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I've heard it repeatedly from friends who work in hospitality, that its just regular for people to book restaurant tables then just not turn up. Obviously this causes massive issues with the business and having empty tables when bookings have been turned away because they were apparently fully booked. It drives them mad!
I had my own experience of it over the weekend and am quite taken aback by the extent of it. I was part of a local arts festival and to encourage engagement, local artists were offering classes for people to come on and try for free. At the venue I was exhibiting at they had two well known local artists offering watercolour classes on Saturday morning and charcoal drawing class on Sunday. They offered 12 places on each, but booking on was required as places were limited. The classes got filled up really quickly and then any further enquiries had to be turned down
On Saturday morning, with all the materials set out waiting for people, of the 12 people booked on, only 2 of them bothered to turn up. On Sunday, again with all the materials out waiting for people, of the 12 people booked on, not one of them turned up.
Not only had materials been brought in for people to use, the 2 artists had obviously put a lot of time and effort into preparing the classes.
Is this just what people do nowadays? What are other peoples experienes on this type of thing?
I wouldn't dream of booking a table or booking onto a course then just not bothering to turn up. In this day and age, where communication is so easy, I can't believe how many people don't even send a quick call/email/text message to say they can't make it
Is this just now standard behavior?
pretty standard behavior, which is why a lot of restaurants ask for a deposit to be paid if you've got a booking these days. Encourages you to show up or cancel
Think it's a bit like people ordering 3 sizes of something from Amazon and sending 2 back knowing they will probably be binned. People are focused on the impact on themselves now :(.
Any event needs to take paid for bookings now really, plenty of web/app services to facilitate this. Even a token £5 deposit or fee can stop people booking “just in case” and filling up slots they’re unlikely to use.
Is this just now standard behavior?
I'm sure there are many reasons why that a smart person could tell you, related to a breakdown in the societal contract exacerbated by increasing political divisions/covid or increased isolation and a consumerist 'me' driven mindset encouraged by advertising and online shopping etc. etc.
But what it comes down to is that for some reason, people seem to think that it's ok to be a dick and/or aren't even considering the impact of their actions on other people. Which is also being a dick.
I wouldn’t dream of booking a table or booking onto a course then just not bothering to turn up.
likewise - but your free art class is particularly vulnerable as if it’s free nobody values it. If it had been £5 - you’d have 8/12 places filled! The others would be “well I’ve paid the fiver it’s my choice to bail out”. If it have been £50 you might have had 12/12 places filled with someone phoning the day before to cancel and you filling from a reservation list - it’s all about perceived value.
In this day and age, where communication is so easy, I can’t believe how many people don’t even send a quick call/email/text message to say they can’t make it
Bear in mind not every hospitality business is actually that approachable! They work odd hours, don’t like answering the phone during service. SOMETIMES they are their own worst enemy.
Is this just now standard behavior?
I last worked in hospitality in ‘98 and it was standard behaviour then - perhaps not to the extent it is now but tables for 12 not appearing or the odd table for 2/4 not showing was not unusual. By the way, employers being ****s with zero hours contracts wasn’t unusual then either - if a table for 12 didn’t show up after 30 mins the manager would probably send a staff member home!
I was often the person with the task of phoning them to see if late or not coming - this was pre mobile days, sometimes the phone rang out - were they on the way? Sometimes they answered - they were never apologetic.
and book for 10 people but turn up with 6 or 12 was not a classic Friday/Sat evening thing.
Yes, sadly. Me first culture is rife. A free event is often seen as having no value; forgetting it's only free because someone else is going out of their way to make it free for you.
NHS is 'free' in some people's eyes too and the no show rates to GPs, dentists and hospitals is shameful from a society that loves to slag it off but does not do it's bit too.
A lot of free events like you describe will take a refundable deposit that state the deposit will be given to charity if the place is not taken up. And if cancelled at the last minute you only get the money back if someone else is able to take your place. It's tricky - you need the value to be high enough to make people think twice before being a no show but not so big that it's a barrier to committing in the first place.
