Beyond Rude ...No Shows Interviews

[Other Mummy]

I'm fuming. Just want to vent a tad :no:

This is the second NO SHOW I've had with a scheduled interview. I've been desperately trying to fill my last space (DCG graduated to JK this Sept).

I've had quite a few responses (mostly..."How much you charge?":mad:) So I get pretty psyched when a phone interview goes well and we set up a time to meet and discuss daycare needs, see my daycare, etc.

First interview I set up, I spoke to the mom for at least 10 minutes. We agreed on a time. I went on a cleaning spree (it was the weekend) and then....NO SHOW. No call...no nothing. Needless to say I was so pretty angry..but figured what are you gonna do...part of the business. Rude parents are nothing new right?

Then a few weeks later (yesterday) get a frantic call from a father looking for daycare ASAP as his current daycare provider is apparently hitting his 27 month old daughter ! We discussed my daycare a bit and he just lives down the street from me apparently and was very interested in coming to see me. Well...long story short....another NO SHOW. Beyond rude. How do people do this?? Now if buddy does show up he will be over 45 min late. A BIG red flag. So already I'm discouraged. I"m tempted to send him away if he comes and tell him...Sorry our meeting was 45 (or more) minutes ago. You are disrupting my family time...I'm not interested...being prompt is courteous..so is a phone call if you are late" but sadly I don't think I'm going to get this satisfaction.

I'm never going to fill this spot. :no: And we really need the income.

How many No Shows is normal when trying to fill a spot? Anyone else gone thru this?

[Momof4]

Vent away. So sorry to hear this. Stuff happens to everybody and I give people one chance to explain then if they let me down again I cross them off my list. Do you have a thorough pre-screen process by email or phone to weed out the disresptful people? Wishing you great luck with your next interviews.

[mimi]

Infuriating :glare: People tend to do this to other businesses which require an appointment - just ask your hairdresser the next time you see him/her. They are so inconsiderate of other people's time and efforts. In a way be grateful they showed their true colours up front instead of going through hell and having to terminate. Sending you good vibes. You will fill your spot :yes:

[Starshine]

I had a no show this week too. Interview was scheduled for 6:30, I emailed her at 6:45 asking if she was still coming, or if she wanted to reschedule. She emailed me back right away (goes to her phone) saying "Oh, I forgot, sorry!" And that was all she said, didn't even answer the question. Drives me batty. I think that's the first no-show I've had though.

[crafty]

Oh my gosh I've had 3 no shows since feb. and even had a family (on of the no shows) come back for an interview WITH little 3 year old. After the interview the little girl did not want to leave and parents with grand parent seemed very happy and PROMISED the little girl she would come back. Made plans to make another appointement to sign the contract and they NO SHOWED and never eard from them again. TRULY poor little girl ... what else have you promised and never actualy done. I mean I was mad at the people who waste my time and efforts but there seem to be so many ... Hang in there ...there are still respectfull people out there ...Well I sure hope !

[dodge__driver11]

boo to them Crafty.

[Momof4]

If we missed a doctor appointment of any kind we would receive a bill. Send them a bill! Wouldn't that be awesome? If we were actually paid for our time during and after work!

[Monday 2 Friday Mama]

Aw....rude people stink ! I've been really lucky and I have only had a couple of no-show's for interviews, but I agree 100% with you. It's so disrespectful of your time, and it demonstrates a total disregard for the fact that you're meeting with them AFTER you've put in a full 10 hour day. Grrr....Keep on slogging - I 'm in the same spot as you. I have one space to fill (and I need it filled) and I am still interviewing folks. You'll find a family. In the mean time, give yourself the night off - have a long hot shower (or bath if you prefer) eat something yummy and treat yourself in some small way - just to keep your spirits up. =)

[Momof4]

I think the worst thing that happened to me was the time a woman came a day early and I had to answer my door in my pajamas that I always jump into immediately after work when I have a nice evening to myself. She came back the next day and didn't even unbutton her coat and wasn't here very long. Yeah, thanks for wasting my time lady, what is wrong with some people? Then all of a sudden the most wonderful family in the world walks in your door with a sweet child and your faith in humanity is restored! Keep trying!

