Bloody clients cancelling at the last minute!

[Delamalama]

I've been a self employed cleaner for many years and have built up a good reputation and have lots of clients but could take on more.

Just had a text off a client who I'm due to clean for this Thursday saying sorry I forgot to say I don't need you this week, great, bloody marvellous that's me £20 down. She also often just give me a weeks notice she's going on holiday and has done this before but with more notice.

I really wish people would realise if I don't work I don't earn money and I work to pay the bills. I know I should tell her but it's so awkward and puts us all in a awkward position.

If you hire a cleaner please, please think before you mess them around.
How would you feel if your boss said, have tomorrow off with no pay.

AIBU to bin her?

@Delamalama

this might help you an online, free set of templates for cleaners, that you can use.

I didn't have a look at all the details, but hope it's helpful

You really need to draw up a contract with your clients.
I state that if I'm ill, then I can reschedule.
If they cancel a clean, the payment is still required unless more than 24 hours notice is given.
Yes, I've had to clean around ill people (just don't go into their sick room), but at least I still get paid.

The solution put forward by @Glenthebattleostrich is perfect. I would tell your client you need her to sign a contract to that effect. (If she doesn't like it she can always find another cleaner).

Seeing that we have cleaners on this thread, do you think that it's ULTRA cheeky of a client to not tell you that they have builders in?
Went to a client this week and last, builders in the house and they were (the builders), cheeky enough to ask me for rubbish bags and if I could clean up the carpet after they had dropped a coffee?
OOOh! I was fuming! And no I didn't clean the coffee, his mistake not mine.
Supposed I should be grateful that I still got paid for a clean, that I couldn't properly do!

@BIWI thank you!

@Tensixtysix I suppose the alternative was laying you off while they were there which would mean no money. I once went to clean a house and the husband was knocking a wall down so I didn't really have a lot to do, their bathroom was glowing that day!

Wait till a client has you packing up to move house or leaves you bags of stuff to take to the charity shop "if you're passing" or "I'd like to to wash the garage door"
Piss off!

@Delamalama I just say I am no longer able to clean for them, usually if they have had other cleaners in the past that they have complained about it's nice if they get the hint it might actually be their problem and not the cleaner!

Good Morning I am a house cleaner and I just had a client cancel again the first time it was the day before this time I had enough time to book another job.
I was happy to see your post I think for me I'm done with that job the reason for the first time she canceled her and hubby had a exhausting week I wanted to say I have that daily people just think about us so again thanks.

This sort of shit is why I love having a website.

All the details of policies etc go there, prices are there, I can refer people to it, and in some weird way its not quite as icky as me saying directly to them 'this is the cancellation policy...'

Sort it now - cancellation policy, updated fees etc etc - and then just text all your clients the link in one go so they're aware.

Zombie thread