Without naming names, I wanted to guage other opinions. If I call an agency at 1030 am to schedule a 3pm appt, is it fair that when I call back at 1pm to get the hotel location that they tell me there are no rooms available. I understand that occassionally things happen, but this is the 3rd time its happened with this agency. Mind you this agency has treated me well, but planning my day and wasted time is frustrating. Am I alone?

and in terms of the issue of not being able to get a hotel room, that happens with indies who make appointments as well.

Sometimes indies or agencies count on availability of a room or of an early check in and find that they cannot get a room in order to keep an appointment. I've had this happen with two very highly reviewed, prominent local independent providers.

Keep in mind that this is how both agencies and indies *make a living* - they are just as disappointed as you are.

So forget the question of whether it's "FAIR" and realize that it is just going to happen this way sometimes, whether dealing with an agency or an independent.....

I couldn't have said it better myself.

There is a lot that goes into making an appointment happen and much of that is out of our control.

I can't speak for independents on this aspect but a smart business owner will keep track of what's going on and how it effects hotel bookings.

Lee Dreams
Edamus, bibamus, gaudeamus

the Cherry Blossom festival lol. I guess you have to pay attention to local news and understand the infrastructure here to realize the implications

yes, Agencies who operate in the area should be more aware of the effect of local conditions on business decisions, but there are vagaries which are difficult to account for.

Bottom line: A client may be disappointed on occasion by either an indie or an agency, due to the inability to get a room or otherwise handle the logistics of setting up a date.

it goes with the territory

before they whine about it here I'd just as soon that they remember that this is a lose-lose situation. Nothing for either party to be happy about.

And sometimes its just gonna happen. Get over it.

And

Have a backup plan!!

you run the risk of this happening. You might try planning for a next day appt, so the agency or Indy can make a reservation the day before.

Just a thought...

xoxo,

Steph

Ok. Great feedback so far. Positive and constructive. I will reconsider my position.

This was instructive!

In such a case, doesn't the service provider look into alternate locations? As you go further out from the city, it should be easier to find a short-stay room. Hotels have to fill last-minute cancellations too.

Sure, I've had the occasional appt canceled by an indie or an agency due to logistical problems.

OTOH, one of my favorite agencies, PrimeDC, moved a lady from DC to Tysons on a Friday when I emailed that I wanted to see the lady but did not have time for the trip into DC.

And a favorite independent lady, Samantha, traveled from Md to Tysons to keep a date with me on the first day of "snowmageddon".

Yes, sometimes we are disappointed. Remember that this cuts both ways.

But a lot of ladies and agencies go out of their way to make and keep dates and provide excellent experiences for us. When it works "right" we just don't think about it, don't realize all that goes into making it possible.....