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AR FF · 12-14-2010, 03:03 AM

Want to get your thoughts on being called out of the blue by a provider I had only visited once. Before I get into details, this in regards to a recent visit and I did talk about it in my review, but figured I'd post in here, as I know some folks can't read all the details. Here's the details:

Recently had an appointment, the appointment was completed but I didn't think it was that great. OK, live & learn and move on. Then, a few days later, provider calls me out of the blue. I actually missed the call, so when I made it to my phone, I don't recognize the # and call it back.

Female voice on the other end I don't recognize. Don't think nothing of it, so ID myself saying I got a call from this number and just returning the call. She replies back, "Oh, hey, this is so-n-so."

I'm thinking, "Why in the hell is she calling me?" Now, if I was visiting a provider on a fairly normal basis, I don't think this would be a big deal, as the provider may call informing of specials, limited availability or so forth. But, one would think a rapport would have to be established and it wouldn't happen after one appointment.

So, she inquires, "Whatcha doin?" Reminded me of some middle school girl calling a crush from study hall. I tell her that I was about to start some automotive work. She then asks if I'd like to come over for a visit. I told her I wasn't interested, as I was trying to watch my expenditures. She asks, "What's that?"

After explaining that to her, she poured on this story of how her kid had to go to the hospital and she needed the exact amount of the recent visit to pay the co-pay. I'm thinking wtfever, but don't know that for sure and don't wanna hear about it. Besides, most of us know you can visit a doctor or ER and not pay up front.

So, I'm just curious as to your thoughts on this from both perspectives of provider and customer.

Mr.Chan · 12-14-2010, 04:10 AM

Unrequested contact by telephone from provider after meeting mark of low end provider. Request for assistance with personal problems speak to undue familiarity and attempt to manipulate client. Compliance inevitably lead to future request and greater intrusion. Speak from own bitter experience. Get new number, never contact provider of lackluster service again. At end of usefulness often comes attempt at extortion. Forewarned is forearmed. Many thanks for alert. In such instance, client get what paid for, provider get all she can.

Guest032112 · 12-14-2010, 06:14 AM

Well said, Mr. Chan, even though I have to read slow without enough caffeine stimulation. This is just another example that many of the younger, lower end providers just don't get it from a business perspective. Unfortunate, but a reality.

I'm going for another cup of coffee . . .

Lily Blair · 12-14-2010, 07:39 AM

And well said Mr. BB. I've had clients tell me i can call them anytime and then even get their feelings hurt when i never do. I just cant bring myself to do it. I always fear that when i call, it will be the one time your wife picks up your phone to find someone's phone number, or the one time your kid has snuck away with your phone to play games on it.

A true professional never, and I mean NEVER calls or texts without prior request or consent. But she also doesn't charge $80......

Many of the more expensive ladies are running $200 specials for the holidays. I know that's a big difference from $80, but it's a vastly different experience as well, IMHO.

For example, I can use the word vastly.

Caligula · 12-14-2010, 04:36 PM

Chan summed it up well, and you can read my further opinion in your review.

I once recieved a similar unsolicited "day after" call from a provider who left a message on my hobby phone. I swear she was calling from a police station. The background chatter sounded like a busy processing room, and I could hear other desk phones ringing. If my instincts were true, she was picked up and the police was forcing her to call all her contacts. Fortunately, I did not answer, and nothing on my voicemail ogm suggests who I am or what purpose my phone serves.

Long and short, never respond to a call back.

ali*cat · 12-14-2010, 05:04 PM

Wow that's a lil' creepy!!

hyperkine · 12-14-2010, 05:36 PM

Op I've had this happen a couple times, and I've read and heard enough stories to know it pretty much always ends up with the provider needing right-now money. Didn't even have to read the post--the title gave it away. Maybe they'll ask for a loan, or offer a discounted session, or maybe it'll be straight blackmail.

Though I wouldn't restrict it only to the young and inexpensive. You never know when someone is gonna go off the rails, especially in this particular past-time.

ali*cat · 12-14-2010, 06:12 PM

lol, TRUE THAT!!

Guest032112 · 12-14-2010, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blond_Lily

. . . Many of the more expensive ladies are running $200 specials for the holidays. I know that's a big difference from $80, but it's a vastly different experience as well, IMHO.

For example, I can use the word vastly.

Yes, Lily. From day one, I knew and told you "you got it". And that's a vastly different experience from most new to the hobby. Thanks for being a true professional and bringing a solid business approach to the hobby!

Please note, I used vastly in a sentence, too.

ali*cat · 12-15-2010, 10:52 AM

once again TRUE THAT!!

Ava Kennedy · 12-15-2010, 11:14 PM

I did a blog entry entitled "Maintaining Professionalism" a couple weeks ago and I think I touched on this topic.
My advice: Get a hobby phone and change the number as frequently as possible, making sure only the ladies you want to have your number get the new ones. You can get a Net10 phone for $10, minutes included, I believe.

Unsolicited contact from a provider requesting an appointment with you is completely and totally unprofessional and shouldn't be tolerated.