To fire client

[Gingercatlover]

AIBU to cancel a client that has cancelled on five occasions in the last eight weeks, on two of those occasions with less than forty eight hours notice.

Overall in eighteen months cancelling on sixteen occasions with over half of these occasions being the day before.

Client seems to think I am unreasonable when I have broached the subject?

For context I have never cancelled and every week she expects me to keep the same two hours for her on the same day.

Maybe yes, maybe no. I suppose it depends on the reasons for all the cancellations.

Can you not work this one out for yourself?

🤷🏼‍♀️ whats your buisness? Do you need the money? Will it harm your imagine?

Very frustrating though

Ask her for payment in advance , no returnable.

Could you find another client to take the 2 hour slot easily?
Do you have a contract that says she has to pay you if she cancels with less than 48 hours notice?

Yep- cancel.

16 cancellations in 18 months??? This doesn’t work for you. You’re in business to make money- not be a convenience to her. Fill the slot with a paying client.

Sorry I am a long time lurker first time poster so don't know how to reply individually.

I just really needed an outsiders perspective on this one, it is very frustrating and I think I have been fairly flexible so am a little bit 🤔that she thinks I'm unreasonable.

Reasons for cancellation are usually down to daughters not having childcare.

I clean for her around my job main job as support staff in a school.

Hell no! Took me two years building my business up to get the confidence and clientele to be able to be more selective without nights of angst!

If you need the money they pay you, say due to repeat cancellations all appointments must be paid for in advance and put your cancellation terms (call it a booking fee and not a deposit) in writing e.g anything with more than 24 hours notice is refundable.
Perhaps also add if there are 3 cancellations even within your terms within 6 months then you’re not the right fit for them needing to cancel short notice.

If you don’t need their cash, a polite message explaining your cannot afford in both time and money to run your business with repeat cancellations and you’ll no longer be able to see them. Wish them well and suggest they find a business that can take short notice/on the day bookings.

I guarantee either option you’ll feel better as you’re back in control of your business 😊

Could also fill the slot easily

If you're a cleaner than yes, drop her business. You have a regular slot which she keeps cancelling and therefore you lose money or have to spend time and effort organising alternative work! Neither of which works for you so let her find someone else to mess about.

Could also fill the slot easily

Then do it.

Exactly what Oily said. It doesn't matter that it's not your main job, it's money you want to earn. You are well within your rights to cancel and doing it the right way shouldn't harm your business. Your client won't like it but that's tough. I take it you don't have a key for the house you're cleaning? If not is that an option if you have the right insurance?

If you can easily fill the slot then I would definitely tell her that it is not working out and that you can't afford to be out that often. Everyone has to cancel occasionally but that regularly is not on.

QueenieMum No she has never mentioned a key.

Tell her she has to pay in advance regardless, and if she cancels you'll only refund, minus an admin fee, if you can fill the slot.

The rule is if the client cancels the client still pays.

Have a chat to let her know this.

Or give her notice that you can't work for her anymore.

Why does it matter that the client thinks you’re unreasonable for ditching her? Ignore.

Why would your client’s daughter’s childcare have any bearing at all on your job anyway?

Why would your client’s daughter’s childcare have any bearing at all on your job anyway?

Presumably the client gets called on by her DD to provide childcare, and therefore isn't at home. OP doesn't have a key and therefore can't clean.

OP - YANBU. If you can fill the slot then tell her nicely that you aren't available anymore.

Yes this is it, she goes off to look after her grandchildren so is not home. I think if she genuinely wanted me to go she would give me a key?

Definitely ditch her. Just politely say that the arrangement is no longer working for you and that you have another client who needs you on a regular basis.

You are your own boss, she keeps letting you down repeatedly, so don't have any qualms about leaving her.

Sixteen times in 18 months is bad enough but five times in 8 weeks is utterly ridiculous. I’d just give her notice and be done with it - and I wouldn’t feel bad about giving her notice with immediate effect.

It’s up to her to find a way to accommodate you if she’s not going to be in, not for you to accommodate her in a way that makes you lose income.

I wouldn’t bother trying to make her pay up front, I’d just get rid, and change your t&c ahead of the next client.

I would cancel and find someone else

Thanks everyone for your input.