How do you handle the crush of holiday pets?
Hey all,
I'm pretty laid back about people paying before mentally "holding" their stay in my calendar. I don't make people pay until we've done the meet and greet and are all happy and okay with each other. But I do let others know that there is someone ahead of them and they may not get a spot, but if someone cancels I'll let them know. I'm very good on getting back to people as soon as I know anything.
This last Memorial day, that just screwed me over...I had a new client with two pups who wouldn't book until they got their flight details from work. I didn't want to harp on him, but I messaged him every couple of days. The last message was - other people would like to take your spot if you don't plan on booking with me, please let me know. (This was true - I had three other people...but knowing how fast holidays book up I did tell them they should likely start finding another sitter NOW.) Client responded he would know in two days. Contacted him in two days and he said, "Oh, I thought you said you were taking on other people and I went with someone else." Grrrrrrr! I did go back and contact the three others on my list...and of course they had already found another sitter. Therefore, no pups on Memorial Day. :(
So my question. Do you make people pay PRIOR to meet and greet? Especially around holidays? (I know they can cancel for a full refund if they don't like me, but many people get nervous when they have to pay before anything else.) I'll likely still keep my laid backedness for normal times...but I need to change my plan for holidays. Any recommendations would be welcome!