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cancellation fee

Any brilliant ideas on creating a sign in my office, using a little humor to state that I will have to charge a cancellation fee if not requested 24 hrs ahead of time?

Having a difficult time with this as I'm concerned about offending those who already honor that common courtesy.

Ideas would be greatly appreciated...

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Permalink Reply by Jody C. Hutchinson on August 27, 2013 at 8:21am

Tina,

I have found that clients don't always read signs. So, I don't know if a little humor will be noticed. I don't think you will offend those who are compliant, they are not a problem. I have found it best to tell everyone when they book, have them sign an agreement, and then see who is compliant or not. Please read Irene Diamond's article on rescheduling, it's the best guide to having a firm policy in place and dealing with those who are trying to manipulate their appointments.

Best of luck,

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Permalink Reply by Joyce Young on August 27, 2013 at 9:18am

I second Jody's suggestions, make them sign a contract. If you have online booking, make sure they have to check off "I understand the terms and conditions...". Let's say the worst thing happens and you do charge their card and they get pissy and dispute the charge. You will have to prove to the cc company that 1) they knew about the agreement and 2) violated the agreement. Saying "we have a sign in our lobby" won't cut it. Have a signed contract. You can always have a sign in the lobby too, but get something on paper.

Now, would that get to that point? 99.9% says 'no', but it would be good to have a signed contract to cover your rump in case something comes up.