In situations like that I'd be sending a B'cced email to all people who signed up with a photo of a set up but empty studio, explaining all the hard work that went into making it happen and the time committed, explaining how disappointing it was and how many people who wanted to be there missed out with a link to an arts based charity if they felt a donation might make amends. It will undoubtedly make little difference but might just make them think twice. I'd then put their contact details on a black list for future events unless they came back with a profuse apology.
Restaurants - I've been asked for a deposit a couple of times and it's easy to take it as a personal slight, but when you look at it from the business perspective it's totally understandable.
Edit to add - bookable events be that GP appointments, MOTs, classes or restaurants can make a significant difference to no show rates by sending reminders beforehand. One far enough away that you might have time to fill it and another just before the event. Even sending and iCal link to push it onto someone's smartphone calendar.
Levying some sort of charge might help reduce the number of no-shows but my experience of sportives and the like is that it's not unusual for 25-30% of entrants to pay their entry fees and still not turn up on the day. That could be £50-80 each.
if it’s free nobody values it
This.
I suppose I'm just amazed by the extent of it really. Of 24 people booked on, only 2 turned up.
Of the 22 who didn't turn up, not one of them saw fit to let anyone know that they wouldn't make it
Yeah, depressingly common from my experience; taster sessions, one-off experiences to try something before committing, etc, seem to be very vulnerable to those choosing to ignore rule #1.
Ultimately, it's a service offered to enable as many folk as possible to experience things that are beneficial to them. Someone foots the bill somewhere, be it financially, or timewise. Much like STW, I suppose, with free membership.
It seems 'normal' among a good group of people now. We've a family member who I had a tiff with over them booking two or more restaurants on holiday, only intending to make use of one, but wanted 'options open' as 'no one decides what they want for tea the day before'.... It's horrid and selfish.
We now charge for any event at work to increase attendance.
It will be because they were free. Had similar with trying to give items away, lots of interest but no one actually turns up or just ghosts the conversation. Readvetise for a low cost instead and people are at the door in hours, or even minutes
On the flip side of this, apparently it’s worth trying in all sorts of exclusive places to see if you may be able to fill a no-show.
When we had a 'caravan' the site would put on free entertainment and food for Halloween and the end of season Party. The level of waste was obscene from the no shows - i.e. catered for everyone. We suggested they then charge a £5 refundable deposit for each person. That seemed to work.
In this day and age, where communication is so easy, I can’t believe how many people don’t even send a quick call/email/text message to say they can’t make it
just playing devils advocate, is it actually easy to do this? or did they book on an online form with no obvious way of actually call/email/messaging them.
That aside, I'm in the camp of people are stupid - guarantee that of the 22 that didnt show up only a few or none actually thought that there's a person who has expended time and money to put on this free event for them.
Same with gym classes, the popular ones get booked out 14 days in advance, the only way to really get a space is to put yourself on the waiting list and just assume that people will cancel on the day, or more usually I just turn up and assume ~20% of people will have been a no-show.
It will be because they were free. Had similar with trying to give items away, lots of interest but no one actually turns up or just ghosts the conversation. Readvetise for a low cost instead and people are at the door in hours, or even minutes
+1, unless it's something that I'm actually going to leave at the roadside for the scrap man I list it for £1/£2/£5 on marketplace and then just refuse payment unless I happen to have a Guide Dogs tin in the house for fundraising.
Refundable deposit adds to the perceived value. Even if only £10. Plenty of no shows in time trials. But they’ve paid already. It is expected that an apology is sent prior to the event. And that is marked on the results sheet as a DNS(A)
They offered 12 places on each, but booking on was required as places were limited.
Notice was given of a bat walk in Royden Park, Frankby on Friday evening. Ranger-led, the event was free although booking was essential.
@avdave2 - My response to that, was this....
When that album was released, Mrs Binners was working for an environmental charity that did have someone in the office who organised batwalks. It pretty soon became the office anthem 😀
Just playing devils advocate a bit, but folk also see many of these "taster" events as a form of marketing and so any cost is subsequently covered by class fees etc.
