Last Minute Holiday Cancellations?
I had two clients book me way in advance of Christmas and New Years. My Christmas clients booked me 3 months in advance, then cancelled one day before the booking. My New Years clients booked me 40 days in advance and then changed the booking (eliminating the dog service, but keeping two cats) less than 24 hours before the booking began. BOTH clients asked for refunds. I won't go into detail on how I handled these situations, but I came out with as much income as originally booked, but not without more time involved and lots of emails and emotion on my part. MY QUESTION: do you think I was booked as a place holder for both of these clients? I feel like that was the case. I'm thinking for 2022 I won't book so far in advance. Limit to 30 days or less. Any comments or advice?
When they book, there pre paying also. So it probably wasn't placeholders. But it still sucks for people to cancel out last minute. I've had some book Christmas 3 months before. First thing I texted back answering the request. Was asking if they felt confident about there trip. They understood.
When they cancel they get at least a 50% refund and I only receive 50% of the booking. I'm not working to make 50%, I'm working to make my full potential. That's what bugs me most about this. Thank you for your answer.