The Chronic No-Show Client : A Fitness Trainer's Headache?

   If you are a Fitness Trainer it has most likely happened to you! You stand around waiting for a client who does not show. Hopefully they call to let you know that they can't make the session. Sometimes they don't notify you. It can be a hassle - if you let it! 
    If you are running around to different locations only to get an unexpected no-show,  it can lead to a great deal of excess travel.
   On the bright side, it could be a paid break from a hectic schedule! An unexpected void can leave you with time to do certain things such as:

• Catch up on paperwork
• Squeeze in a workout
• Have a nap
• Take a tot tub or a trip to the steam room
• Relax and have a coffee break
• Read a fitness magazine or book

   However, eventually a chronic no/show client may have to be dealt with. An occasional missed appointment might be overlooked and not charged. However a constant absentee client should be charged for the missed sessions.That way you don't take a financial loss for that allotted time slot. Think of it as getting paid for not working. Be sure that it is clearly defined in your client/trainer contract that they will be charged for missed appointments. 
   There is an advantage in being paid in advance for a set number of sessions. Providing the services in advance of being imbursed could prove problematic if the client won't pay for missed sessions. Having to take legal action can be a hassle for something like that! You are better off not to get into such a situation.
   The problem may solve itself if they keep paying for their missed sessions. The client may not renew their training contract leaving you free to fill that time with a more reliable fitness enthusiast.
   The most drastic action may be to terminate the agreement with the client. If you are having to travel to a different fitness center to train this person and they are a frequent miss then it is likely in your best interests to cut them loose. Have this possibility also clearly defined in your client contract!
Greg Harvey of Fit 'N' Well in Edmonton, Alberta told me that he  once reluctantly had to 'fire' a client.
The person was taking up valuable time allotments in which many potential new clients were waiting for spots. An active and participating client is a more probable long term investment of your business time.

A no-show client may give you some unplanned decompression time!
However a chronic absentee client could be an issue that you must deal with!

Nobody said that a Fitness Trainer will not have to make some tough decisions!
It's not always all about pumped biceps  and chiseled abdominal muscles.

Until next time,..........keep fit!

Little Bobby Strong





Links
schwabe27.uwmfatloss.hop.clickbank.net
AudienceBuilder.ca
www.fitnwell.com