My client cancelled her appointment on short notice and now thinks she will make it all better by giving me $20. What would you do?

Question

I had a new cleaning customer call me. I went to her home for an hour to see the house and meet her. We set an appointment for the first cleaning. The afternoon before the appointment I texted her to confirm the appointment. Five hours later she texted me back to say she had decided not to hire me, she was going to clean the house herself and would I drive the 5 miles back to her house to return the key she gave me. Not only was I not able to fill the time on such short notice but I had also decided not to have a second appointment that day so that I would not run the risk of arriving at my new job all tired and frazzled. I wanted to clean her house right because it was the first cleaning. So I lost a whole day of work. Now she wants to give me $20  to pay me for the consultation visit. I know I can't win by being mad at a customer. If she gives me a $20 check I think I'll tear it up because my time is worth more than $20. How would you handle it?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I would be happy that at least she said something.  Take the money and use the rest of the day to run errands or relax.  Save your energy for finding the next job instead of using it on being angry.  Being angry or sad won't change anything.  For the future you may want to put it in writing that you need at least 24 (or more or less) hours notice of a cancellation or they will be charged a fee.

tehabwa · Answer

That would be stupid. Throwing $20 dollars away leaves you LESS money, not more.

Take the money. Do NOT act like a total @-hole. She may change her mind and hire you at a later time, or give your name to someone else.

It's not HER fault you set aside the entire day.

And you probably didn't tell her of any "late cancellation fee" policy, so you have no leg to stand on.

Only imbeciles throw money away, because it isn't MORE money. Heck, sign the check over to me, I'll take it.

Uncle Pennybags · Answer

When you made your first inspection visit, was that contingent on her hiring you?

I doubt it was.  It was a meeting you had to try and drum up some business.  It failed.  Move on.

Anonymous · Answer

I'd get cash and forget about her.

WRG · Answer

It is better than the zero you are likely to receive otherwise.

Patrick B · Answer

I'd have her come to me to give me the check and to give her the key.

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My client cancelled her appointment on short notice and now thinks she will make it all better by giving me $20. What would you do?

6 Answers