I Lost a Customer...

I did day care for 14 years so I know what you are going through. How would these people like it if they went to work and the boss said, Oh I forgot to call and tell you that I didn't need you today. Don't give up as there are good, dependable people in the world. You can do it.

I used to hate when I was still operating my party business, and people would cancel at the last moment! Once, I received a company party lead, and got everything set up with the hostess. She assured me that there would be twenty guests, so I prepared extra order forms, catalogs, and had everything in my car, ready to go. I drove to her home after I confirmed one last time-I mean, it was a forty five minute drive! I get there, and knock on the door-no answer! I knocked again, and listened-I could here scurrying feet, but still no one answered. Uh, ok, well I tried one last time. After that, I went to my car, grabbed a catalog and one of my cards, and wrote a note-Sorry I missed you! Then I went home, and logged onto the corporate website to let them know what happened and how I handled it. Never heard from her again-and it's a good thing. If she was wasting my time then, she'd probably keep doing that! You are better off working to find paying customers, than watching someone's child that really can't afford your services. Chin up-God provided you more paying customers.

Everyone here echoed my thoughts on the matter. I know it is hard not to take it personal because I was always so much the same way. Still, you do have to step back and look at it as a business. This man was giving you issues from the get-go. I know it is hard but you have to have your rules and stick by them. If someone doesn't like it ..oh well. This man will have trouble anywhere he goes. The hardest part in this business is that you get close to the kids and the your kids get close to them too. It's almost always the parents that make things tough for you.

hi there lovingmybabies! i think it is best that this customer did not show up early on. had he availed of your services and then later on end up not paying, that would have been a bigger headache no doubt. anyway, as long as this customer doesn't go around, badmouthing your service, then i guess there really isn't much damage done. for sure, there will be more customers lining up availing of your services. keep your head up. cheers!!!

Oh sorry to hear about this my dear This happens in every business and I have been through this too. I have a perfume business and also accept online transaction. Honestly- two of my transaction ditched me- and also made me feel down. So, I decided to stop online transaction and best to sell my product myself (accepting orders from friends and neighbors). Cheer up

It is terrible that he did not call or contact you to let you know that he no longer needed your services. I think it is rude. I am just glad that you have a lot of other customers who are loyal and are willing to help you out. Just think of the other kids and parents who come to you for help.

Every business has its ups and downs. Don't think of this as a setback. It's actually a step forward, as you don't have to waste time and energy chasing him down for payment.

I'm sure someone else will come along. This one was a problem to start, remember? He wanted you to collect your pay AFTER you watched the kids. Now you know what he was up to. He's probably found some sucker somewhere who is willing to do that and then he's not going to pay them. So be it. It would have been nice of him to let you know, but that just shows you all the more what type of jerk he was. Don't be sad, be glad...you got your money.

hi loving my babies You know I sort of expe ted that as I would bet he is a military man who is in command of others under him so he loves to push the buttons. Do not let the likes of him bring you down but as my mom used to say consider the source.. I know its a pain in the rear but hopefully you will get other new customers from those who are pleased with your care,.

Obviously he was thinking of himself and could care less how it left you. People now days never cease to amaze me. Be careful in your new business too. I foresee some jerks there also. Be careful. Down is a regular thing for me so I know what you are feeling. If you are going to have businesses though you can't let set backs get to you too badly or all is lost. It is a part of any business. Be aware and don't let them get you down too much. And its really not a set back, its an opportunity. An opportunity to learn and more on.

Several years ago, I directed literary workshops at my home. When people were the kind that are always behind in their payments and are having problems all the time, I thought it was for the best when they stopped coming altogether.

I hate clients who give me problems regarding payment. I would usually end the service myself if that happens.

Just remember you don't want customers like that to begin with. I had someone recently who asked about setting up Quickbooks, when it comes to big projects I always ask for a deposit upfront and they didn't want to pay the deposit until after all the work was done. I definitely wont do that because many people just wont pay for that service once it is done. Now they wanted an order that all together would have cost them about $700 with me and definitely more with an accounting agency. The fact that they wanted to break the agreement before I even started showed what kind of customer they'd be and one I don't want to deal with. The same goes for this guy. Don't give up because someone didn't want to pay when payment was due. It is part of business and you need the extra money for you and your family. Just think of it as you got rid of someone who wanted to cheat you in order for another family looking for childcare to have more of a chance. :)

Hello friend... I haven't been online for a few weeks, so I didn't see your previous post about this fella. We all come across people customers that let us down - It happens and we move on. Don't let this person get you down, as you say - it is no big deal

I think he was a bit dodgy from the offset, you can usually tell can't you, if they cause trouble, muck you about, or start being unreliable, when that guy was having payment issues, it sort of sends of worrying signals, if he is going to be like that, would you really want to deal with him? In a way, it happened for a reason, out of bad comes good, my friend was always fond of telling me. At the end of the day my friend, it's his loss, not yours! Lucky escape if you think about it Here's a Wolfie special to cheer you up a little

if this is what you love to be doing, never stop. keep at it.

I hope you've recovered from this set back. I think it is to be expected that when you run a business, there'd be days like this, and there'd be people like that guy. I think the secret to becoming successful is just to minimize these kind of days, and these kind of people. And focus on the ones that make you a success.

Like you said before no matter where he goes he is going to have to pay them ahead of time. Don't give up on your childcare Business. It is a great way for many people to earn a good deal of money and be with their own children. Keep at it you will do well and be very successful.

I know how you feel.My partner has lost a couple of clients recently from her cleaning business for one reason or another and she felt a little disheartened. But since then she has gained one more client, and has had free time to do a few one-off house cleans. Things always happen for a reason, and considering you were having payment issues with him anyway it was no big loss.

Sorry to hear that. But in all business it does happen. Have a great evening there.