Cancelation charging

[Essence Within]

Hi Geeks, I know you will probably say Ive answered my own question but... wanted to know how other therapists go about charging people if you have no card machine? I know where I used to work before, despite having a machine,she wouldnt charge unless it was a regular occurence. But i have seen therapists that get paid cash/cheque saying a certain amount will be charged- but i wandered how, if no card machine? If someone rings for an appointment they may live too far away to pay a deposit before appoinment. Whats your opinion/ advice ad how do you go about cancellations less than 24 hrs? Many thanks x

 

[leonnib]

i used to give people the business account no. and sort code to pay if they couldnt come or send cheque for deposit. they cant do anything with your account number and sortcode except pay in.

i have a machine now but some still pay into the account

 

[totalbirdbrain]

Cancellation charging is really hard. One thing I would say is always be consistent. You have to judge each one on merit. If it's one of my regular clients and it's a first time or you just know it's a very genuine reason for not showing I do remind them but I let it go. I've found that if it's a good loyal client they'll just come in and pay it anyway. We hve lost clients through charging a fee but we try to look at it that although you don't want to lose any client a regular canceller or non-shower is not a client you want.
All our spa parties and hen parties pay a deposit to confirm their booking and that is either by cheque or over the phone. We are also about to start an on line booking service so people will have to pay at the time of booking so that could be an option for you? Or you could set up a paypal account and invoice them through that? You would just have to hope they hve an email and access to the Internet.

It's always a tricky thing. Hope you find something that works! Good luck