From the other side, I go to a lot of gigs and I've had quite a few over the years where I turn up to the venue and the performer has just cancelled on the day. Just last week, supposed to have a comedy show for Canada Day. Bobby Mair, who isn't an unknown... and a few others. Get to the venue "Oh sorry its been cancelled". ****in annoying
At a free gig? Fair enough.
I suppose I’m just amazed by the extent of it really. Of 24 people booked on, only 2 turned up.
Of the 22 who didn’t turn up, not one of them saw fit to let anyone know that they wouldn’t make it
That does sound exceptional. I don't think that can be purely down to a cultural issue of book and don't go. So I'd be investigating:
1. Did the booking system work as expected (e.g. sent a confirmation email).
2. Did the booking or follow up comms provide all the detail required (I've booked stuff where to find the start time / location you need to look somewhere totally different).
3. Was the booking so far in advance people would forget?
4. Was there any kid of reminder / follow up near the time? Did it include contact details for cancellations or mention of a waiting list? Or was it sent from a "no-reply@" address
5. What contact details did you get - are these even real people or spam bots?
Send each of the non-attendees an email/text telling them, and how much time/money they'd wasted.
They'll all have an 'excuse', bet the majority often break Rule #1.
Just playing devils advocate a bit, but folk also see many of these “taster” events as a form of marketing and so any cost is subsequently covered by class fees etc.
Devils Advocate^2 , so now the person running the business is down the cost of all their time and materials and doesn't have an income stream to show for it.
No different from stuffing flyers through folks doors, putting up posters etc. None of that is free and all comes under "marketing".
In the OPs example, if both of the attendees were genuinely interested in following up the free class then that might be more worthwhile than having 22 others who weren't. I guess you'd have to know what the usual conversion rate was.
In my line of work I go out to measure for curtains and blinds. This is free. In the last decade the number of people who don't get back to me (it would be helpful if they gave a reason) to follow through with the job, has more than trebled.
People don't realise that I've done a full day's work and then have to go out in the evenings and measure up their windows (often travelling a certain distance).
The worst person actually wasn't there when I turned up to measure her house.
After the Covid lockdowns I was so fed up with this that I no longer go out and measure. They can do it themselves with help from me over the phone or with diagrams.
I have to stress though that there are still some lovely people who are my regular customers and would never take my time for granted.
hightensionline
At a free gig? Fair enough.
To me? Who mentioned free? Spend out £66 on tickets, and got £60 refunded. Nothing for the fuel/inconvenience
On a personal note, we had a family gathering for my daughter's 21st last weekend. Food was bought for all the confirmed attendees at some expense. Out of 26 people, 10 cancelled last minute - some just didn't turn up with no notice. I wasn't best pleased as I'd spend £300 on food.
I agree with @poly and harsh as it sounds, if 22 out of 24 didn't show then I'd be looking at what I could have done differently. You expect a few no shows but not that many without something else going on.
I've no-showed for races a few times, I don't set out to do so but if pre-entry is required (or significantly discounted) then I'm sometimes happy to take the risk of losing the entry fee - I view it as a donation to help keep the event running in future.
Of course I'm not taking anyone's spot as these events are not booked out (at least, I don't recall ever no-showing in that situation). There could possibly be a small wastage in food etc but by the time I've made the decision that ship has probably sailed anyway.
Charging a fee or refundable deposit seems an obvious solution when it's too big a problem to ignore. I've seen plenty of restaurants do that, and I can't blame them.
Yeah it is very much a thing, popular restaurants will often take a deposit now to help discourage it.
Tbh 22/24 not turning up is dickish behaviour in the extreme. I'd be raging. Next time charge a refundable deposit to stop such antics
To me? Who mentioned free?
I was comparing the free local arts event against the one you mentioned. I don't think they're in any way similar to say 'from the other side', is all.
