Ladies, what are your confirmation preferences?

[politebluefish]

I posed this scenario/question to providers in the Arkansas co-ed forum in relation to thread about providers getting stood up. Unfortunately, it got ignored/buried, so I thought I would try it here.
THE BACKGROUND:
I have never stood up a provider and never intend to do so. I think it is rude for either party to do so. That being said, about a year ago I had a provider go ballistic on me because by the time I got away from work and turned on my hobby phone (an hour or more before the scheduled appointment) she had blown up my phone with texts to confirm the mid-afternoon appointment that I had already believed was set in stone during the previous day. She claimed that by not responding to her texts I screwed up her entire schedule for the day and I should go straight to hell.
WTF? We had an appointment.

THE QUESTION:
Maybe I'm not understanding the proper protocol, but is an agreement to meet at a certain time with a provider not really an agreement? I would be interested in learning the providers' perspective on this side of the whole issue. When and how many times should a hobbyist call or text to confirm the appointment?

[katee]

Hmmm. I am a little different in that when I set an appointment, I will ask them to contact me to verify, if it's a pre-booked appointment. Most of mine are, as I rarely am available last minute. However, I have a no show rate of about 25% which in my opinion is high. It's like any other service business, you are relying on that appointment. I do not text or call anyone unless they have texted me first, as discretion is of the utmost importance to me for both parties involved. Even if you have a hair appointment, most will confirm the day before. It's part of the customer service business. I also get upset if I get stood up, however I don't believe that was the case with you and the provider that you are talking about. I believe being stood up is so prevalent in this business that perhaps she felt that you were going to be a no show. Please note: when a provider is low volume, such as myself, one no show does make a difference, as there usually is someone else that I've turned down because I had a scheduled appointment. So to answer your question... Yes, a scheduled appointment is a scheduled appointment. If you've made it a day or so out... Maybe just call the provider and verify the day of if possible.

[politebluefish]

It sounds like that is in accordance with what I did. The appointment was made the day before, and I was going to call the day of (a couple of hours in advance). That's when all hell broke loose, as she had been texting my turned-off phone all morning to "confirm" the afternoon appointment. Obviously she was higher volume, because I "ruined her schedule" by texting to verify my appointment that someone else must have taken in the meantime.

[katee]

I'm sorry you had that experience. Next Time try a true low volume provider...
Yes, that was a little hint!;-)

[Miss Godiva]

That was her lost! You are so sweet!!

[politebluefish]

Awwww, thanks, sweetie!

[Guest123018-2]

I get a few no shows once I awhile. I do like calls or even emails the day of to confirm. I do have a hectic schedule to keep. And I do have to turn down other clients if I'm booked. So no shows really piss me off. Being late or emailing to cancel is fine. But I'm running off at the fingers lol. I do like emails or texts to confirm even up to an HR before the appt. With a repeat or regular client I don't worry so much. I like to have trust established and they feel comfortable here with me.
I do believe she may have overreacted which happens. Good luck with all your future adventures.

SweetM