Hi, all,

Wrestling with a little issue, here, and I wonder if I can get some thoughts from the community at large on the best way to proceed...

Let's say, purely hypothetically, that I set up an appointment with a provider a couple of days ago.  No additional contact since then, and day of the appointment I'm en route, when I get a message confirming me at a different time than what I thought.  The new time doesn't work for me, and the provider has something else going on that makes the time I thought not work for her.

Now, just for the sake of argument, let's say that the time I had in mind really was what we had originally agreed on.

Is this worth making a big stink about?  I'm not a frequent hobbyist, I only see a provider rarely, so neither I nor my opinions are well known around here.  On the one hand, I say, "It happens, just forget about it, it's no big deal."  But then, I think, "Hey, the reason I CHOSE this provider was because the one review she has on TER said she was easy to schedule with.  How many other guys had this experience, and didn't say anything?  Can I help the community out by making this known?"

Just not real sure what the "community standard" is for a course of action here, and would appreciate any guidance y'all would care to share.

Thanks!

Unfortunately that does happen alot in this hobby.

As frustrating as it can be at the time, no good can really be done by making a huge issue out of it.

If the provider in question has a good reputation for scheduling you just have to chaulk it up to the occasional brain cramp, and say why me??

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

I have recently had two providers schedule and confirm appointments. When I made the second (or third) call at arrival they did not answer. I was quite annoyed to say the least. The strategy by some is to schedule an appointment, then accept a last minute call thinking that we will just wait around for them an hour to 90 minutes. So guess what. I am a really busy guy who will not let tolerate that. Do it once to me and I will move on to someone else. In this econmic environment I am making very good money and hustling hard.

My friend, if some one blew my off like the provider did to you, I would not make an issue about it on the board, just move on to other provider and let little miss inconsiderate sit home alone wondering how she is going to pay the electic bill.

Fin

something came up & she offered a chage in time.  The change in time did not work for you.

You should call or email, what ever method of communication you are using...  and let her know that 1) You notice this is a change in time  2) this change in time does not work for you.  You owe her this much.

Do not make excuses for why the change does not work.  It just does not.  
If you want to try again, you can say that.  If you want to suggest a new time & date, go ahead.  If not, tell her you'll let her know when you are available again.

If you don't want to risk it...  move on.  

It sucks when plans go South but sometimes they do.  Sometime it will be your turn to have something go wrong...  mine was a change in weather that stopped traffic when I was enroute.  I had to cancel.  The lady was gracious & we made a new appointment that was delightful.
skb

Let it go for now.  If someone else has a similar complaint about this same provider in the future, that will be the time to speak up...and others may do the same.

For future reference:
I often pre-book a few days ahead when I see a touring provider in Boston. Standard procedure for me is to confirm before I make the drive in.  Leave a message in the morning asking for a confirmation call if she/agency does not normally pick up.  Never had a problem this way.

I agree with DT...  When I have booked a day or more in advance I always call and confirm the morning of our meeting. I believe it is the polite thing to do.

-- Modified on 12/26/2009 4:29:50 PM

If your find you want meet a certain provider, and see she has only one review, consider your decision TOFTT.   The next step is to see how many reviews the reviewer has made - if he is a regular it is likely a valid reivew - if HE has only one review and it is the one you are reading, than you've got yourself a "one-shot-wonder."   The review may have been written by the provider.

Anyway, it is not a bad idea to check the night before (I always do) to see that all is in order.

Unfortuantely, not all providers are adept at prompt communication so you can at best stack the deck in your favor.