Can’t get hold of client for Skype tuition AIBU

[ImSuchABigIdiot]

I work as a tutor, and give face-to-face lessons and Skype lessons.

A client recently asked me to tutor them for one session via Skype. We had our first face-to-face session last week.

A couple of days ago, I passed on my Skype username to the client. We then confirmed a mutually convenient date and time for the Skype session (to be held earlier today).

Before our session today, I noticed that the client had not added me on Skype, so I asked them via text what their Skype username was.

As it was getting close to the agreed time for the session, I then called the client to remind them about the session, but got no answer.

Our session time has come and gone, and I still haven’t heard anything from the client.

I now feel like I’ve done everything I can from my side to confirm timings and arrangements for the tuition with the client, and I’m feeling frustrated with the lack of communication from the client.

I’m an experienced tutor, having tutored face-to-face and via Skype for almost ten years now, but this is the first time I’ve come across a situation where a Skype client is difficult to get hold of. How should I have dealt with this? Is there anything else I could have or should have done?

Thanks.

I don’t think you could have done any more.

I would still charge them for the session.

Thanks Jacques. Argh so irritating. I was just sitting down to have something to eat and they’ve literally just got in touch!! We’ve now rescheduled for later on today. It’s frustrating that they didn’t contact me sooner. I would’ve really appreciated some warning.

I found similar with meetings. People somehow seem to put less weight on them being on Skype.

I would definitely make it clear you were inconvenienced.

I'd have refused to do it later in the day. You scheduled a time, they agreed it, they didn't show. Why should you be inconvenienced. They need you more than you need them