CDCs - just out of interest.....

how long do you wait for a no-show client?

I'm sitting here at work, waiting for a client who I first spoke to last night. She's 15 mins late and I really don't think she's coming as she said that she would have to make the effort to get up early (!).

My problem is that I work from my mum's house and have left my eldest babysitting my two little ones, as I have to occasionally, and whilst I know they're perfectly safe, we want to get on with our day as quickly as possible, and I don't want to be sitting here for no good reason while they're at home!

How long do you think is acceptable to leave it before moving on with your day? Given that I've heard nothing from her this morning, she's a newbie and she knows that I don't work from home...... I'm inclined to give it 5 more minutes and then go.

What do you think?

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Have you left yet?! I hope so!

Unfortunately, there are a lot of rude people out there who seem to think that counselling is your life, and you are simply sitting at home all day long happily waiting for clients to turn up!! I work full time anyway, so now just do regular drop-in sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. That way, i'm not waiting in for particular people who may or may not arrive.


Jo x

Isobel1965 said:

how long do you wait for a no-show client?

I'm sitting here at work, waiting for a client who I first spoke to last night. She's 15 mins late and I really don't think she's coming as she said that she would have to make the effort to get up early (!).

My problem is that I work from my mum's house and have left my eldest babysitting my two little ones, as I have to occasionally, and whilst I know they're perfectly safe, we want to get on with our day as quickly as possible, and I don't want to be sitting here for no good reason while they're at home!

How long do you think is acceptable to leave it before moving on with your day? Given that I've heard nothing from her this morning, she's a newbie and she knows that I don't work from hom...... I'm inclined to give it 5 more minutes and then go.

What do you think?

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I also work from my mums. If someone hasn't rang to say they are running late I give them 15mins, which I think is reasonable. Most people have mobiles so they should ring to cancel.

I have one lady that did it to me repeatly didin't turn up. I refuse to make her any more appointments in advance, so now she has to ring me the morning she wants to come and I arrange to time for her them. She's wasn't to happy with the arrangement at first, but now understands my point and did want to find another Counsellor.

CDC
Sim

Hi Isobel

Well I'm sure you've gone home by now, but I agree that 15 mins should be about the max, otherwise you'll sit and wait for ever. I work from home, but it's still a real pain in the ar*e when people don't show up as you can't get on and do anything, and i find I'm just hovering and waiting. Luckily it doesn't happen too often, but I think it's really rude when it does.

Mind you last week I was waiting for someone at 4, they didn't show up or ring so I went off on one ranting at my DD at the rudeness of some people. Said client then turns up at 5:30, breezed in without a word said and I was left with my mouth open at her brazeness (sp?), but glanced at my diary as I sat at the table and noticed she was booked in for 5:30 after all and she was right on time Thank gawd I didn't say anything - what a plonker

How rude! It leaves a bitter taste in my mouth as I have to wait until 10th April to meet up with my CDC for the first time (it has been a 5 week wait). Some people never appreciate what they have . Hope you didn't wait around for her Isobel. Angela x

AngieBabie said:

How rude! It leaves a bitter taste in my mouth as I have to wait until 10th April to meet up with my CDC for the first time (it has been a 5 week wait). Some people never appreciate what they have . Hope you didn't wait around for her Isobel. Angela x

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Wow! That's a long wait, Angela! Has she been away, or is she just really busy?


Jo x

15 mns is my rule, although I find it difficult to stick to cos I am a wuss. But you are right - you can't sit there waiting and hoping someone is going to turn up.

Hi Isobel, I'm also sitting here waiting for a no show - it's so frustrating as you really do arrange your entire day around your appointments.

I always try and stress that it doesn't matter how late the notice is, or even if a client has decided they don't wish to continue on the diet - please just send me a text to let me know. Unfortunately not everyone does, and I end up sitting here like a lemon as I am now!

I wonder what this client would think if she arranged her day around coming to see me, and then got her to find I wasn't in?!! I bet she'd find that irritating and be straight on the phone to tell me what she thought of me...

Anyway, I'm trying to think of the positives and look at it in terms of at least it gives me time to get another load of laundry in and to hoover the stairs - oh the glamorous life I lead...

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Well, I'm glad it's not just me! lol

It happens to me all the time and it's so annoying!

The lady in question did turn up, very apologetic and explained that the traffic was bad, so all's well that ends well - so I'm glad I waited for her - but it was the exception that proves the rule, as it were.

I'm also glad that you guys think that 15 mins is acceptable - I feel a bit better now!

Thanks!

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I have it happen on a regular basis. Sometimes it is a genuine problem but i have one lady who has done it several times and to say it cheeses me off is an understatement. Espiecially as i run a three evening appointment slot and sometimes have to put people who want to start off until the following week and then i have no shows. I always say to people please phone before your appointment if you cant make it as i also get my mum to sit with my 5 children in another room so im totally giving the client 100% of my attention .

julesrush

JustJo said:

Wow! That's a long wait, Angela! Has she been away, or is she just really busy?


Jo x

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I think she is just very busy Jo, I think that she covers the whole of the Swansea area on her own. I am on LL at the moment so its no hardship as such waiting (just more costly). Angela x

JasmineCDC said:

I wonder what this client would think if she arranged her day around coming to see me, and then got her to find I wasn't in?!! I bet she'd find that irritating and be straight on the phone to tell me what she thought of me...

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You can guarantee you'd hear ALL about it!! Some of the double standards really stick in my craw sometimes - you should treat people the way you would want to be treated.

Sorry, think I'm feeling a bit grumpy!!

Hi all

I always give it 15 minutes then phone them just to see what's going on and if they are planning to come still. If i get no reply i take it a a no show. I'm lucky to do this from home.

Davina