what does everyone else do about people not being home at pre-arranged times and dates?
Sorry to hear this Betty S! X(
:_|
I am now in my 10th year... so far not had any NO shows to do actual work...
had the occasional no show when going to asses a site to compile a quote!
I have a gut feeling this is a symptom of "Credit Crunch" kicking in?
Personally I think the biggest problem for myself would be the cost of materials purchased..
not the inconvenience of wasted time cuz someone was out! :|
If a No Show ultimately ends up with No Job as well...
you could end up with a whole bunch of materials hanging around that you cant shift...
or takes a while to shift! X(
With my jobs I apply a few bits I picked up from my previous employment whilst in my Telecommunications days...
95%+ of my jobs I provide a written quotation..
with a duplicate for the customer to sign.
I don't order any materials until I have a signed copy and I have a few terms and conditions written on the back..
Part of which includes..
Cancellation of agreement; After receiving a signed quotation agreement, [company name] will commence procedures to organise materials and allocate a start date for the work at the earliest convenience. Should the customer wish to cancel the work prior to commencement A cancellation cost of 10% of the total value of the work will be due immediately, payable to [company name]
Not sure how much legal authority this actually holds...
but I have never had to apply it and I do have a signed agreement indicting that the customer wants me to do the work!