Things that clients do that annoy you?

[Leanna]

Is it me or does anyone else hate last minute bookings for within 24 hours?

A few clients I have like to leave it til 24 hrs or less to book an appoitment. as I work full time as well it can be hard to fit it in.
I normally fit people in as I work shifts which stay the same every week so I know where I am.
But don't people realise that we have a life too and have made other plans.

Another thing that annoys me is client who don't leave answerphone messages. As mentioned above I work full time, so can never answer the phone and will call people back when I can.

Does anyone else have any pet hates?

Vickie

 

[getty]

Probably too many to mention lol ,

- leaving their mobile phone on
- late for their appointment, which is a pain when I'm doing back to backs.


Myarka

 

[deergefrill]

It also annoys me that so many people don't leave a message when they try to call you and you're busy!!

 

[Luca Caputo]

As a full time therapist I dont have that problem, and quite the opposite, my clients get annoyed that they have to book at least a week in advance and cant just pop in and see me.

I dont like it when clients are late, however, they pay for my time, so if they have booked in for an hour and they are late, the time is deducted. I have a great client base though, and they respect the fact that they see me for a professional service, so are very rarely late.

 

[Big B]

Don't let them, it's your choice. If you start saying 'sorry, nothing today, but I do have Monday next week' they will either start figuring out they need to book in advance, or they will find someone else that will take them same day. As you get busier, you're going to be saying that anyway, start saying it now, that way you will get rid of the chronic last minute bookers that would leave you when you get busier anyway, and you don't have to feel pressured by the last minute bookings. Build the well behaved client base NOW.

Not taking same day appointments from new clients is also a very easy way of weeding out those looking for more than a massage - they tend to want an appintment ASAP.

 

[kobvfbze]

I work at a clinic part time and some clients take a chance and book on the day. I wish they would book ahead of time so I know how quiet or busy I'll be so I can gear myself up for the day. I do suggest that they book ahead of time in order to avoid disappointment especially if they want an evening appointment.

I don't like doing 30 minute massages especially when they have specific pain condition. Looking for trigger points is a slow process. I do what I can in the time but always suggest they book 1 hour for future sessions.

New clients who book on the same day have never been dodgy. The clinic is on a high street and some people are walk ins. For my home practice new clients book ahead of time.

To be honest there isn't much that my clients do to annoy me.

 

[Occulty!]

my clients give me a great standard of living.......theres nothing they could do to annoy me, other than not pay!

 

[Back Fade]

I think the main things are being late, last minute cancellations and no shows.

I find that it is generally men who ring up at the last minute on the day wanting an appointment. As cola mentioned, I tend to say "sorry, i don't have anything today but how about monday?" These are also normally new clients - none of my regulars do this as they book in advance at the end of their appointment.

 

[alexander m]

Perhaps last minute bookings depend alot on where you practise. I work in high street locations that rely on passing trade. So last minute bookings make up a large part of my trade and therefore is a good thing.

Myarka.

 

[lucilla]

Since qualifying I have not had a single booking,I would accept any type of booking at moment,Id like to start 'tapping' for blocks but not sure which way to go about it.

 

[Awesome Night]

Have you done any advertising?

 

[funwithsharpthings]

Everywhere and anywhere.I only began in early December so I understand that its hard for people and the Recession.The general price here is 45 euro for a treatment,I was thinking of offering a special offer until end of February but then Im undercutting other therapists.

 

[MasCheauua]

I think it would be a good idea to encourage people to come for a taster session? If it's only temporary, other therapists shouldn't be annoyed, I think!
Do you have a website? And maybe a facebook page? I have had a few clients through my facebook page!

x

 

[Lil P:)]

I've just got a new client through facebook so it does work.

I find my website and Google adwords essential means of advertising as well as leafletting out on the streets. I've also done a lot of taster massages, the ones that brought most business we done in a shop window, clothed & seated.

Myarka.

 

[Jack Martin]

Yes I did think of doing tasters,not ventured on facebook yet and would not know how to do a web page.I think I will advertise for a taster session and see how that goes.

 

[wbehwuecixmihvebu]

Click on the healthosts banner on this page, if not PM me and I can help you decide the best way to produce a website.

Myarka.

 

[Grumple]

I think it might be the most important thing you can do for your business! Internet is often the first port of call for people looking for therapies these days.

I haven't tried healthhosts myself but everyone seems to say they are really good (and really easy to use)!
If you struggle, maybe you can swap a treatment or two for some help with your website?

x

 

[alyana d]

Myarka thanks for that,will pm you later,Claire2327 thanks for the advice.I guess the web. is the way to go,we cannot afford to let any options pass us by.

 

[Joseph Black]

Yes, Star, just go for it! I messed about with thinking about websites for nearly a year and then thought - what the heck! just do it - if it's not right then change it - but don't just do nothing about the web.

Healthhosts is who I went with too - very easy and no question too daft to get answered!

Let's hope the new year is a better one for your business.

Cheers
Judith

 

[Bryz]

Cheers Judith,yes my business needs all the help it can,its a waste doing a course and paying big money if I dont avail of marketing options.