Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/78617
MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENTS STICK YOUR HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT 1. Create a rescheduling policy or fine-tune the one you have. 2. Determine the particulars of your policy. • Your rescheduling window. A standard window is 12–24 hours prior to appointment time. For appointments scheduled at big events, with more than one therapist, or on special holidays, you can ask for up to 48 hours notice. • Your form of notice. Will a phone call, text message, or email suffice for clients to inform you of the change? • The amount you will charge for a missed appointment. It could be the full amount, half of it, or a flat rate. 3. Put your policy in writing, then post it: • on your intake form that clients sign on their first visit. • on a separate sheet or paper for clients to sign their acknowledgement of it. • on your website. • on signs in your office, visible at check out. • on the back of appointment cards. 4. Decide how and when you will tell clients your policy and what words you will use. Keep it simple. I always suggest you state your policy with a positive slant, rather than in a negative way. For example: "Mary, if you need to cancel or reschedule, please remember to give me at least 24 hours of notice or there will be a charge for the full session, OK?" I suggest you repeat your policy each and every time clients book an appointment with you until you are absolutely sure they are clear on it. 5. Decide how you will enforce it. Will you let clients slide on the first one? Will you charge their credit card, ask them to mail in a payment, or charge them the next time for both appointments? 90 massage & bodywork september/october 2012