Economic climate affecting client accountability

by Pam
(Kingston ny)

I generally agree - and in fact have been having all my clients sign an updated Missed Appointment policy to remind them of my policy. On the form I requested current email and phone numbers so that I can start reminder emails, something that I have fought doing for 8 years. I already have plenty on my plate and I have to say I resent having to babysit a client so they can be responsible. But it has to be done.

It seems that the current economic climate has made people more irresponsible as my missed appointments have gone up in the last year. The problem is that I have already lost a large number of clients to financial issues, as well as to a huge increase in local therapists, and I can't afford to lose any more. So enforcing the policy is a double edged sword.

Yes - if you have 20 clients who want that spot, losing a deadbeat isn't a big deal. But I fear that most Massage Therapists are in the same boat as me.

I hope the reminder calls will put a stop to the no-shows. Would love to hear any other ideas about how to get clients to take responsibility for their commitments.