[Bob McWilliam]

I noticed a cc in another thread has had four cancellations recently. This morning, my 9am job phoned at 8am to cancel. Last week someone cancelled because she had deceided to move instead. This hasn't happened in ages, has anyone else seen more cancellations recently.

[Jim_77]

I get postponements more than cancellations, which cocks you around just as much but at least you don't lose the customer, only the chance to earn for a couple of hours on a certain day.  Mostly it's due to decorating or builders taking longer than they thought, so I've now started "pencilling in" and confirming nearer the time, which helps.

I think last minute cancelling like you mention maybe has something to do with what sector of the market you work in.  I aim at the mid to upper sector and don't really suffer from it too much.

Most of the no-shows I've had seem to be lower end customers, who show even more disrespect by not even getting back to you when they read the polite not put through the door asking them to rearrange!

This business would run a lot more smoothly if it wasn't for all these damn customers

[AshWhite]

I actually had the opposite today, I had an enquiry on FB last week, I said I could do it this morning (Thursday) she said should be OK, I'll check with my boyfriend and keep you posted (that was 2 days ago), I didn't hear anything back then she calls me this morning to apologise for not confirming, but her boyfriend was sat in the house waiting for me! I'm just about to leave to go and do the job.

[Paul H]

Very apt post considering my experience today...... turned up no reply.....rang custy "hi i'm outside"..reply "oh i cancelled you via text"...." hmmm no you didnt "..i replied.... well i dont need you anymore.... still didnt have the manners to come to the door to discuss! wtf!....

So instead of making money i lose as i have to then to take my boy to the shops for new footy boots and trainers ....he's a size 12 too.....!!!!!!!!

[davep]

Me too today. Got to job 9am. No answer. Called the number the custy used, oh I haven't booked a cleaner...  Erm this phone was used to book carpet clean no 15, ooh this is no 38 and hang up. Knocked on 38 no answer. Left voicemail asking her to call so I can arrange payment.

Obviously changed her mind over job but forgot to cancel

[Simon Gerrard]

There's nowt as queer as folk, as they say.

Simon

[chrisjohn]

Bob

It was me who had the four cancellations.Yes it is really annoying,but 2 did re-book for future dates.I just seem to have had a bad run with cancellations in the last couple of weeks.Not sure why,just one of those annoying things.Must just be my turn!!!

Chris

[clinton]

They seem to come in two,s the cancelations and as jim said more the lower end clients and the new clients..

[garry22]

How many phone the clients up the day before to double check the appointment?

I would also say include something in your terms and conditions about cancellation (I should kop some more flak about T & C now  )

[Warren Aldridge]

I usually get them in the last week of the month.

Once had two no shows in one day, just ignored my calls and door bell.

[Neil Williams]

If you wish to participate ring

Done

Anyway and back to the subject. I hate time wasters and like an employee calling in to say they are sick I can normally tell if the potential customer is just making an excuse instead of being honest about either not wanting it done, or they've found someone cheaper.
The usual hint you've been a victim of a time waster is when they call to cancell but don't ask for a new date/time straight away. If you start having to chase them then that should be the signal to cut your losses.

[Neil Williams]

Whoever it is sent this text back to me
"ok I found it funny tho"

Don't know if this site will help you find out who it is
http://www.wikihow.com/Trace-a-Uk-Mobile-or-Landline-Telephone-Number

He's on the orange network according to that

[garry22]

Don't know if this still works?

Can't you find an old fashioned phone box, dial them and leave the phone off the hook blocking the line.

Failing that, find a forum where people are complaining about some company's service.

Say you have discovered the MD's private number and post that one! 

[JandS]

Cheers Neil, what you say to him?
Not that bothered about tracing him just
want him hassled back.

John

[Richard Basey-Fisher]

like jim  i get more postpone than cancel and tbh never mind that or even people who are polite enough to cancel  ,  people will change there mind or something may come up .  its the buggers who either go out because they havent the balls to cancel or draw all the curtains and pretend no one is home that bugs me .  absolute height of rudeness imo

[Steve. Taylor]

I had one last week EOT clean booked in for thursday will you take a cheque?
No cash on completion sorry booked it for 9.30am turned up place empty all moved out gone, makes me
think about the rubber content of that cheque i might have got

[Jim_77]

John, I just played him some music for you

[JandS]

Go on Jim what was it

John

[Phillip Mold]

I don't believe it, he does not like apples!

[derek west]

"my names jeffy and i like apples"

you didn't did you phil?