Hmmm re short notice bookings I think its right that they do bring in the most work.
When I started properly last year as an indie I just wasn't organised enough to take on short notice bookings and plus I was so nervous as well so I insisted on prebooked appointments or failing that to be given at least an hour or more notice. Due to that I know I lost out on alot of business but Im glad I gave myself the chance to settle in and find my bearings so no regrets.
Now Im not so new and better organised and confident I am now a taking on alot more short notice bookings where this time last year I wouldn't have ever and things are going ok. But a big factor was because were and are for me the most requested type of booking. And clients who tried to book to see me upto 9 months ago and didnt get through then are coming through now...
I noticed the short notice bookings are usually more likely to genuinely turn up as well
However Im still not as organised as I would like to be to do so everyday but its getting there!
I take a mixture of advance and same day bookings, in the last few weeks 50% of the same day bookings have either cancelled last minute, or misjudged travel/window of opportunity times and been extremely late or there's been a lot of changes or not enough time to sort out directions, the drop out rate I find is the same as for advance bookings and the amount of changing around the same or higher than advance bookings. Perhaps it's my area I don't know but the travel/planning thing is the biggest problem, and the reason I prefer advance bookings - they get more time to work out the route rather than me trying to give directions whilst I'm getting ready, showered or whatever.
Im the same half and half on the day and advanced bookings. I have noticed an increase though in half hour bookings who either cancel last minute or no show, as if its only half an hour so they are not that bothered right now. It used to be the case that the majority of my bookings were for hours but these half hours seem to be on the increase but only half of them arrive, its getting to the point where I feel like knocking them on the head other than for my couple of regular half hour guys but then what if the time wasters book for longer and still don't show?more time wasted. My 45 min and hour or longer guys always show up other than one particular silly guy who no showed me a 2 hour but I recognised his voice and last time he tried it I said "oh suuuuuuuuure you can" rather sarcastically and he hasn't done it since.
I have just moved apartments this weekend from the relative sticks as far as mk is concerned and into the city centre, I guess only time will tell wether i gain or lose because of this, its just cheaper all round for me regarding rent and travelling costs though so even if I lose a little I will stay the same x
I tried half hours several times but found like you they just had a higher probability of being late, chopping & changing, or not turning up. I also found a lot of half hour guys would take loads of texts to set up a booking, push the time, try and stay as long as they could and it was just spoiling the whole thing. To fix this firstly I tried charging a premium, didn't work so I started offering 45 minutes instead and do have one or 2 regulars who are reliable, easy to make arrangements with and genuinely only need 30 minutes who I accept half hour bookings from(one of which at a special rate but he's been seeing me for a very long time).
Had someone yesterday promise me he'd become a regular if I saw him for half an hour, I said ok well book the 45 minute option, turn up and if it is obvious you only need 30 minutes I'll discount you on future appointments. He didn't go for it.
Regards getting booked up, if someone truly intends mucking around they'll book whatever time they want to muck around with, not your shortest just because it's there.
