Had a client cancel last-minute again, which threw my day off completely. My current cancellation policy feels too loose, and it’s frustrating watching my schedule disrupted unexpectedly.
I’ve begun rethinking a firmer approach to safeguard my time.
I’ve been wrestling with this too. My current approach:
- Non-refundable booking fee
- 48-hour cancellation policy
- Full payment due the day before
It’s not perfect, but it has helped filter out non-serious inquiries.
One thing I’ve learned: be ready to lose a few clients. It stings at first, but the ones who stick around are usually easier to work with.
Also, don’t forget to include your prep time when setting fees. Even if they cancel, you’ve likely already put in some work.
Remember, your time is valuable. It’s okay to protect it.
Simple fix. Make a clear policy and stick to it. I do 50% deposit on booking, non-refundable if canceled within 48 hours. Full payment due 24 hours before the job. No exceptions. Put it in writing, have them sign off. Weeds out flaky clients fast. Might lose a few jobs at first, but you’ll save headaches and wasted time. Good clients respect it. Bad ones? Not worth the trouble anyway.
I’ve been through this headache too. My solution? A tiered system.
For small jobs, I take a 25% non-refundable deposit. Bigger projects get a 50% deposit.
I have a 72-hour cancellation policy. Cancel before that, they just lose the deposit. After that, they owe the full amount.
It took some trial and error to find what works. Had a few clients balk at first, but most understood once I explained.
One trick that’s helped: I offer a small discount for early payment. It motivates clients to commit and often speeds up the whole process.
Remember, it’s not just about the money. It’s about respecting your time and work. A solid policy helps set those boundaries.
Just make sure you’re clear about the terms upfront. I put it all in my quotes now. No surprises, no drama.
Been there. Maybe charge a deposit upfront? Keeps folks committed. Or set a 24-hour rule. Cancel before that, no fee. After, they pay half. Just ideas.
I get it. Late cancellations are a pain. Here’s what works for me:
Non-refundable deposit upfront. 50% for bigger jobs, 25% for small ones.
48-hour cancellation policy. After that, they owe the full amount.
I put it all in my quotes. Most clients are fine with it once they understand.
It’s about respecting your time. Good clients get it. The rest? Not worth the hassle.
Nah man I just show up and do the work. People usually pay me when I’m done.