Spend out £66 on tickets, and got £60 refunded. Nothing for the fuel/inconvenience
Depends on the option of a rescheduled gig, so no loss of booking fee on the overall ticket cost. It costs to refund, is the answer. Twitter/X and the interweb have changed things immeasurably for booking and then checking the details of a gig right up to the start time, but as with sporting events, they get cancelled - sometimes at the last minute. You've entered a contract, to that effect. It's not nice, but life is uncertain, hence live music being so much about the moment; it's transience is why it matters to us, and it can be subject to life getting in the way, even an hour or a minute before the gig for the performer(s).
Not surprised as a lot of people don't give a shit about impact to others but as above something sounds wrong with 22 from 24 not giving a shit.
My partner organised a family event a few weeks ago, 43 people invited, 43 accepted, 43 showed up even the ones who really would have been wanting to watch the fa cup final.
Have to say though I think that is incredibly rare these days. It feels to me as if everyone is always waiting for a better offer, or they simply think only they will be thinking of not turning up
Depends on the option of a rescheduled gig, so no loss of booking fee on the overall ticket cost. It costs to refund, is the answer.
Personally I'd expect 100% refund. I've run events that have been cancelled due to weather and we refund all of the cost - not just the bit we got from the payment provider / processing platform. That's OUR risk as the organiser.
Twitter/X and the interweb have changed things immeasurably for booking and then checking the details of a gig right up to the start time, but as with sporting events, they get cancelled – sometimes at the last minute. You’ve entered a contract, to that effect. It’s not nice, but life is uncertain, hence live music being so much about the moment; it’s transience is why it matters to us, and it can be subject to life getting in the way, even an hour or a minute before the gig for the performer(s).
Most likely they ask for at least an email address and probably a phone number during the checkout process. You would expect these are used to contact people in all be the most extenuating circumstances. There are platforms that will send mass texts out to thousands of people for pennies a test. Again its a cost, but thats the cost of being in customer service business.
However, none of that explains why people who wanted to go to free arts event would just not turn up.
... And that is marked on the results sheet as a DNS(A)
I noticed this for the first time when I was marshalling a TT this weekend. There were quite a plan old DNS too though.
I agree it is super annoying, but sometimes people don't help themselves. I stayed at a hotel last week where the Dinner, Bed and Breakfast offer was significantly cheaper than their standard B & B rate. Consequently me and about 50 other people booked the offer rate, and then went to the awards ceremony next door (which was catered by the same hotel).
This meant that the restaurant which looked like it had 50 bookings on the offer ended up empty.
This thread is why all NHS appointments should carry a nominal fee/deposit.
I’ve had the misfortune to have a lot of appointments recently, and it’s also noticeable how many people wander in deliberately late because they expect the Doc to be behind.
People are arseholes
This thread is why all NHS appointments should carry a nominal fee/deposit.
Our non NHS dentists receptionist phones round everyone the day before to remind them of their appointments for the next day. Guess that's one proactive way of dealing with it & maybe the way businesses are dealing with a rise in no shows.
Edit - and just this minute got a call from the garage to remind me of my MOT & service booking.
Our non NHS dentists receptionist phones round everyone the day before to remind them of their appointments for the next day. Guess that’s one proactive way of dealing with it & maybe the way businesses are dealing with a rise in no shows.
Mine just charges you upfront when you make the booking! Must be a right bunch of slackers round here to decide thats the policy they need.
Personally I’d expect 100% refund. I’ve run events that have been cancelled due to weather and we refund all of the cost – not just the bit we got from the payment provider / processing platform. That’s OUR risk as the organiser.
Yeah, I had an argument with a well-known MTB race organiser back when foot and mouth caused cancellations. He tried to extract an admin fee from the refund to cover his losses. I argued that making a loss was his risk -I didn't ask for a share of his profit at a normal event. Unfortunately it's now become standard practice.
