So I am booked with a deposit and a signed contract for a 4 day (2 hours per day) magic class for a summer program about 30 miles from home. I show up the first day to a "organizer" who informs me that the class isn't for another 2 weeks. I must be early. I let them know that I have the agreement in the car. I walk out to my car and back in. I can't find the "organizer" and so I wait for 5 or 10 minutes and finally ask where this person went. I am informed that this person is at the lake (5 miles away) with the swimmers. I am also informed that this person isn't expected back until the end of the session (another 2 hours). I ask where the lake is. I get to the lake and wait while the current group of swimmers is rated for placement. The organizer sees me and finally comes out of the water. I show this person the signed contract with this week as the dates and this person's signature. This person really thought it was next week.

What would you do?

I'll tell you what I did... I offered her a 3 day (not 4) workshop for the full agreed upon price or a 30 minute magic show for the deposit.

According to the contract, I could keep the deposit. I was polite and professional (even though I was burning up inside) while dealing with this but I wonder if there is a better answer.

A situation like that would have led some people to screaming rage and violence. I would say you handled it really well, coming out with something for your trouble instead of a law suit.

You handled that like a pro. Good job.

Did you do a show confirmation call, a couple of days before the show date (or in this case, the magic class date)?

By doing something as simple as this, it solves many problems.

- Donald

Donald is absolutely right......you've got to reconfirm a few days prior to the program or class. Personnel change, plans change and sometimes the details get lost in the shuffle. A quick contact a few days prior to the start of a class or event is professional and prudent. It's just good business. Your offer of compromise was a good idea.

I didn't (and don't make a habit of) confirmation calls. Perhaps I should.

Joe

I think you did an excellent job of handling this. Professional all the way. I echo the importance of making confirmation calls several days ahead of every event. Plans change and makig these calls saves you lost time and trouble. It's the professional thing to do.

Yes, certainly, it should be a regular part of your protocol.

Nonetheless, if you called 2 or 3 days before the engagement only to discover that they had the wrong date, it leaves you with ... the wrong date. And all that leads to.

You handled it perfectly!

Sounds like you handled it well.

Good handle but I do agree with all being said. Ensure the confirmation. I always try to confirm all gigs a few days in advance.

A magician here where I live showed up at a door, just him and his rabbit and no one was home. The last time he did not confirm for sure.

I would have pulled out my magic wand and turned her into a raft!