I Lost a Customer...

Valdosta, Georgia
April 12, 2013 6:08pm CST
It's not a huge deal since I figured it was coming anyway. But the guy I was having payment issues with decided to be a no show, never called or texted. Just never showed up like they were supposed to. Thank God I didn't have a spot held for them, if I did I would have been more mad. I think it would have been nice to at least have known they were not going to use my services anymore. I have other children that are on their way now so it's not a big deal. Just a little set back. I am trying not to give up all together on my Childcare Business. Every time I am let down a little it is hard to keep me going and to not give up. Just a little down tonight...
6 people like this
20 responses
@velvet53 (22534)
• Palisade, Colorado
13 Apr 13
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.
2 people like this
@velvet53 (22534)
• Palisade, Colorado
13 Apr 13
I understand. Just keep a positive attitude. Things will work out. Sometimes there are reasons why people chose not to use your services and they may not have anything to do with you. Smile!
2 people like this
• Valdosta, Georgia
13 Apr 13
Yeah, it is hard when people don't want to use my services. I just take it so personally sometimes. I am trying to not give up, I do love what I do. =)
2 people like this
• Mexico
14 Apr 13
They do those things because they dont appreciate the great care one gives...
1 person likes this
• United States
13 Apr 13
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.
2 people like this
• United States
13 Apr 13
I think the woman just backed out at the last second-that was frustrating. That was the worst part of doing sales-and I had my share of flaky customers. I miss the money I made, but not the times where I'd be all dressed up-and get that last minute cancelation. Not sure I'd want to do that again! If you have a customer you're not sure about, start looking for someone else you're comfortable that will be there. And glad you're making money tonight!
• Valdosta, Georgia
13 Apr 13
I absolutely hate when people stand me up like this. I mean, I know it was a Blessing in disguise because I would forever have problems with them if I kept providing Childcare for them. It was just disappointing I guess... I do not like when people waste our time. It is rude and annoying! Especially when the woman did it to you, she wasted your gas money and your time, that is worse!! Your right, I have kids tonight anyway so at least I have children here to watch tonight. =)
• Mexico
14 Apr 13
Some people just dont care at all. I get same here in cafe. They will call and ask for a special coffee for a party. Then not show up for it. Sad...
@sid556 (30959)
• United States
13 Apr 13
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.
2 people like this
• Mexico
14 Apr 13
The good thing is, there are always many families out there needed a good service like hers...
@sid556 (30959)
• United States
14 Apr 13
Yes, many of them! I don't think she should give up. If she sticks to her own rules with these parents then soon she will have all decent ones who won't give her any trouble.
@allen0187 (58582)
• Philippines
13 Apr 13
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!!!
@allen0187 (58582)
• Philippines
14 Apr 13
hi lovingmybabies. you are better off without the guy, seemed like a potential trouble customer. i feel bad for his kid though.
1 person likes this
• Valdosta, Georgia
13 Apr 13
I think it is a good idea that he did not want my services anymore because he didn't want to pay. It was a bigger hassle watching the children for him since he wanted me to do it for free. I do have other clients that use my services all the time. =)
2 people like this
• Mexico
14 Apr 13
I agree, I bet this dad would have been one of those that always paid late.. and even picked up kid late.
1 person likes this
@jaiho2009 (39141)
• Philippines
13 Apr 13
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
1 person likes this
• Valdosta, Georgia
13 Apr 13
Thanks Jaiho. I know it does happen in all businesses I just have to learn to not take it so personally... That is my problem, I take it really personal when someone doesn't want to use my services.
1 person likes this
• Mexico
14 Apr 13
Never let it bother you. Will happens so many times..
1 person likes this
• United States
13 Apr 13
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.
1 person likes this
• Valdosta, Georgia
13 Apr 13
Yeah it was wrong of him to do that. I feel like he could have at least let me know if he did not want to use my services anymore... I do have plenty of other clients that keep me going. I just took what he did personally.
• Mexico
14 Apr 13
He didnt call because he didnt care. Very sad...
@BarBaraPrz (47646)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
13 Apr 13
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.
1 person likes this
• Mexico
14 Apr 13
You are right there... I even see that here in my internet cafe. Have a great day there.