Happens in all activities - MrsJ sets her alarm to wake up in time to book gym classes 2 weeks ahead. Often she is too late, even though bookings have only been open for a few minutes. Then on the day the class is half empty. Same with tradesmen - I now assume that they won't actually turn up, until the point when they appear on the doorstep.
a couple of restaurants near me don't take bookings, but you turn up and they advise how long the wait is and give you a buzzer and send you off to the pub, until it buzzes and then you return to the restaurant for your table to be ready
Think it’s a bit like people ordering 3 sizes of something from Amazon and sending 2 back knowing they will probably be binned.
That’s a supplier issue. Assuming they only refund resellable items, what’s it got to with me that they foolishly decide to bin it?
** in my case footwear from appropriate suppliers
Yeah, I had an argument with a well-known MTB race organiser back when foot and mouth caused cancellations. He tried to extract an admin fee from the refund to cover his losses. I argued that making a loss was his risk -I didn’t ask for a share of his profit at a normal event. Unfortunately it’s now become standard practice.
Race organisers didn't have much of an idea how to manage things when it all began to go online. In the days of postal entries, riders had to be organised, plan their season and get their entry in 3 weeks in advance.
With online entry, organisers were like "ooh, we can leave entry open until 2 days to go cos it's all efficient and automated!" All that happened was riders would put off entering until 3 days to go leaving an organiser sitting there wondering if their event was actually going to get any entrants at all (half of whom would be watching the weather forecast and if it looked like rain, they'd bin off the idea of racing).
Organisers started getting all threatening ("enter now or the event will be cancelled!") and riders understandably got pissed off that they were being told to enter. Whole thing was a mess for a couple of years as organisers and riders all tried to game the system.
That’s a supplier issue. Assuming they only refund resellable items, what’s it got to with me that they foolishly decide to bin it?
O)f course they cannot sell refunds as new - they will have to discount them. Would you buy something that had been out of its packaging and tried on as if it were new?
Would you buy something that had been out of its packaging and tried on as if it were new?
Have you never been to a shoe shop? Or a clothes shop? Or a bike shop? There’s loads of places where you buy things “as new” and pay new prices for stuff that have been tried on by multiple people beforehand.
@binners Thats appalling.
Think it’s a bit like people ordering 3 sizes of something from Amazon and sending 2 back knowing they will probably be binned
Say what? I often order a couple of items (Sometimes running shoes then send 1 pair back and keep 1, obvs take the hit on 2 lots of postage). Are they throwing away the £100 shoes I slipped on with my running socks then returned in pristine condition? I worked in a running shop and pairs were often tried on many times before somebody bought them "as new"
This thread is why all NHS appointments should carry a nominal fee/deposit.
Tax on the sick?
Both my Gp and local hospitals text you the day before an appointment to remind you. I have had the misfortune to need them a bit recently All but one appointment have run to time withing a few minutes and no one arriving late. If you are late you might get seen at the end of the clinic or you might not.
.
Same way that having to pay for food is a tax on the hungry. Only evil capitalist pig-dogs could support such a system.
There are businesses who vet customers based on spending power and what suits them.
Here's a few examples from the hospitality industry I've come across. Restaurants consisting of four/multi seat tables give preference to people booking a full table. You have no chance of booking a table for two on Friday or Saturday night. Nightclubs who let female customers in for free/give them a free drink. Some B&B owners turn away customers who only need a single nights stay based upon it not being worth their time to clean the room for a single nights income.
Where opportunism is being met with opportunism i.e. spread booking to ensure you get something on a busy night I have no sympathy. Most restaurants/pubs allocate a small number of tables (the worst tables next to the toilets etc) for walk-ins!
the captain - so what happens if you are on benefits and cannot afford your multiple appointments? I had 5 in a two week period IIRC. ast as fiver apiece thats 25 quid or 1/4 of your money for the week!
Absurd idea that will entrench inequality and disproportionately affect the poor and the disabled. and lead to increased illhealth as people avoid going to the doctor
Absurd idea that will entrench inequality and disproportionately affect the poor and the disabled. and lead to increased illhealth as people avoid going to the doctor
Yeah but people who can afford it will have access to more appointments. Every small businessman I've ever met see's it like this!
