Cancellation fee?

[Russell Huffer]

Not worth the time and trouble chasing cancellation fees, much more productive to charge a deposit at time of booking i would think.

Regards

Russell.

[Matt Goodwin]

Taken on board Russel, thank you.

Thanks for the advice :lol1:

[John Childs]

Hi Matt.

Difficult one.

As you know I am in the position where I get to be on both sides of the equation.

As graphics fitters we are sometimes let down by our customers. It’s annoying but something we put up with. I’ve never charged anyone yet, but then we’ve usually got something else we can be getting on with.

As users of freelance fitters we are not always in control of the process, as you have seen this year. If our customer lets us down then, although we will always try to find alternative work for a booked freelancer, that’s not always possible and we are forced to cancel, sometimes at short notice.

I think in your position you have to take a business decision with every customer based on your overall experience with them. You can be hard on a one-off customer no problem, or one that is a slow payer, or who messes you about too often. However, you might want to take a more relaxed view with someone who provides regular work, pays on time, and rarely cancels you. Rough with the smooth.

Another thing is economic climate. You might be a bit more forgiving when work is short and you don’t want to upset a potential customer, but be in a position to take less prisoners when you are booming.

On another note, I’ve got a couple of people to phone in the morning, then I’ll give you a call.

[Matt Goodwin]

Hi John

As ever your advise and comments are always good to here. I value all my customers as they keep me where I am today. Your right about one-off clients as you’ve got to look after your back and I’d never charge a valued customer a cancellation fee, financially frustrating as it could be!

Just wondered if others do/don’t

Thanks again for everything John