• United States
13 Apr 13
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.
• Valdosta, Georgia
13 Apr 13
Yeah I already have more kids here, I was just a little disappointed that's all. Yes he was a problem and I am trying to remember that. I just take it so personally and I know I should not do that in business. It's hard for me though...That's true, he just showed me his true colors. Thanks, I know your right!
• Mexico
14 Apr 13
Good you have enough kids there so far. Not bad to ever lose one like him. Take care there...
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
13 Apr 13
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,.
@celticeagle (168192)
• Boise, Idaho
13 Apr 13
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.
@celticeagle (168192)
• Boise, Idaho
13 Apr 13
Ya, it's their down fall, not yours.
• Valdosta, Georgia
13 Apr 13
Yeah he showed his true colors that is for sure! They never amaze me either, I knew it was coming because he had such an issue paying me... I know in every business there are jerk customers so I will be careful. I just have to learn not to take it so personally.
1 person likes this
• Mexico
14 Apr 13
He was something... Im sure you would have had one head ache after another with these guys.. :(
@marguicha (223720)
• Chile
13 Apr 13
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.
• Valdosta, Georgia
13 Apr 13
I know it happens a lot in business and your right I would rather not have them if I will always be having payment problems... Just a warning would have been nice if they were not planning on using my services anymore. Oh well.
• Mexico
13 Apr 13
Thats even worse, if the owe you and stop coming. SOme people have no hearts...
@Cutie18f (9546)
• Philippines
13 Apr 13
I hate clients who give me problems regarding payment. I would usually end the service myself if that happens.
• Mexico
14 Apr 13
Yep, this guy would have been nothing but troubles... all the signs were there.
@AidaLily (1450)
• United States
13 Apr 13
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. :)
1 person likes this
• Valdosta, Georgia
13 Apr 13
I know, I am trying to remember this is his loss and not mine since he was a problem with paying anyway... I do not blame you for not wanting to wait for payment, for people like the one that did it to me. You cannot take that chance now a days. I know, I have a habit of taking things personally. I know I shouldn't, I just feel like its a personal attack I guess... That is a good way to put it. Thanks for your help with this Aida!
• Mexico
14 Apr 13
Well said.. I bet his kid would have been a big problem. Like father like son....
@robspeakman (1700)
13 Apr 13
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
• Valdosta, Georgia
13 Apr 13
Yeah that is my problem, I have a hard time with the moving on part. Lol. I take things personal when I shouldn't... I have to work on breaking that habit of mine! Good to see you again rob, you have been missed here!
• Mexico
14 Apr 13
Well said Rob, always better customer out there waiting for a great service.
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
13 Apr 13
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
• Valdosta, Georgia
13 Apr 13
Yeah I know he was, maybe it was a Blessing in disguise. No, I really would not want to deal with that all the time... That is a good point. Thanks wolfie. I knew my friends here would cheer me up. =)
• Mexico
13 Apr 13
Sometimes people just dont care. never understand why people cant just pick up the phone and let you know..
@MoonGypsy (4606)
• United States
13 Apr 13
if this is what you love to be doing, never stop. keep at it.
• Valdosta, Georgia
13 Apr 13
I do love my Childcare Business. I just have to learn not to take it so personally.
@bounce58 (17385)
• Canada
16 Apr 13
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.
• Valdosta, Georgia
23 Apr 13
I have recovered most definitely. =) I know there will be days like this sometimes, just at the time it was bothering me so much! Now that I look back I realize that I really do not want customers like him anyway, as he had issues and excuses all the time...
@Dominique25 (9464)
• United States
14 Apr 13
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.
• United States
14 Apr 13
I forgot to add that he may even realize how much better your services are compared to others and then come back willing to pay you up front. I know you will continue to get more customers as there is always a great need for someone to have good childcare while they are working or if they want to have date night or something like that.
16 Apr 13
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.
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
13 Apr 13
Sorry to hear that. But in all business it does happen. Have a great evening there.
• Valdosta, Georgia
13 Apr 13
I know it happens, I just would have liked a warning at least...
• Mexico
13 Apr 13
I understand that.. Some people just dont care at all. Have a great weekend.