I guess I may just have to go buy an unregistered prepaid phone for business, but I've been avoiding as much as possible using telephone contact in my advertising and don't plan on using it for scheduling or screening. I feel that I can get a better feel for a person just through written correspondence and face-to-face conversation.

I'd planned on sending email reminders for appointments as they drew nearer, but even 1-2 hours before an appointment something could go wrong. I've been seeing on here and elsewhere that a phone call is made to confirm appointments- do you call the hotel and verify that the gent has registered the room? Or do you call him and make sure he hasn't canceled.

On my screening form I stated that the phone # is for screening purposes alone and that there need not be any worry about me calling him. So wouldn't calling to confirm the appointment be violating that?

-- Modified on 8/6/2009 10:16:47 AM

phone access is still the only true real-time option.

What if you or your client has a flat, or breakdown, or accident on the way to the rendezvous?.

We may not ALL carry laptops, Iphones or Blackberrys in our car; but a basic cell phone is very standard issue these days.
BTW: If the hobbyist by chance is so far behind the telecommunications curve that they don't possess their own cell phone you as a provider SHOULD NOT even entertaining the thought of seeing them. It is just far too potentially PROBLEMATIC!  

am I going to be able to give you the room number since I just checked-in an hour before our date?  If I am meeting you at your hotel incall, how can you utilize the 2-call system without a phone?

Yes, get a pre-paid phone.

I can't imagine hobbying without my trusty hobby phone...   I do have ladies who will only make appointments by phone.  Then there's the 2 call approach.  Emergency needs (car broke down, I'm gonna be late).

One Fav I lost touch with...  turns out her free e-mail was screwed up...  she ended up with a new account, but I'd have never known if I didn't phone.  

I've seen some that require a confirmation call 1 hour in advance & I always call my ATF from the road...
skb

I agree with the others.  It's important.  When I have a potential client with so little freedom that he can't contact me via phone (or doesn't have his own email) it's a red flag so utilizing both can be insightful.  There's also been a few instances where I have had to reschedule with a client an if I hadn't had a phone it would have appeared to them as a NCNS.  

You're right.  Pro-actively calling a client is usually not a good idea, but confirming an appt should be fine.

Last minute changes, that's what the phone is for.  I also don't see anybody without having had a brief phone conversation as part of my screening.

One lady used my land line number for screening...  promised she'd not call & she didn't but apparently pays for reverse phone directory...  She's now a Favorite.  

IMHO, Providers, like clients, should have a separate "work phone".  The costs are minimal compared to the income...  and the risk!  
skb

Thanks everyone. You all raised some very good points- most of which should've been common sense to me (I almost feel ashamed for asking).

I'd just been a bit wary of using my personal cellphone (even though I'm not sure that anyone would be able to trace a cellphone to a name?). But I now realize how important it will be for me to invest in separate one, for screening purposes as well as confirming appointments.

Thank you!

Victoria, you should not be ashamed for asking a good question.  Never shy away from asking anything.  Someone will always be ready to give you some good info.  For me, being single with no SO, I only use my personal cell phone, since I don't have to worry about someone looking at my call log.

However,for providers, I really think it's a good idea to have a hobby phone, as well as hobbyist's that have spouses, SO's, etc.

Swim