[kidlove]

their loss! I had this happen to me alot when I was starting, it came to be one of those "when they set up the appt, I expected them not to come" things. :) ha ha it is the nature of the job. Just be careful...if someone doesnt show but calls later to appoligize, they better have a REALLY GOOD excuse, other wise "can them" before it actually becomes your problem. it generally shows they have little respect if they cant even call to let you know they are late, OR call to let you know they found other care. Just mark their name down, for when they screw up with the next day care and try calling you back. Dont take them! You'll fill the spot, dont worry. ;)

[kidlove]

another thing I just thought of.....I have learned over the years to ask them (and I tell them I will do the same)..."if anything comes up, you have to cancel, change the date, or for whatever reason you can't make it, please call to let me know. My time is important. :) Thanks so much and I look forward to meeting you!" That helps to place some "respect for you" in their brain....that way, even if they are an a**! they will remember, you told them, you would appreciate a call. It has worked for me. :)

[Other Mummy]

Thanks Kidlove...I will remind any future potential interview clients that they need to call ASAP if plans change and they cannot make it. You would think people would not need reminding to be a decent and respectful to others. How sad. :no:

[Crayola kiddies]

I always send a "just to confirm we are meeting this evening at " email to the family and if they don't respond I generally don't expect them.

[Sandbox Sally]

I always send a "just to confirm we are meeting this evening at " email to the family and if they don't respond I generally don't expect them.

I do the same. I've never had anyone not show up. YET. lol

[kidlove]

Dont forget to put yourself in their shoes also, if you open the door to a "respectful, we cant make it" call, they may be more likely to communicate to you, even if they decided to go somewhere else. If you think about it, say they found Day Care from a "family friend" instead. OF COURSE, you would understand them choosing someone they know over someone they don't, however....it still would be nice to hear that from them rather than wondering what happened? alot of times we think the worst. "they heard you were'nt a good provider" or "thought your rates were too high".....nip all your worry in the bud by having this convo when you plan the meeting. Before you get off the phone just let them know: "I understand you are in the process of "looking" right now, and may have other calls to make or appt to attend, and I completely agree with that choice, choosing a provider is VERY important and may take time and many interviews to find the right one. However, please keep in mind, my time is very important not to mention I would like to think I would concider letting another provider know, I may not be interested but thankful for their time. Please give me a call and let me know either way, if you will make it or not. I look forward to meeting you."

[kidlove]

You know what else I've done in the past? I had a NO SHOW and it ticked me off, (plus I was concerned if they werent happy with me or something was wrong) so I called them, let them know I was sorry I missed them, wondering if anything was wrong (acted concerned) really just wanted to make sure they knew I was a "nice and caring provider" (get the last word you know?:)) they made some dumb excuse and of course informed me they found daycare somewhere else (i'm thinking...thats all fine and dandy for you, but I was sitting and waiting, would have been nice to at least get a call) I went on to inform them thats okay, I filled the spot today. (which I did'nt but, their no-show irritated me so much)
seems most people are out to serve themselves in this big old world and dont care about anyone else. WELCOME!!! :) :)

[Crayola kiddies]

I had one family no show ..... I phoned the home when they were about an hour late and left a friendly message on the answering machine ... The mom phoned back a few days later apologizing profusely explaining they had a family emergency and the appt slipped their mind and asked for a second chance, which I gave them. They showed for the second meeting and during the interview it was revealed that the dads brother had just been diagnosed with cancer so I am assuming that was the family emergency. I accepted them into care and they are a wonderful family.

[kidlove]

so important to find out their "excuse" before judging! :)

[cfred]

UGH! No shows completely irritate me. I had a no show a few weeks ago. I've just moved into my new house and have only 2 kids remaining. I went crazy painting, printing documents, getting ready for this interview. I even postponed an outing the kids and I had planned to accommodate this "super excited to find me" woman. Had another hire me on the spot for 2 full time at my old day care. Pulled my adds, planned special activities for new kids and voila....no show.

Vent away girl.....those people are indeed, beyond rude. I'm not sure how to avoid it in the future. Like they say, it takes all kinds to make the world go around....so I guess there's even a purpose for the jerks.

Good luck :)

[PPF123]

I know how you feel. The last 2 times I did a series of interviews, I ran into a few no shows. No phone call, no call back the next day, no text, no email, no nothing. I also love the ones who only want to know what you charge or you go through the interview only to have them say that, "Oh, well I have a few more places to see, I'll get back to you(something I would have liked to know at the beginning).

I'll admit it does tick me off. You go to the trouble to make your home perfect, set up your interview papers, schedule the time, and than you're thinking, "Why do I bother?" which is immediately followed by you praying to the Daycare Gods that this rude person is never able to place their child anywhere, which of course boils down to your next thought, "What kind of person would this individual be as a client if they don't show me any respect by keeping their appointment?"

I was raised to always keep your appointments, and if you're not going to be able to be there, phone them, at the latest, an hour or two before the interview and cancel or at least email. I know I only look after children and it's not the most sought after job in the world, but it's common decency.

My one wish though is to have the no show person be waiting on someone somewhere and have them not show up. I can dream!:laugh: