Can’t Make My Appointment

Since the pandemic, many people now working from home have suddenly 

realized I can’t make my appointment like I used to.  Working from home sounded so good.  I mean, you don’t have to get dressed for work; no running for the bus or jumping in the car;  the fridge is stacked and hopefully, the kids leave for school in the morning.  However, what has really happened is most people are tied to their computers!  Clients tell me of unlimited zoom meetings and late nights–much longer hours than at the office!  As a result, many will misjudge their time reality and have to call and say I can’t make my appointment!

It was normal to have to change an appointment before the pandemic.  What has changed is the

way some people give notice.  I have noted that people no longer have control over their time.  They are anxious to remain valuable at work and stay plugged in for any changes.  What this means for service businesses, is that we get told mostly at the last minute with little time to make other arrangements.  Before the pandemic some places charged for no-shows but now I think this is tricky given the circumstances.

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If you have to to change an appointment, here are a few things you should do:

• Call as soon as you know.
• If you cannot speak to anyone immediately, leave a clear message saying you will not be able to make the appointment.  This is vital because I have had people call, not leave a message and assume we know why they called and by then it was too late.
• If you have to change really last minute, call anyway.  It is better to let them know so they can make other arrangements than think you are running late.
• Keep a log of all your appointments.  If you have weird shifts, you have to make a decision–is work more important?  Then don’t make a salon appointment during your normal work hours if possible.
• If you are a student, log your classes above all else before you forget and book.
• If you make a salon appointment when you have an online class and/or meeting, you have to decide if you can be there but not necessarily be in your house. Also, if your professor/teacher needs to see you, it might not be a good idea. 

These are just some of the things I know will be helpful for people who figure out too late I can’t make my appointment.  This change in how we do business is affecting everyone, but with a little empathy for the other person, we will make it out. 

By Paula Barker, Silkie Locks Hair Design