Hi everyone,
If anyone is around I could use a second opinion on this...
A Client just called me for 2 hr in call at 7pm tonight. He soundedok and didnt say anything out of the ordinary (except that he maybe sounded slightly like he was forcing a posh accent) or or ask any odd questions that usually flag up a time waster. On this basis I gave general directions and asked him to call me from the usual place that I say so I can give him the flat number.
I confirm the time and the length of booking and rate. At this point there is a slight pause and he asks 'umm do you take credit card'. I say 'no, afraid not, it is cash only'.
He says ok that is ok and that he will see me at 7. I say ok, But if it transpires that getting cash out is a problem if he can let me know before hand. Then I ask if he can call me at 6pm anyway to confirm he will be making it.
Now my concern is that I am assuming most experienced clients know that independents don't take credit card (I could be wrong though, maybe a lot do? I'm not sure), so maybe he was hoping to try something dodgy or get out of paying.
And he certainly didn't sound like a naive newbie who might thing credit card was ok. If anything he sounded a bit slick on the phone.
Anyway, I could be over reacting and I could be wrong about the credit card thing. It's just that after seeing my hourly rate on the internet, I don't see why he would falter when it is mentioned. That makes me a bit anxious and sets off alarm bells straight away.
I suspect I might have become a little cool on the phone at this point so if he is genuine I hope I haven't put him off, but I suppose if he was planning on messing around he may think twice, given that I have asked for confirmation at 6pm.
Luckily I am not alone at my in call so that makes me feel a lot safer