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I’ve been locked out of my client’s home 4 times -do I keep them as clients?

Client is a regular M-F client (they have had vacations and days off here and there.). I started drop ins with them March 2017. They leave their house key on their porch -they have other services that need access to the house. I’ve been locked out 4 times. one time, a house cleaning service was inside with the key and the door locked and wouldnt answer the doorbell. It took me 20 minutes, off the rover timer, to get the client to get ahold of the people inside to let me in. Another time, the top chain was on the door, so I could unlock the door, but not the chain, another 20minute delay. Third time, client was gone but had a house sitter who locked the front screen/storm door so I couldn’t even get to the regular door. After another 15-20 minutes, client remotely opened garage door. The same thing happen the next day, another delay, and I canceled the rest of the visits until they got back from vacation (1 day.). Today, top chain was on the door. I didn’t wait today but texted to tell client door was locked and I was moving on to next client. I have not heard from the client today. Do I charge for today? When do I give up? It seems like a lot of times to me — and makes me late for my entire day

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Yes, you should charge. Tell them that they need to keep the top chain unlocked and give you a separate key or you won't be able to keep them as a client because it's taking too much time.

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I started out with the key under the mat, then they gave me a key, and the last time I got locked out, they told me to leave the key under the mat again. 3 out of the 4 times I was locked out, having the key wouldn’t have mattered -twice, the chain was engaged and once the storm/screen door was loc

Thanks for your input😀

There are systems that allow for codes to be entered into a device on site, and then the system logs entry/exit. Different codes are authorized for different vendors, and the homeowner is able to turn access on and off. I would be really turned off by the owner's lack of concern for ur time.

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Since having a copy of the key or even have it waiting for you, wouldn't always allow you to enter due to the chain & you mentioned they can remotely open the garage door....I'd ask if they can remotely open the garage door for each service date/time. I'd suggest explaining that you have other commitments and need to keep to your schedule. Another possibility if they aren't always available to remotely open the garage is ask if they can give you a garage access code or opener (sometimes these can be changed when necessary) Or if a neighbor could give you that access.

And yes, I think you should leave the booked service as is & allow the charge to be processed.

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Thank you👌