Leave a card in the door. Wait for several days. They may call with apologies. If they do, ask yourself if a failed apointment is likely again? Sometimes, you can tell. If you think not, maybe forgive the charge and keep the customer. otherwise . . . . . . Bill them for a service call. Keep records. If they don't pay and call you back two years later, the bill is still outstanding. I had a no show in a big snow storm a couple weeks ago. I'm still waiting to hear from him (good customer otherwise. I want to hear his story.) Had another no show about a month ago. Sent her a bill. She paid it (said it was a work emergency.) She's back in the fold as far as I'm concerned. On the original thread . . . . . I tuned for a neighbor today. Steinway 'L' hadn't been tuned in over a year. Spent an extra hour easing keys. (Both she and Mr. had noticed some sluggishness and gave the go ahead. ) The bill was for the tuning plus an hour. 'WHAT, It's not a flat rate?!' They are quite friendly, otherwise. The variety of ways in which you are perceived as a professional is indeed amazing. Carl Root, RPT Rockville, MD
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