Should you release a client who doesn’t respect your schedule?

When a client shows up late, it negates all of the prep you did for them before they arrived. You’re standing there waiting for them, and your vibe sinks with each passing minute. Excitement is replaced by resentment, and you almost hope they don’t show up altogether because your mood is turning sour as you think of all the other appointments they’re going to ruin for you that day.

They’re taking time away from your ability to complete the service to the level of expertise that you can offer. You know that there’s not really a way to shave time off of anything you do. They’ve set you up for failure. It’s extremely frustrating.

Being stood up is embarrassing and makes you feel small. It completely kills your mood as you’re standing there with a prepped tray, a head full of ideas, and the excitement of being able to do hair to pay your bills gets slashed at the whim of someone who isn't thinking about you at all.

Getting someone to take that empty spot is difficult. It’s especially annoying when you know that four other people have been trying to get into you and can’t because you’re booked. Then you have this unexpected opening that’s too late to fill. It’s a waste of time. 

When someone does this to you, it affects your ability to trust them with your schedule. With no trust, there’s no sense of cooperation or teamwork because it doesn’t make sense to give someone 100% when you’re not even sure they will show up. You feel resentful and like the client doesn’t care about you.

Your first response should be to kindly and confidently let them know that it hurts you when they do that. Make sure they know that you don’t want it to happen, and then let them know how you will limit that in the future. 

Some stylists will accept 50% or 100% payment to cover the loss, but that’s not the best option. It alleviates the financial aspect, but not only does do nothing to deter them from doing it again, but it also does nothing for your trust level. 

What you allow will continue. Don’t allow someone to pay you money so that they can disrespect you. That’s not why you became a hairdresser.

If you have a client who you can’t trust with your schedule, they’re sabotaging your career. Learn how to release them with kindness and confidence so that you can grow your career the way you want.