-
I’m struggling with last-minute cancellations – what should my policy be? (All Teachers)
-
Becki, that’s a great way of doing things! Very clever. Do people keep paying for lessons via paypal after that first booking, or do you get them to pay cash once that deposit is down? I always shy away from using paypal in an ongoing way for fear they take too much of a cut from my incomings…
-
After the initial lesson most pay in cash and some by cheque. I also offer block bookings with a discount and I have just in the past month introduced a loyalty scheme which has received really good feedback:)
But I know what you mean about Paypal taking a cut, which is why I prefer cash/cheque in the lessons but by paying online it just secures that first lesson and I know I am not wasting my time waiting around for people!
-
I hate to think of how much money I have lost via no shows.Even when the policy of 48 hours notice there is the problem of irregular attendance. For instance three 49 hour notice cancellations in a row. I have a rule not always explicit. Three no shows with no payment in a row the student may need to be asked to find a more accomodating teacher or take a floating spot i.e. Email them with free times for the week ahead. This can suit busy/erratic students as well as the teacher.
-
3 no shows in a row?! Tell them to stop wasting your time and bugger off!!
-
OK, so I’m going to enforce a new cancellation policy next year because I’m finding that the 24 hour one isn’t working for me (i’m getting people cancelling exactly 25 hours in advance ha! And it’s still not enough time to reschedule someone else in that spot). So I want to go to 48 hours. I think it’s also a good idea to take monthly payments at the start of the month or at least to have people paying a week in advance…
I’m not sure about charging people 100% of the fee though with 48 hours. Because with 48 hours if people get sick they definitely won’t know that far in advance. So I’m thinking I should make the cancellation fee 75% (I charge a fair bit here so maybe this is more reasonable).
I’m not sure if I’m being too soft. What do you guys think? do you have a problem with your policies when people get sick?
Log in to reply.