SAAFE forum

General Category => Questions and Answers => Topic started by: loubyloo on 09 September 2019, 04:03:01 pm

Title: Advance bookings
Post by: loubyloo on 09 September 2019, 04:03:01 pm
I've just taken 2 mths off as I was working full time and felt completely exhausted.
I'm ready to go back to work but found that my regulars before we're booking in advance up to 2/3 weeks and I just don't want to commit to that level of work and commitment again.
I want to go part time, as and when I feel like it so would prefer to just take on the day bookings when I feel like turning my phone on.
Does anyone else work like this?

I imagine some regulars would be put out and some days the phone simply wouldn't ring but I'm prepared for that.
Any advice?
Title: Re: Advance bookings
Post by: saltysweet on 09 September 2019, 05:16:48 pm
I work mainly same day with 30 minutes notice, seems fine. They're passing by in the area, ready to roll.I also work this way on tours. I get less cancellations this way. I don't often reserve time for people- regulars are same status as new clients and have equal opportunity.

I like the spontaneity of working this way, suits me. ;D
Title: Re: Advance bookings
Post by: loubyloo on 09 September 2019, 06:23:19 pm
That's good to know. Thank you.
Title: Re: Advance bookings
Post by: saltysweet on 09 September 2019, 06:59:37 pm
 ;D
Title: Re: Advance bookings
Post by: SWgirl on 09 September 2019, 07:01:02 pm
I’m the same. I may take the odd pre booking from someone I’ve seen before. But they still have to call me on the day to reserve their spot otherwise I give it away on the day.
Title: Re: Advance bookings
Post by: FullyFashioned on 09 September 2019, 10:24:13 pm
They are the best! My preference is always for advance bookings. allows me to plan the day effectively and mentally prepare for them. The only problem is when then cancel or pull off a no show.
Title: Re: Advance bookings
Post by: saltysweet on 10 September 2019, 05:49:07 pm
I've just taken 2 mths off as I was working full time and felt completely exhausted.
I'm ready to go back to work but found that my regulars before we're booking in advance up to 2/3 weeks and I just don't want to commit to that level of work and commitment again.
I want to go part time, as and when I feel like it so would prefer to just take on the day bookings when I feel like turning my phone on.
Does anyone else work like this? .....

Part 2 of my though, as the situation's just cropped up is I have a guy asking for a long booking on Friday.
My mouth says 'yes', so he thinks it's an advance booking. But it's more of a 'yes, I register your interest, if you don't fuck up you can have it'.

But I make sure I 'forget' the job till 30 minutes before the appointment when he confirms and leaves work.
I don't refuse other 'walk ins' till a few minutes before he's due.
I don't prep till he's at the landmark.

Some members here highly recommend raising prices if you feel exhausted by demand so you see less clients, have more 'me time', but earn the same or more income. Less wear and tear and mental fatigue. I'm trying it and it changed my client profile for the better. Many threads on that bouncing around.
Title: Re: Advance bookings
Post by: ParisB on 10 September 2019, 06:59:48 pm
I work mainly same day with 30 minutes notice, seems fine. They're passing by in the area, ready to roll.I also work this way on tours. I get less cancellations this way. I don't often reserve time for people- regulars are same status as new clients and have equal opportunity.

I like the spontaneity of working this way, suits me. ;D

I’m exactly the same  I dislike advance bookings as I find when touring  they always want peak time slap bang in the middle of the day or tea time and at 10 am in the morning I have no idea if I want to be  available at 9pm
 
When I tour I rarely if ever get a tw /Ns because I take all my bookings pretty much  last minute
I will take advance bookings from regs but it’s generally in the mornings otherwise I won’t do it
Title: Re: Advance bookings
Post by: Gracious on 11 September 2019, 07:12:08 am
I get less cancellations this way. I don't often reserve time for people- regulars are same status as new clients and have equal opportunity.

Same here. I stopped accepting advanced bookings years ago and have noticed a huge decline in the no. of cancellations I get. I still get contacted for advanced bookings so I tell them to call me back a couple of hours on the day they want to meet - 9/10 dont. I also get a lot of anxiety with advanced bookings coz Im overthinking about the pending booking, I dont get as much anxiety with last min ones
Title: Re: Advance bookings
Post by: MissTDI on 22 September 2019, 02:19:42 pm
I accept advance bookings but require confirmation by 9am on the day. If they don't confirm it's an automatic cancellation so I can accept other bookings.
Title: Re: Advance bookings
Post by: someonesomewhere on 22 September 2019, 06:48:07 pm
I occasionally accept advance bookings. But most of the time, if I can be bothered working I do.
Title: Re: Advance bookings
Post by: Wailing Banshee on 22 September 2019, 09:57:04 pm
Oh God, I wish I got more advance bookings so I can plan my life a bit better! I have not managed to train most my regulars to do this, but I guess it makes sense that if they get horny they want someone NOW!
Title: Re: Advance bookings
Post by: Ceciliaxxx on 22 September 2019, 10:44:17 pm
Prefer to do some planning since doing part-time so I actually prefer advance bookings but they always have to confirm no later than an hour before, still a chance to book somebody else with short notice. Especially outcalls are good to do in advance. Not sure how I would do if full time.
Title: Re: Advance bookings
Post by: Curvygal on 24 September 2019, 12:30:04 pm
I'm the same as the others, I note their interest but they don't have a confirmed booking till they call on the day to confirm it.

That's it.