"SS does not make money, nor do we, nor does the realtor or LO..."
But I'd bet those calling the shots for those other folks have enough business savvy to factor that into their pricing strategies. In other words, making sure there's enough extra in every assignment to cover the unanticipated expenses and costs of all kinds. We all should be doing the same, IMO. So folks, please keep this in mind when considering acceptance of fees under $100. In the early days, one of the few advantages for working through a signing service was that they would take the hit for a no-sign. Obviously, those days are long gone.
Also, just for some perspective, NK_UT's concept of payment for opportunity cost losses is not out of line. I've often had a GNW appointment cancelled, but if close to the appointment time, it's not at all uncommon for them to offer to compensate me anyway (especially, but not exclusively, when the client is a small business). So far, I've chosen to not take them up on it (unless I actually showed up), but if I'd turned down a good paying NSA assignment, I might feel differently.
I get that this will vary by region, but the point is that other business people understand that cancellations can cost us money. I'd bet most of you have seen statements from other businesses, such as doctors' offices, hotels, etc., that cancellations made within so many days before an appointment or reservation incur a charge.
In this market, I doubt we'd be able to change the norms of how business is done, but we can be sure this is a consideration when setting fees. (I agree, though, that if a job is cancelled prior to travel, asking for more than a print fee is likely to cost you a client.)
|
