Wow what a busy time of the year it is . Actually it’s been consistently busy all the time. People calling wanting to get their pets short and cool for the summer is the main concern. I wish I could get those babies in on that very day cause I feel bad for them. It’s hard for me when I have to say I am booked up until the next week. Which brings me to the next subject…… Missed appointments .
Its Saturday Morning and the phone is ringing with several calls from new people wanting to know If I can get their pet in today. Unfortunately I have a full schedule today and they will look else where . Oh well my schedule is full so i have to focus on what’s coming in the door . At 11 o’clock I have a client scheduled for two dogs, They are 45 min late , this is ok she called me because of an emergency and we worked it out but just for an example in the 45 min I could have had a rough cut and bath/dry done on a little dog that had called earlier that I turned away. Fast forward to 12 30 ….. no show …no phone call. Wow ,I could have fit in another potential client that I turned away that day. This person texted me three hours later saying she was helping with a wedding or something. I totally understand but what about my schedule. I’ve been grooming this dog for several years on a discounted price mind you . I really like this little dog but I am trying to make a living here . So I text back and say sorry but you will be charged for this appointment if you want to reschedule what happens next , she says I have to save up now before I can reschedule. The guilt sets in what should I do , cause I know its been a while and my little friend needs grooming. Ugg I hate this.
How can I charge for a missed appointment when I know how hard it is for some people to even pay for one groom?
Pioneer Pet Grooming 
Maybe when they make an appointment they have to do a down deposit to ensure that you are compensated if they miss the appointment, but also so they don’t have to pay that all upfront. so lets say when they make the appointment they give you 10$ then when they come in and pick up their pet once your done, the end cost comes to 40$ but the customer already gave you the 10$ in the beginning so now they only have to pay 30$. If that makes sense.
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Thank you Catherine for the feed back I really appreciate it. I have started charging a fee for missed and very late appointments . It depends of course , but people have been very considerate and understanding . I really have great clients .
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