http://thebodyworker.com/massage_blog/cancellation-policies/ Exporations in the Theory and Practice of Massage Fri, 18 May 2012 17:25:40 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 http://thebodyworker.com/massage_blog/cancellation-policies/comment-page-1/#comment-194 Arnold Sat, 14 Apr 2007 13:41:36 +0000 http://thebodyworker.com/massage_blog/cancellation-policies/#comment-194 I tend to agree. You need to have a VERY specific policy and you need to stick to it at all times. It's good to have "exceptions" listed in the policy where a miss or last-minute cancellation WON'T result in a charge. But they should be EXTREME EMERGENCY type situations (medical emergency comes to mind) and even then, the clients should only be allowed to miss ONE appointment, TWO at the absolute most. After that, you will just have to explain to them that while you understand their situation, you can't allow them to keep missing appointments without being charged for the session. They should realize that you are trying to earn a living and when they fail to show up that is "dead time" in your practice where you could have put another client who was desperate to come in and get a massage. I think that's why my business is all out-call. It's much harder for people to just "not show up" when you come directly to them. :) I tend to agree. You need to have a VERY specific policy and you need to stick to it at all times. It’s good to have “exceptions” listed in the policy where a miss or last-minute cancellation WON’T result in a charge. But they should be EXTREME EMERGENCY type situations (medical emergency comes to mind) and even then, the clients should only be allowed to miss ONE appointment, TWO at the absolute most. After that, you will just have to explain to them that while you understand their situation, you can’t allow them to keep missing appointments without being charged for the session. They should realize that you are trying to earn a living and when they fail to show up that is “dead time” in your practice where you could have put another client who was desperate to come in and get a massage. I think that’s why my business is all out-call. It’s much harder for people to just “not show up” when you come directly to them.

]]> http://thebodyworker.com/massage_blog/cancellation-policies/comment-page-1/#comment-195 Jody Hutchinson Thu, 12 Apr 2007 15:10:01 +0000 http://thebodyworker.com/massage_blog/cancellation-policies/#comment-195 I have struggled with client cancellations for years. The worst was when I worked in a MD/DC office. Most of the patients were insurance cases and I had about 10-20 % no-shows. The doc's were reluctant to do anything about it and it's impossible to charge insurance for no-shows. I fired many of the patients and they would just switch to another therapist. I policed the schedule and that helped sometimes. I finally left and now am on my own. After a while I developed, with my superivor's help, a client policy sheet that clearly spelled out my 24 hour cancellation policy. I stick to this no matter how many feelings come up. I work with my supervisor and this has been very helpful. I tell everyone on the phone about the policy and have much better client compliance. I do make exceptions for work, child care, car troubles, etc. I do charge 100% of my fee for missed/broken appointments. I work hard and I value my time and the relationship with my clients. I make it a point to get support, read ethics books, and think well of myself. This has made a huge difference. Cheers, jh I have struggled with client cancellations for years. The worst was when I worked in a MD/DC office. Most of the patients were insurance cases and I had about 10-20 % no-shows. The doc’s were reluctant to do anything about it and it’s impossible to charge insurance for no-shows. I fired many of the patients and they would just switch to another therapist. I policed the schedule and that helped sometimes. I finally left and now am on my own.
After a while I developed, with my superivor’s help, a client policy sheet that clearly spelled out my 24 hour cancellation policy. I stick to this no matter how many feelings come up. I work with my supervisor and this has been very helpful. I tell everyone on the phone about the policy and have much better client compliance. I do make exceptions for work, child care, car troubles, etc. I do charge 100% of my fee for missed/broken appointments. I work hard and I value my time and the relationship with my clients.
I make it a point to get support, read ethics books, and think well of myself. This has made a huge difference.
Cheers,
jh

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