I have had a client (wouldn't call him a punter) who spent a great amount of money on me. I enjoyed his company and from what he expressed to me, the feeling was mutual.
On two recent occasions he has made repeat bookings and on the day we were due to meet I heard nothing from him? Now I would never chase a no show - but as the fee due was
and we did gel I did chase it up and on both occasions he gave me reassurances and promises of "something got in the way and I'll make it up to you next time".
Said prior meet did take place over 3 days and during that time I listened more than I spoke. I gleaned that he had seen a particular lady and enjoyed the encounter to the extent that he mentioned (more then once) that he had perhaps seen her. She obviously left a positive impression on him and kudos to her as she charges way more than I do! So in reflection - I can only deduce that she is back in town and I must have been his plan B incase his first choice couldn't meet him?
Im not pissed but perhaps annoyed that he thinks I need him so much that It will bother me to the point that I'm annoyed with him or he thinks so little of me that he can make arrangements and not follow through? It even crossed my mind that he may feel that as we got on so well that I would see him for no charge and not command my fee? Fuck that...he wont get the privilege of fucking up my day or night by attempting to conjure feelings that in MY reality don't even exist.
Outside of the time a client pays for my company, for my sanity that client is non-existent - particularly if they cant even afford me the decency of treating me as they would expect me to treat them? I wouldn't accept a booking if I had no intention of following through, nor would I begin to court drama and stress in their private life as a result of a no show?
I haven't blocked that client as Im not short of work and yes his booking would have been grand but Im still earning and his booking would have only been a very very nice bonus.
I wont ever overlook a booking if he makes contact again. I cant lie I wont block him as a successful booking with him means if I don't work for a month (which I would in any case) my target for that month would be met.
I did have a regular that I did have to remove from my psyche/ as the drama he wanted to court was not worth my time. I did not want or need him in my life as I found him borderline malicious and furthermore it/he didn't pay me nearly enough( two hour meet) to even entertain his nonsense.