For me, a no show usually entails a double loss. I have to eat the loss of the expected fee, of course, but I usually kill time by going to a store and buying something STUPID, something that I don't need! I was told by a lawyer friend that I must really have made an agreement with a customer before I can leave a bill. That is, at the time of the appointment, I would have to say "now if you forget the appointment, Im gonna send you a bill!) If I did not do that in advance, I can still leave the bill, but legally have no grounds to collect it. (The same is true with an estimate) Any lawyers out there to confirm this? This is hardly a major legal issue, but it is always good practice to come to an agreement with the customer beforehand to avoid any sparks. This lawyer suggested that I just add it into my expenses and charge a little more to compensate (an answer that I would expect from a lawyer). But I have had just too many missed appointments and do not feel justified in charging good customers for the sins of the bad. I now tell a new customer when I confirn the date, time, that the minimum charge for this time period is $30. If they are not home, I leave a printed letter that states that they were informed that "the minimum....is $30" and I leave a bill. Also in the letter is a short form to return that states (in effect) "the minimum charge covers only portion of the loss incurred and I the customer agree to compensate (me) for the full expected fee up to $60 max. if future failed appointments occur. If a regular customer forgets, I have another form that is a little less harsh, but they must sign and return and acknowledge that I can give only one free "bye"...that there will be a fee charged in the future. If I forget, the same harsh terms apply to me. The customer will get a $30 discount ....................on a rebuilt Steinway! Jerry Smith PRP
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