I have a question about experiences with directions for new clients. Recently I moved to a new location but chose somewhere close to just about the only main road into town, parking just around the corner on a P&D. I did this specifically with clients in mind. I direct them to the car park, they call me for final instructions which are very simple.

Did have one or two regulars who got panicky (think it's a male thing), thinking it was going to be difficult then were pleasantly surprised upon arrival. So all has been going well.

I have had a couple of chaps however think I should drive out to meet them, then they can follow me to my place. Last one was someone today who has my number from Northern Direct magazine (which are bona fide and had some good bookings via that ad), doesn't have mobile or internet and hardly knows my town at all........I started to explain where the car park is but he said he just wouldn't find it and could I meet him out on the road he will approach the town on.........seemed to think I was unreasonable not to. I did explain I don't drive around to pick up random guys in cars......he started almost complaining about this "wretched" car park.......so I put the phone down saying it just wouldn't work.

So, anyone else had requests like this?

When I first started out I accepted an appointment from a guy who turned out to be a regular. He doesn't have internet access, nor a mobile - I was very green back then and gave him my full address over the phone.........I have had someone call from his own, proveable landline and then from a phone box in town since then - he had real trouble remembering the instructions for visiting my then flat, and was a bit scary when he arrived! Now it's more straight forward but still I like to have contact with someone before they knock on my door - even if it's just incase something odd has happened and I can't see them right at that moment.

I wasn't sure if I had been rude to the chap this afternoon but I was fed up with his insinuation that I was being unreasonable in directing him to "this wretched car park" without holding his hand. Suppose I could have charged outcall rates and for the time taken to find him!

Since moving I have really noticed some guys are really scared of getting lost or have no confidence in finding places, I would just ask someone especially if I had been told the place was on a main road, had been chosen for it's accessability (and very close to a notable, historic building). Others are great, look it up on a map or google then get down here head held high.