Cancellation Lists - Who uses 'em?

[Lizzie]

We have a pretty organized cancellation list at the shop. We don't have tens upon hundreds of walk-ins in a day, 2 at best, and everything else is on appointment; therefore, the cancellation list was built out of necessity to keep people working and on their toes when a no-show or cancellation pops up.

Not to mention that people hate waiting for appointments and so to make up for that we are always calling people to fill in spots and avoid appointments like that where necessary.

The problem is that it's become almost useless: We statistically can call every person on that list and offer spots - and of course to those people who said they'd drop anything to come in - and they're NEVER available. It becomes a waste of money having my counter staff calling around to hear people incredulously tell them they have to work - as though we are insane for even suggesting they might want this last minute opportunity.

Is this the same everywhere? I'm curious if we are just on a year long run of sketch bags!!!!

[hogg]

I've got hours and hours of work thanks to being on cancellation lists. I'm a fan!

[Lizzie]

Good to know from a client who's benefitted from this system!! I think too many people volunteer their name without thinking about the real meaning of "dropping everything?"

[gougetheeyes]

Don't mention the cancellation list. Make it for those dozen or so who are really committed! Also, when I saw the title of this post I thought it was about blacklisting names.. which I think is also a good idea. If you're a no-show more than a couple times, extra flaky or obviously having drug time in the bathroom, you get blacklisted. Like at Hop Sing's.

[tattoosbyfox]

Yeah we use them at our shop. We normally only reserve it for favored clients. But if it is a cool piece and there appointment is booked a couple months out we will get them on the list to speed things along.

[Lochlan]

Don't mention the cancellation list. Make it for those dozen or so who are really committed! Also, when I saw the title of this post I thought it was about blacklisting names.. which I think is also a good idea. If you're a no-show more than a couple times, extra flaky or obviously having drug time in the bathroom, you get blacklisted. Like at Hop Sing's.

Agreed. I know lots of people that have benefitted like Hogg from wait list but these people will show when called which is why the above makes it happen from what I've been told and witnessed.

[Lochlan]

here are some relevant threads and blogs:

Good Client Behavior

Your Favorite Clients & Client Experiences

Tattoos Today and Research

Tattoo appointment etiquette

Least Painful Spot to get Tattooed

Most Painful Spot to get Tattooed

Yelp and Tattoo Shops

Best Post Tattoo Care

Tattooers Most Hated Request

LST Preferred Tattoo Professionals

Funniest Tattoo You Have

Question for Tattoo Customers, Tattooers Portfolios

Now That I'm Sixty, Do I regret it?

Walk-in Horror Stories

Cable Invasion

Artist That Sign Their Tattoos

[yourfutureartist]

I rely on only my very best and favorite of clients to fill those sorts of spots. My guys manage their own cancellation lists, and I can also say I strongly support a blacklist. If someone no calls no shows once we have to talk about etiquette. If it happens again I charge an additional non refundable deposit, any more than that and I wont tattoo the client. It isn't fair to waste peoples time...I think clients shrug if off like it is no big deal. But it is a big deal, if I can at least get a heads up perhaps I can fill a slot with another client or maybe grab a walk in.

[slayer9019]

I wish there was such a thing were I go. I have cancelled a total of one time (actually for this weekend) only because I currently have the flu. From what I've heard people cancel all the time. I would love to be able to just hop down if given a few hours notice! Scheduling can suck sometimes if there is a gap.

[Colored Guy]

I wish there was such a thing were I go. I have cancelled a total of one time (actually for this weekend) only because I currently have the flu. From what I've heard people cancel all the time. I would love to be able to just hop down if given a few hours notice! Scheduling can suck sometimes if there is a gap.

I was all set for a shoulder blade tattoo this past spring, then I got cut across the area while replacing a a fence. Got hooked by a big nail and got an ugly as hell scratch across the area. And only 1 day of notice, I felt bad.

Rob

[SStu]

i see a lot of artists who just use their instagram to post notices about last minute availabilities. Then is just reverts to who is paying attention and 1st come, 1st served.

[Cathrine Inked]

I used to be a shop manager in a shop, and I kept one. A lot of people would mention when they booked their appointment, that they had a lot of time off and would love to get in earlier, so I'd write them up. But yeah, quite often people couldn't make it because of a variety of reasons. We had a blacklist as well, no-shows ended up there pretty quickly if we didn't hear from them etc. We had a no-tolerance policy, any sign of being under the influence and you were out.

I ended up being 30mins late for an appointment once, being on the other side of the globe, my phone didn't work, I had no idea where I was going and ended up in the wrong city... Haha, I've never been so scared to walk into a shop before. Thank god the artists understood that little blonde girls on the wrong side of the globe get lost... Where I worked, if a client didn't show up on time, they lost their appointment within 15mins if they didn't call.

[Colored Guy]

I just cancelled this past Friday on 1 days notice. My wife was scheduled for major surgery which got moved up a week on VERY short notice even for us. I called the shop, but will stop in within a few days to see if they want any $$ from me.

BTW, the surgery went well.

Rob

[Colored Guy]

I'm fortunate that my artist was able to find someone to fill my missed appointment. I'll ask her more about her cancellation list when I go there next week.

Rob

[MadeIndelible]

I was fortunate enough to get my Scott Sylvia tattoo on a cancellation. Saw an Instagram post and called the shop.

Also, one of my Ron Wells tattoos was originally for someone else at the SFO convention, but he cancelled. Very proud to have that piece as it was his prototype for his super black black angular roses.

[semele]

@MadeIndelible I'm pretty sure it was your piece that made me run and go get one of those super black black angular roses!

[MadeIndelible]

@MadeIndelible I'm pretty sure it was your piece that made me run and go get one of those super black black angular roses!

That's rad. I am super glad he had that cancellation. It's still one of my favorite tattoos.

[Colored Guy]

Both artists in the shop I go to use Facebook to post sudden openings. If they have a day's notice, they usually can fill the spot.

Rob