I have a 2 week long vacation coming up, and I really don't want to risk losing a few of my favorite regular clients while I am gone. I know they will need someone while I am gone but I really want to make sure they come back to me when I am back from vacation.
What can I do to help entice them to book me after I get back from vacation?
If you can connect with another sitter/walker and be a backup for each other that would help. But, there is no guarantee your customers will want to use your backup or even come back to you. What I do, I send all my customers my vacation schedule about 2 to 3 months in advance. I give them my recommendation for a backup and rover url. Some of my customers prefer to use only me and will have a friend/family member care for their dog(s). I also send another reminder a couple weeks prior to my vacation. With my vacation dates, I tell them how much I enjoy (dog's name) and look forward to seeing them when I get back. And, if they would like to send the booking before I go on vacation so we are all set when I get back, that would be great.
*Best to plan taking the day before and/or day after you get back to relax before your bookings. And, see if you can get them to book the dates in advance for after you are back so you know your schedule. If they are repeats, their dogs/pets look forward to you coming (or coming to you if you board) and you are reliable, you have great customers. Always work to pick up repeat customers that are a great fit for you.
What I have done is to have a backup sitter/walker cover for me when I'm on vacation.
How did you mange to find someone? Do you just find someone else on rover that is cool with the idea?