Cancelling appointments - Page 2

todd@bsaw · 10-05-09, 12:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by mose

I am a "weekends only" detailer as well. I have been lucky to have had only a couple people either cancel or just plain not show. A cancellation fee is fine but, if they aren't showing up for the detail, how do you get the to pay for the cancellation fee? Tack it onto when they finally do show up for the detail?

The charge is basically a non-refundable deposit toward the cost of their detail when they do actually show up and not a "fee". If they cancel or are a no-show, they need to pay you up front before locking in a new appointment time. If they cancel or do not show up on that appointment, you keep their deposit. When you actually complete the detail, the deposit they already paid is deducted from the final cost.

I'm not sure how everybody else does it, but this is what I do and it works very well.

mose · 10-05-09, 12:59

Yeah....I hadn't even thought of getting money up front! 9 times out of 10 I don't even meet the people until they are dropping off the car.

Dylan@Adams · 10-05-09, 01:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brandon1

Personally I would just be very up front with the situation. Tell him exactly what you just told us. If he still gripes after you being up front and honest, then you really dont want his business anyway.

Agreed.

I like the up front deposit idea also... as little as $50 to hold the appointment slot. If he shows up you apply the $50 towards the total, he doesn't show you pocket the $50 and call it a cancellation fee. I had a friend who flaked on me like this about a half dozen times until I finally told him that I wouldn't take any more appointments without money up front, he paid the full price a few weeks before hand... surprise surprise... he showed up on time

MAXSE2kMT · 10-06-09, 07:28

Thanks for all of the opinions and pointers. I'm going to make him pay a $50 deposit as well as anyone who cancels an appointment on short notice even once.

todd@bsaw · 10-06-09, 12:47

Just another pointer then...
It helps to have something printed up for them to sign about the deposit and appointment for legal reasons and so they don't think you are just making up a number for them "yeah... uh... just give me $50 to hold your appointment for me in case you cancel again."

WhyteWizard · 10-06-09, 06:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAXSE2kMT

Thanks for all of the opinions and pointers. I'm going to make him pay a $50 deposit as well as anyone who cancels an appointment on short notice even once.

I'll take wastes of time for $200.00 and the answer is, "What someone who should have moved on might say."

One time is an anomaly, twice is a pattern. When somebody tells you who they are, believe them. God I hate sounding like Dr. Laura, particularly because she's an idiot, but sheeeeesh. Boot his *** off the island.

After a very long day.

Robert

vtec92civic · 10-06-09, 08:00

anyone have a sample of their contracts or what not then can provide or post up?

I have seen this happen to many times and it got the the point as everyone else mentioned where asking for a certain percentage of the detail is the proper thing to do.

You can ask for what you feel comfortable with and have them sign something stating they gave you $XXX that is to go towards the final bill for the detail on: XXX kind of car. Just so that they feel like you are looking out for their best interest as well.

MAXSE2kMT · 10-07-09, 05:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhyteWizard

I'll take wastes of time for $200.00 and the answer is, "What someone who should have moved on might say."

One time is an anomaly, twice is a pattern. When somebody tells you who they are, believe them. God I hate sounding like Dr. Laura, particularly because she's an idiot, but sheeeeesh. Boot his *** off the island.

After a very long day.

Robert

Thanks, Alex, he'll have to pay full price up front after inspection if he wants work done. Thanks for the smack in the head.

JuneBug · 10-07-09, 07:16

I'm in the weekend detailer program too, and I've had guys call and cancel hours before, once - I can understand, things happen, but twice - find another detailer. I have to contend with too many varibles like weather, family obligations, and a bad back that can go out for no apparent reason. It's too hard to reschedule someone waiting on your detailing at the last minute because somebody has a hang-over or spent the detail money at the boobie bar the night before.

todd@bsaw · 10-07-09, 09:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by JuneBug

I'm in the weekend detailer program too, and I've had guys call and cancel hours before, once - I can understand, things happen, but twice - find another detailer. I have to contend with too many varibles like weather, family obligations, and a bad back that can go out for no apparent reason. It's too hard to reschedule someone waiting on your detailing at the last minute because somebody has a hang-over or spent the detail money at the boobie bar the night before.

Or the earned detail money at the boobie bar that day.
*cough*

anson89 · 10-09-09, 01:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by vtec92civic

anyone have a sample of their contracts or what not then can provide or post up?

I have seen this happen to many times and it got the the point as everyone else mentioned where asking for a certain percentage of the detail is the proper thing to do.

You can ask for what you feel comfortable with and have them sign something stating they gave you that is to go towards the final bill for the detail on: XXX kind of car. Just so that they feel like you are looking out for their best interest as well.

I'd second that, a sample of the contract would be great!

adrock2003 · 10-11-09, 06:54

I'd love a sample contract as something I can use to type up my own contract.