  As long as there are gentlemen that need me, I will be here!  I so, so, so badly missed everyone here!!!!

+1

Very well written!  I especially liked the logistics part.  

Don't need to be specific, but a nearby landmark would be nice.  Near Southdale, near MOA, near X-Intersection would be a huge help.  

I don't want to waste a lady's time if she can only meet in 30-45 minutes and I'm an hour+ away

I agree with all your points.  My point is this...if the provider is doing nothing of the sort....than there is nothing one can do to make her do it.  Other than in time, she will fade into the sunset.

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have had a run of bad luck with well known and reviewed providers demonstrating very poor contact skills.  Recently had an e-mail exchange with one I had long been interested in that I haven't heard back from in nearly a week--after re-arranging my schedule to try to see her some days ago.  We did not have an official date set yet so no major harm done...but I guess after some days following up on the multiple e-mails with some sort of explanation would be normal.  I'm pretty accepting of excuses, but dropping contact entirely can drop someone of my list.   No I won't name her--if she reads this (she is a fairly frequent TER visitor) I'd love to hear from her though

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