Handling cancellations

Lately work has kept me busy with a more erratic schedule which has deeply cut into my hobbying. Most of the time I schedule an appointment for later the same day for local providers, a day or 2 in advance for those traveling. For the past few weeks it's not uncommon for me to come into work in the morning and learn I'll need to work an extra shift.

I try not to cancel on an appt once a time has been set up, mainly because I make 100% sure I'm going to be available barring acts of god. It looks like work is going to be busy longer than I want, so I may have to get out of my comfort zone and schedule times that just happen to get bumped.

Which brings me to:

Ladies, for those times someone has to cancel how do you expect/prefer it be handled. Granted, the sooner everyone knows the better but for argument's sake let's say that you find out 2 hrs before the scheduled time.

If it's a new guy, how willing are you to give him a 2nd chance?

Guys, if you've had to cancel and manage to make a follow-up, do you feel obligated to try harder/do anything special?

A perspective from the guy's position. I have only had to cancel one appointment since my start, and it was with a lady that I am well established with. I cancelled the day before the scheduled time, and it was due to a contagious virus of a close family member. I didn't catch it, but I didn't want to chance passing it to her.
If your schedule is getting erratic, you may want to try to set up something "tentative " with the lady. Let her know in advance of your schedule fluctuations and the sometimes last minute of you having to work a double shift. That way, she will not be so inclined to "lock" your timeframe in, but work with you on a flexible timeframe for the appointment. Just me, but I would avoid trying to schedule with someone traveling thru, their time is usually much less flexible, and your missed appointment is one she could have possibly filled otherwise. Anyhow, good luck. dj8

We all have family & work obligations which sometimes take precedence to our hobby. I can totally understand something happening the first time and you cancelling within reason. All I ask, is that you plan better for the 2nd time around or Pre screen with hopes of a last minute availability. I am sure any lady will respect you being upfront about your schedule..

We all have had real world issues that prevent us from meeting our hobby obligations. Whenever I've had to cancel, especially at the last minute, I always discuss rescheduling. That way, the lady knows I am sincere in wanting to see her. I have never just canceled at the last minute without attempting to reschedule.

We all have had real world issues that prevent us from meeting our hobby obligations. Whenever I've had to cancel, especially at the last minute, I always discuss rescheduling. That way, the lady knows I am sincere in wanting to see her. I have never just canceled at the last minute without attempting to reschedule. Originally Posted by Woodford

That is the proper thing to do, shows a sincere & respectful gentleman.

Lately work has kept me busy with a more erratic schedule which has deeply cut into my hobbying. Most of the time I schedule an appointment for later the same day for local providers, a day or 2 in advance for those traveling. For the past few weeks it's not uncommon for me to come into work in the morning and learn I'll need to work an extra shift. Originally Posted by Chubbington

I own a small business and have a rather difficult and fluid schedule. My regular providers are pretty familiar with my spontaneously arranged visits (within a couple hours notice) and we hash it out. I always make sure they know that if they can't squeeze me in short notice, I'm not put off or offended. Also, in conversation with them, I let them know I would rather take the risk of being turned down on short notice (on an appointment I know I could make), rather than making an appointment a day in advance and then having something come up and canceling. I just feel better being a surprise addition to the day rather than a surprise subtraction.

Most of the ladies I work with know I'm a pretty conscientious fella on the whole.

If it's a multi-hour date cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled time, I usually require a deposit prior to the next time we have a date. If it's a 1 hour date or if it was cancelled a couple few days before, it's no biggie for me.

I always appreciate the forthright gentlemen with tentative schedules. Communication is key. I'd much rather have a tentative date not pan out than have a concrete time cancelled after I've moved my entire schedule for that day.

Much of what has already been stated resonates with me. Personally, I feel differently about a cancellation depending on the context. Was it a shorter date or a multi-hour? Was I provided advanced notice (a couple days or more) or was it within 24 hours? Or even within a few hours? Another major factor is whether I'm at home or touring. Experiencing a cancellation while at home can be minimally irksome. But when I'm on the road, a last minute cancellation can be seriously devastating. Especially when it's too late to amend travel bookings. A good thing to remember regarding cancelling with a travelling companion is that if need be she can switch around or change her hotel/flight/train reservations at no/little cost when provided more than 24 hours notice.

... Experiencing a cancellation while at home can be minimally irksome. But when I'm on the road, a last minute cancellation can be seriously devastating. ... Originally Posted by Lena Duvall

I booked a multi-hour a number of years ago with a traveler and when I arrived she was visibly angry. Not with me, she explained, but with the only other gent with whom she was scheduled during her stay in my city. He had cancelled meaning she was out an extra night in the hotel. Anyone can do the math: she was out the income AND the expense. She had a right to be angry. But here's what she did...

She was upfront with me and made sure I knew it wasn't me with whom she was upset. Then she explained if I was willing to accept an invitation for a longer session, she could offer it to me at a reduced donation allowing her to break even.

Her approach and attitude was extraordinary. And so was my session. I love savvy providers.

Much of what has already been stated resonates with me. Personally, I feel differently about a cancellation depending on the context. Was it a shorter date or a multi-hour? Was I provided advanced notice (a couple days or more) or was it within 24 hours? Or even within a few hours? Another major factor is whether I'm at home or touring. Experiencing a cancellation while at home can be minimally irksome. But when I'm on the road, a last minute cancellation can be seriously devastating. Especially when it's too late to amend travel bookings. A good thing to remember regarding cancelling with a travelling companion is that if need be she can switch around or change her hotel/flight/train reservations at no/little cost when provided more than 24 hours notice. Originally Posted by Lena Duvall

All of this!!!

when I'm on the road, a last minute cancellation can be seriously devastating. Originally Posted by Lena Duvall

BIG this!!!
Especially when you like to remain low-volume even when touring.
Replacing a date that cancels esp last minute (for me anything under 24hrs is last minute) is not always anywhere near as easy as some guys might think.