better business blog

Tips and stories to add value to you and your organisation

Is This The Best Cancellation Policy?

13 September 2015

Please book a coaching session, or a workshop. If you know of a team who would benefit from practical communications tools, TA goodness and the chance to laugh and learn, then let’s get a date in the diary.

We can agree a price and payment terms!

Or go for coaching, if you know someone who is struggling at work, needs a confidence boost, or is keen to develop into a new role!

(Career coaching by Skype is available for graduates who need support).

And…

Whatever you choose I will say to you:

“In the event of the cancellation of any booked work with less than ten days written or emailed notice we reserve the right to invoice the full fee.”

I recently had to remind a client of this when they wanted to cancel a session, with the possibility of “perhaps rebooking it in the New Year, if we have some more budget then…”

After I had reminded them I’d invoice anyway they said…

“Aha, well then we’d be happy to pay the invoice and find a new date for the work next month.”

Seems reasonable to me, as I can’t resell a day at short notice. A win-win for us both!

A few years ago a client booked and cancelled. Twice. And they paid the two invoices and I never did get to deliver the work. A win-win again, although I won both sides in this case!

Having a cancellation policy is vital.

What does yours say?

When did you last add it to an email, when you breezily quoted for a piece of work after agreeing dates over a latte?

This week make friends with your cancellation policy and share it with clients. Have fun!

Next week: Swan Heaven