Nightmare customers

[nightmarecustomers]

I do dog home boarding. I'm allowed 4 dogs a night. I took a booking 20 months ago, for a lady who has 3 dogs. She's just cancelled, 10 days before they are due to check in. She ended her text telling with :
"I'll definitely like to use your services again in the future. Take care xx"
As if I would EVER take a booking from her again.
Do people not see how unreasonable they are?

Anyone have similar tales?

And it's worth posting on your local facebook group that you have short notice vacancies, people have emergencies or may decide to go away short notice

We have friends/acquaintances who run small campsites, just five pitches. Many have had to put in place deposit schemes, cancellation fees because of the number of customers who either cancelled late, or simply did not turn up. A simple scheme, outlined at time of booking, will mean that at least some income can be taken, in the event that you cannot fill a place. You can always give back a portion if you do get a late booking to keep folks sweet.
Losing three out of four slots is 3/4 of your business, so a big chunk. I’d also add that these site owners also keep tabs on the names of those who let them down. Sanctions are sometimes the only way to educate bad customers, but don’t get into arguments, it’s not worth it.