That's how we do things in the UK. Stitch-ups backed by the shifty little turds who benefit from it telling any and every lie to try and get it over the line.
We’ve a family member who I had a tiff with over them booking two or more restaurants on holiday, only intending to make use of one, but wanted ‘options open’ as ‘no one decides what they want for tea the day before’…. It’s horrid and selfish.
That is indeed horrid and selfish, and people who do that should be named and shamed, preferably with their contact details added to a list shared among all the local restaurants and eateries in order that those responsible get told, sorry, we don’t have any tables available.
I’ve witnessed it happen, in a little family restaurant/cafe, where they were waiting for some people to come in for a pre-booked meal, they phoned the customers and they just kept giving excuses over the phone, there were staff there, and food ready to be prepped!
I’ve booked a table for six in a couple of weeks time, for my birthday; I didn’t pay a deposit, but I’ve been going to the place every Friday and Saturday night to drink since the blokes who run it opened it, and to their previous pub for several years - it would be stupid and embarrassing to pull a stunt like that. Also, they’re friends, so circumstances would have to be pretty dire to have to cancel anyway.
It’s just not something I could imagine doing, I just wasn’t brought up to be an asshole to other people.
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the captain – so what happens if you are on benefits and cannot afford your multiple appointments? I had 5 in a two week period IIRC. ast as fiver apiece thats 25 quid or 1/4 of your money for the week!
Absurd idea that will entrench inequality and disproportionately affect the poor and the disabled. and lead to increased illhealth as people avoid going to the doctor
I agree - you just can't charge, even if you refund if you turn up. What would be a meaningful 'fine' for some would be an insurmountable amount of cash for others to put down even as a refundable deposit.
There has to be something though. Not sure what GPs do about serial no shows currently. Most dentists operate a 2 strikes and you are off the books system but I don't think you could do that (or even want to) for GP.
* in my case footwear from appropriate suppliers
Which is why my mates gf is able to buy shoes for £1 a pair at her warehousing job ?
A guy I chat to at the gym has run a portrait photography business for 20+ years and no shows have got steadily worse over the last five years or so. He actually employees a retired lady - ex receptionist with a very good phone manner - to call clients the day before and on the day of bookings to confirm attendance but still gets a lot of no shows.
About a year ago he started doing pet photography - mainly dogs - and finds that he has far fewer no shows amongst that demographic.
A guy I chat to at the gym has run a portrait photography business for 20+ years and no shows have got steadily worse over the last five years or so. He actually employees a retired lady – ex receptionist with a very good phone manner – to call clients the day before and on the day of bookings to confirm attendance but still gets a lot of no shows.
About a year ago he started doing pet photography – mainly dogs – and finds that he has far fewer no shows amongst that demographic.
Bill 50-100% up front in an online booking system with 'no returns' terms. This is my industry (though I work in the commercial sector) and it pains me to see it being walked all over and demeaned in some places.
This thread is why all NHS appointments should carry a nominal fee/deposit.
As TJ says that is a bad idea.
Some of those people will have a mental health reason for not showing up. Some of those people will have been too sick to make it. Some were relying on public transport that didn't work. Both my father and daughter have had hospital letters arrive on the day or day after the appointment. Do you want the NHS to have an admin team taking payments and considering whether this is a good enough reason for a refund or doing useful stuff? Nobody is really interested in getting under the skin of the reasons for no shows - and solving the root problem.
Now some will just be forgetful, recover and not think its important etc - but those are the sort of people who won't care about £5/10 anyway so you don't actually free up capacity - once you've done the admin you won't actually make that much. Based on my observations appointments are more notional than fixed, so if you know you get 10% no shows you can overbook and live with it - yes somedays you'll be swamped but have you ever heard someone in the NHS complain they were too quiet? My GP friend says no shows are actually the only way she catches up on the other appointments!
