Arranged to travel to Boston today to see someone and I got the dreaded, "Sorry, I'm sick!" email from them this morning. Tickets are non refundable.
Not sure what to do. Go anyways and try to advertise and possibly have a really crappy day, or pull the plug, consider the money the cost of doing business, or ask the canceller to cover my travel fees? (although that seems unlikely) Help!

-- Modified on 4/8/2013 9:33:06 AM

....if he would be willing to cover just one night at your hotel out of consideration since you have a sunk cost?  Couldn't hurt and he might do the right thing.  I guess the other perspective is that you can still cancel the hotel.

I would try him and see what happens.  Tell him you will apply the amount to your next date so at least you have that covered this time and it gives you time to advertise for more dates when you do go back.  Hop out on the Boston Board, advertise a "unplanned trip to your city, specials available today" and see if some guys will make an impulse buy.

Look, I LOVE Boston.  Taking the "T" up to Rockport and having steamed lobster and a baked potato on the sidewalk for less than ten bucks (has that changed?)...gorgeous weather this week.  Run a special, hope it works out and enjoy a beautful day in a great place regardless.

(edited to correct my ridiculous typos)

-- Modified on 4/8/2013 10:09:48 AM

No, it's not the cost of doing business honey...this is not a tour where you have a few days to make it up. This was an EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL deal, where you should have gotten expenses paid upfront...NO questions asked. Don't EVER travel for one guy without covering your ass. You should have booked another appt. just in case he pulled this shit, because it happens all the time and no..many don't give a crap about you or what you lose. I doubt he is even sick..probably just broke or hung over.

If I even have to travel 10 minutes, I am getting a deposit...end of story. If he expects to see you in the future, you have him come to you but after this, I would not even bother with him unless he pays some sort of concession. He is a douche not to offer, IMO. This is why so many providers stopped doing outcalls. Guys think it's funny to have the girl standing there, knocking on the door, just to fk with her and not answer it. Let this be a lesson to you..cover your ass or no one else will.

You have one of the best reviewers and people I might add, for your first review. It's obvious you're a good person, so don't put up with this kind of crap ever again. They want you to go to them? Pay your expenses via money order or green dot, or they can go to YOU!

I would go anyway, and have a nice day in Boston..great city! Place some ads, and see what happens. Even if you have to offer a "late man's discount" to get that cost back, go for it.

-- Modified on 4/8/2013 10:36:42 AM

How much do I send you to walk around the block?

END OF MESSAGE

If you have to travel anymore than 1-2 hrs, require a deposit, which will be put toward the donation. If you are leaving the state, especially for only one person, require at least 50% deposit, & they should be covering your travel expenses as well.  

This just happened to myself as well... I was heading to one state, but stopped in another on my way, as 2 had pre-booked. Drove through a blizzard 9 hours the first day, & 7 the next, to ensure I would be on time...only to receive a text 3 hours before the appt time, "Got called into work, can't make it"... lol. It was a 3 hour appt, which accounted for a large chunk of why I decided to stop. Thankfully, the other, a regular, still showed up & actually booked an extra hour  

I would say, if you already have the flight & hotel paid for, you minus as well go... otherwise you are completely just throwing the $ you already spent down the drain. You should also require deposits from now on, & have a disclaimer on your website explaining everything.

Interestingly this just seems like bad form from his side.  

Most guys would maybe call me a mangina  and I have only seen 2 providers and have just 1 regular.  I travel 2-3 times a year and have my regular travel with me.   However I BUY the tickets and make arrangements.   So I would at least have your client, at least, always pay you ahead for your travel costs.    

Otherwise I agree with London.   You shouldn't be at risk for that kind of cost.