Eek! I am still improving. I flap and fuss over the business bit but I do insist on money first before beginning. I can identify lots of ways I can do better. Improving how I might manage no-quibble refunds and giving clients space to consider fills in a few blanks positively. Thank you for those thoughts. 

Tickle, what do you mean  about 'no quibble' refunds?

Are you suggesting that if they are not happy with your service you will refund them? 

Please say, 'no.'

Little Chef on the motorway service stations used to have that option if the customer didn't enjoy their meal. Trouble is, they all ate it first and the company are now out of business.

I wasn't being very clear. I meant a prompt refund to avoid dangerous flack escalating.

I later had one call today from a new client which didn't begin or go right so I declined to see him. It may just have been my imagination but I felt anxious and became paranoid. I made my excuses and declined then blocked him. I had visions of being beaten and robbed and couldn't give my best if he did arrive and I felt out of my depth. He tried to cadge an hour for my half hour rate too and argued a bit too fast. I didn't want him visiting so would rather say no before possible trouble needing a refund.

I had a nice new client who called later who said he may pay more if he wanted to stay longer and I enjoyed him visiting.

I think you made the right choice! I never see anyone who tries to haggle, they're immediately blocked if they are. The way I see it, if they're trying to push that boundary before seeing me then they might do it in other ways later.

So sorry to hear this Laura. VC is absolutely correct in saying that you need to just take it as a valuable lesson.

Sorry this happened hun.

Rule 1 is money first, in cash, in your hand.  Don't let them go to the bank at the end, pay online, send a voucher or anything else.  Unfortunately as others have said you have to write it off as a lesson really.

Put it up in warnings and wasters though, hopefully your experience can save someone else from being ripped off.

If your comfortable to do so, call the police, the less we report, the more they get away with x

Yes , I did read on here ages ago ( no idea what thread) but a guy paid a group of girls via cheque( duds) so it must of been a while .

He'd been doing it a while so the girls reported him and he did get prosecuted under ' obtaining services by deception ' .

I personally would write it off ,it happened to me , in the early days (dafty trusted him)on an overnight booking with a guy I'd seen a lot of ..It drove me crazy , but I learnt from it and would never do again.

Just check his names not listed here or his number etc in case he's a serial culprit , if he's done it before then it might be better if more than one of you contacted the police .

I see a lot of police and they're really helpful with advice etc and they always say to report anything .

I wouldn't unless it was really bad though , It's a horrible feeling so hugs x