Cancellations, No Shows, & “Free” Sessions

It’s no secret, I’m a one woman show.  Yes, I write my own ads, maintain my own website (with help sometimes if I do not know what I am doing), participate on various websites, answer all calls and emails, prep, perform and clean up after all sessions as a solo act.  It does take up an enormous amount of my time, however this is a labor of love.

Naturally, I prefer having only MY spoon in the pot, but there are times when that can become a bit of a hindrance.  Case in point, when someone calls or emails to schedule apointment…

Once someone schedules an appointment, it is a different story.  I mention this not to gain sympathy, but to make a point.  I do all of this myself, when you book a session with me, I begin planning our time together. I turn others down who may want that spot and if you’ve booked more than 3 hours, I consider myself unavailable to others the rest of the day.  However, if I believe that after 3 hours the session is not going well with one client, I will take a few more.  ONLY IF I FEEL LIKE IT.

Now, if you’re not ready to see me, please don’t call and ask me to schedule you in for a certain time. You’re certainly welcome to call or email to ask questions or e concerns but I strongly recommend that you wait until you’re certain you’re emotionally and physically ready for a visit. This goes for people who are thinking about visiting my area for work/vacation and are not sure of their schedules. 

When I reserve a spot for you please understand I’m counting on the fact that you will show up. If I’ve asked you to call or email to confirm, it’s not that I have doubts, it’s just to ensure your plans haven’t changed before I offer you my address. It’s not easy for me to fill open spots on a moments notice if someone does not show up or drops off my schedule as this IS how I pay my bills. I don’t get paid to plan, chat and/or correspond, so please be courteous of my time before you request it.

Understandably, things happen in life… people get sick, injured or have something come up at any time. I don’t expect this to be on the forefront of your mind when something major happens and I’m entirely sympathetic in an emergency situation.  However when it then becomes a pattern of missed or rescheduled appointments, then it becomes a problem.

Hence, let me explain a real problem, clients who do not show up for appointments.   When you have a standing appointment and you know something will be keeping you away, please call to let me know as soon as you can. Don’t count on letting your confirmation time expire as your way of telling me you won’t be making it.  It’s rude and inconsiderate to me. You call your doctor to reschedule an appointment, else be charged a fee for the time the doctor wasted when he/she could’ve had a client who really needs that slot in to see them. 

If you cancel the last minute or simply do not show, don’t be surprised when I ask for a 50% deposit when you do try to schedule with me again. It’s simply to make sure I’m spending my time wisely, instead of wasting it with those who just want the fantasy: and yes, there are plenty of boys that do that.  Hence if you are asked to provide a deposit, do not take it personally.  I am just sick and tired of scheduling appointments only to have someone not show up.

Lastly, I have been asked if I provide “free sessions” to newbies.  (lol) Really?? Do you think that this is a deli shop where the person behind the counter slices a thin slice of meat for you to taste to see if it’s what your looking for???  I do not provide free sessions!!  I work hard at what I do and expect to  paid for my time and energy that would have been obviously wasted on a loser who thinks that he can get something for free!!  Pay up like the rest.