and they are a fact of life for most hobbyist from what I can glean from the many discussions on here.

Nevertheless, I saw no reason to expound on the answer to the rather simple question the OP brought up.

We can wring our hands and declare is awful for both hobbyists and providers to overbook (Which, by the way, I never do.) but that's not going to change the fact that it is going to happen, and I don't see much of any way to prevent it.

It's just one of those things that has to be sucked up.

Any provider that requires a deposit is off my list immediately. I don't care how well reviewed she is and how hot she is. I dont trust ladies that take a deposit. Just like the ladies want CASH ONLY and no credit card, its CASH UPON DEMAND.

I also dont like the providers that the first thing they do is ask for the money, that makes me VERY leery. IT tells me they are in it for the money and not providing a great experience None the less, a provider advising this newbie provider that she should start taking deposits is just dumb (no offense, it just is) How is it that if a client cancels, the provider can keep a portion of it but if a girl cancels and wastes our time, we are out of luck timewise for doing the research and reading reviews and expecting her to show up and than she cancels last min and our 2nd, 3rd option are not available or already booked?