Just wanted to share a creative idea from a friend of mine who is an acupuncturist, but may be applicable to other one-on-one service providers dealing with the summer slump and lots of cancellations.
Here's the language from her email:
Summer schedules can often be hectic, and it may be difficult to predict when you're available. At the same time, I often have last-minute cancellations! So, I am going to try out something new this summer: Same Day Sliding Scale Appointments. Here's how it will work:
If you're interested in being notified when there are appointments available, click here to sign up for the mailing list.
I will send out emails to this mailing list either the afternoon before or the morning of the appointments that are available. I may also let people know if there is an appointment later in the week that has recently become available.
If one of the time(s) works well for you, you will respond back to the email and let me know which time(s) you would like.
I will respond to your email to either confirm the appointment is reserved for you, or to let you know it was taken by someone else. Appointments are first-come-first-served and are not reserved until confirmed.
At your appointment, you are invited to use the sliding scale (more info on the sign-up page!) as needed to pay for your appointment. You'll just tell me what to charge to your card at the end of your appointment.
*She went on to note these are just for current clients, still subject to cancellation charges, etc.
