09/30/2026
🚨What's new for 2027? We have a slogan for next year!
🐾 Communication over charging!
Why is this the mantra for next year? Let's be frank, this economy is terrible and I know it is hitting a lot of our clients as well. I want to remain being affordable for my clients, so you can save for pet food, veterinary cost, and anything else that your pet may need. That being said, I have chosen not to raise my prices (for the 3rd year in a row) for the first half of 2027. This will be revisited in July 2027 after we test drive our new mantra: Communication over
Charging.
What's the goal? I need more communication from my clients. I do have on my onboarding form that I need a 48 hour notice for any rescheduling or special timing request. Sadly, I have had a lot of clients not give me proper notice for non urgent matters. This absolutely has to change. As a small business, I have lots of operating costs. This business is not my "side hustle" it is my full time income, so when a client cancels at the last minute, that still leaves an unpaid space that I am unable to fill. When I reach out the day before, that is not the opportunity to let me know you need to reschedule. By that point, that text is a courtesy reminder and you have been planned income.
Starting January 1st, I will be firmer about my cancellation policy. The Fee will protect the time I reserved for you, not the products/gas used. That appointment was unavailable to everyone else until it was too late to refill. (the fees will be about half of your appointment )
My Accountant estimates that I lost around $7,000 last year due to last minute cancellations. That is a lot for a one person business. I could have put that towards my student debt, care for Kiki or Bronson, help pay off the reliable car that gets me to your pets.
Let's say you bought a concert ticket but you forgot to go, are you going to call the venue the next day and ask for your money back? * Your seat was reserved whether you showed up or not.
You reserved the Hotel room, and did not show up. They are still going to charge that card.
You registered for a workshop or event, and didn't go. That spot could have gone to someone else.
So let's talk about Kind Claws, when you cancel last minute, I can not just put that time back on the shelf. It's gone. I block off time specifically for you and your pet.
Sadly, back in June/July I let go of a lot of clients who I really liked, but were chronically rescheduling/cancelling last minute.
I understand emergencies happen, and I will consider that when truly unexpected things arise. I will work with clients on these situations.
So what's the plan? During the months of November/December, At every appointment, we will revisit every client's availability. I want to make sure each and every one of you are in the place that works well for your schedule. Everyone will receive their 2027 Pet care calendar with the cancellation policy outlined. We will set up your appointments in your phone, on your calendar, whatever system works best for you to keep track of upcoming appointments with me. We will work together to make sure we are setting you up for success. I do not want to leave anyone in the dark or having to guess what the next steps are.
All I want is communication, keep me informed, if you THINK something may happen and you may need to reschedule, just send me a text and let me know. Communication has always been the key to my heart.
I know enforcing my policy will not affect 90% of my clients, but for the rest, we just need to find a way to keep open communication and structure. ❤️
Love,
Michelle
