The regular who never books in advance:

[Mocha]

long as the client isn't expecting you to be available at the drop of a hat, what's the harm in being asked?

 

That's the thing. Maybe I didn't explain it clearly. But the 2 clients in question DID expect me to be available at the drop of a hat. Every time. 1-2 days notice is ample. 1-2 hours isn't. Although I would take 1-2 hours notice any day over 30-45 minutes which seems to be how much time some clients give. Again, if the opportunity strikes, make the call. But issue comes when it's made a habit and expectation out of.

 

I googled my question, and came upon a thread with a similar situation, in a different line of work. I included one of the forum responses to show WHY and HOW it can come off when a client always books last minute:

 

Q) Hi everyone. I need some advice on how to handle a client who always calls at the last minute. He was always last minute (that’s how he became a client….we were the only ones who could bail him out). However recently he has taken it to a whole new level….calling after we have closed in the evening for a breakfast in the morning. Usually we are able to accommodate him as his requests generally fall on days that we are not busy. Last week however we were busy but we still tried to accommodate him, but ended up being late for his event. How do I politely tell him that he needs go give us more notice without ruining our relationship?

A) It is rare, but sometimes you need to fire a customer-----We have had to leave more than one behind---One was a huge fortune 500 company----they were so demanding and also paid their bills in 60 days---The last minute demands were always for small meetings with oddball menus (and china and personnel) ---They were treating us like lowly peasants who would do anything for a crust of bread and a warm cup of tea---

 

Sorry--but they were not a profit maker so out they went!---Mike---

[MiamiLooker]

Why write a review for a guy you already met and/or won't plan to again?

 

That said...I would actually have to find a different career if I did only take last minute bookings. The big bucks, my favorite clients, the nicest, fanciest resturaunts I've been to, the seeing 50 states....comes from stuff planned out, not the "horny right now" brigade. So again, like I told someone else, like dr. Phil likes to say it....sit your ass down.

 

That being said, I think I presented my solution, and read other possible alternatives as well, and I'll address and offer alternatives with the client at hand. I highly doubt your failure-oriented solution/frame of thought (aka loser mentality) would even be remotely close to my clients response. Nobody wants to get punched in the face....but this is the internet. Have a great weekend everyone!

 

You consider a suggestion for you to make a change rather than attempting to change others as a “failure-oriented solution/frame of thought (aka loser mentality)…” Interesting, but not unexpected.

[Nvr2Thick]

Wait a second. Stop. Everyone lets rewind.

 

Notice how the title includes regular and never. Im not saying a client can't call right now. In fact, I'd say a good majority of clients want it yesterday. I'd also say that I often like right now because it's no fluff, straight to the point, and I myself may either need the money or be equally horned up. I also understand new clients may be more nervous, and may finally work up to book when they find the courage. In that case, I have to be there in the moment to catch them.

 

But, it's the ones who've been seeing me for a year or 2, and just can't seem to ever say, "hey, I want to see you this Tuesday, will you be available?" But then, I'm also just boggled about the response when you can't meet right away.

 

Think about it. You call your barber, auto repair shop or whatever appointment/walk-in type place. You ask if you can come right away. They say, "I can see you at 4 (but that's too late for client). Then client says, "I'll call back another day or later". And THEN, do it all the time for months and years. I doubt the reaction would be as shoulder-brushing as mine. They wouldn't (or, maybe they would and suck at scheduling) play with a business like that, why play me like that?

 

That's why I'm starting to feel I have to start addressing it. Face to face. Because maybe they don't realize they are being offensive. It comes off as impatient, pushy, and like your services don't really mean shit. But of course, they come back so obviously it does.

 

Some clients develop a long-term professional relationship with their hair stylists that involves special scheduling and social courtesies. I don't. I really like my barber, and we sometimes have somewhat deep and meaningful conversation. His barber shop accepts walk-ins only, and that's one of the reasons I like him. If I drop by and he's busy it's my problem. I may have to go somewhere else, but I usually don't. If I try to hire an escort and he's not available I view it as my problem, not a missed expectation on his end.

 

You have an expectation that your long time regular clients will develop a relationship that includes an perceived courtesy around advance scheduling. That perceived courtesy is in your own mind. The guy that calls you one time and wants to meet within a few hours is not a bad client. He's not disrespectful of your services or of you in general. If he had a good time and he does the exact same thing every few weeks it's still not disrespectful. There's a recurring theme in your posts over the years that suggest that you feel you deserve more respect. If I call you based on my expectations and needs, and you're not available within the short notice I've given you I don't view it as a failure on your end; I just recognize that my expectations weren't realistic. It's not that your services don't mean shit -- it's that your services are not available. You're getting the respect that you deserve. It seems as if you expect more and more respect as the business relationship grows. From many clients' perspectives the business relationship doesn't change significantly just because they've become regular clients.

[BabyBoomer]

Just for the record, I spent the night before last with said guy from Austin. He has modified his deposit requirements - even though this was our first meeting, he did not require me to pay a deposit.

 

I assume you're talking about Kurtis Wolfe. I can't wait to read your review.

 

~ Boomer ~