How to handle client who wants multiple meet and greet?

Doing more than 1 M&G for free is hard to accept as we are in the business of making money. If you are hesitant in doing more than 1 or your client is requesting more you should inform your client to book you for a drop in for the subsequent M&G's. You also mentioned doing a second one to pick up the keys and go over final instructions, most of us won't do that, we expect written instructions from the client and a key left under the mat or another hiding place. Always remember time is money!!

Definitely agree with Walt, especially the part to remember 'time is money'. I'm kind of a newbie, but in reading the other posts on this forum it seems a lot of issues would be non-issues if that reminder was consistently applied! :)

I agree with Walt and Cindy, Time is money. Think of it this way, as soon as you are traveling to a person’s house, you are “on the clock” - as no other clients may book you for that time frame (so that 20-30 minute drive =10 miles where I am).

I have a 9 box sheet for each client where I ask everything from food allergies, where do I dispose of full poop bags, where are the dog approved towels, food, snacks, etc. This usually does a darn good job of getting the stuff I need to know. I had one client who did pay for my time beyond the meet and greet appointment so that she and I could walk the dog together the first time - since some of the neighborhood dogs could get a bit excited and so could the client dog. I was paid full walk rate for that.

In the dog walking/independent contractor business, YOU have to take care of yourself first and foremost. There is no supervisor, Human Resources Department, parent, other responsible type person that is going to stand up for you - or admonish a client for taking advantage of you. When a person is unable and or unwilling to meet your requirements, there is usually a darn good reason, and you do NOT want that person as a client.

If you get that squirmy feeling when you hear “it’s all about the money” - It IS about what the money SAYS. The money the person pays demonstrates respect for YOUR time. - Your knowledge, skills and abilities with dogs that are not your own are WORTH paying for. Accept nothing less.