Then what is the consequence for this on the very sick - chest pains and don't have a tenner, you'll need to call back when you do! Or are A&E appointments exempt - in which case you just dump everyone from GP to A&E. Got a dodgy looking lump but its middle of month - I'll wait till payday to get that investigated as I can't afford the fee/deposit.
Unfortunately this does seem to be the norm nowadays.
I find more people only think of themselves and probably "justify" (to themselves) the no show with some lame excuse and don't give a second thought to the ones who have been let down.
I wonder what they have said if they turned up and the classes had been cancelled?
My doctors surgery always sends out a text message reminder to patients about their appointments, but according to the little sign in the waiting room, there’s still a small percentage who don’t turn up, and can’t be arsed to let them know.
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Booking with no deposit via a web form of some sort might be the issue here...it's too anon...If you have to phone up, and speak to someone to book a table, it becomes more of a social contract rather than just clicking a few buttons as it's more personal.
It's the same, but slightly reversed reason employers require people to phone in sick rather than call in sick via email or text.
I'd suggest for free events you have people phone you to make a reservation, (to reserve your free spot just call ***********) and make them give a name, & email or phone number, rather than just click 'yes' on a web page.
Also, NHS wise, if you charge a fee folk see it as a service they can pay to use. A colleague had a kid in nursery that had an issue with parents being late for pick up, so they started charging for varying degrees of lateness, which made it worse as those that just made it didn’t try as hard to get there on time, and those that were repeat offenders just got later.
Is it a bit like being a Free Member and then moaning about the forum?
A colleague had a kid in nursery that had an issue with parents being late for pick up
Someone's read Freakonomics...
This meant that the restaurant which looked like it had 50 bookings on the offer ended up empty.
You could have told the restaurant you didn't need the booking, though.
I’d suggest for free events you have people phone you to make a reservation, (to reserve your free spot just call ***********) and make them give a name, & email or phone number, rather than just click ‘yes’ on a web page.
assuming of course you don’t want anyone under 25 there! Its just not how they are used to communicating and for most that would be a barrier to signing up. Inevitably you’ll also get a lot more typos in email addresses and admin mistakes as “your end” too unless you have a dedicated person on a phone line able to process it - so it’s not interrupting your normal activity.
you will also be putting a significant barrier in place for deaf or mute people.
Note, the NHS and the like (assume restaurants too?) work on a No-Show percentage - just makes it a bit busy if more than expected turn up.
Both my father and daughter have had hospital letters arrive on the day or day after the appointment
I’ve had this! For a minor surgery. My local trust now send text messages as well as letters. Thank god!
Note, the NHS and the like (assume restaurants too?) work on a No-Show percentage
Is this a regional thing? My GPs do not overbook and all my recent hospital appointments are not either - they are booked in 10 min or 15 min slots. ~No capacity to overbook
Did Not Show (Arsehole)?
Those are marked only DNS. This thread is about those who just don't turn up, not those decent enough to apologise in advance. In TT land, some riders looks at the weather and if it looks a slow or wet day, just don't bother.
Note, the NHS and the like (assume restaurants too?) work on a No-Show percentage
Never heard of that before. Just checked our DNA (did not attend) was 51 pts last week, pretty average, as others have said, it's not just laziness, 45% of those pts had depression as a long term condition.
Mine just charges you upfront when you make the booking! Must be a right bunch of slackers round here to decide thats the policy they need.
After not going for a while post covid, got back to mine and noticed it's all up front charges and loads of notices about being kicked off the books for repeat no shows.
Though not sure if the up front charge is private or NHS or both as they do both. I'm on a plan though so not paid up front, oddly even for cracked tooth last week which isn't covered by the plan.
Never heard of that before. Just checked our DNA (did not attend) was 51 pts last week, pretty average, as others have said, it’s not just laziness, 45% of those pts had depression as a long term condition.
I remember an Allied Health clinic trying to call DNAs to find out the reasons and see if there was anything they could help. Those that answered were generally very apologetic saying they'd forgotten. Lots more just didn't answer the call. Awkward.