For over 10 years, I provided Free medium readings for people who lost pets. A couple of years ago, after Unsolved Mysteries aired a podcast about me, the demand exploded, and I had to start charging a little something for my time because each reading takes 30-45 minutes. Now, I realize that my first business model for booking appointments has a number of flaws. Today's blog explains that and may serve as a guideline for your new side business.
HOW I BOOKED APPTS BEFORE: For the last 2 years, I asked people to send a small fee through Paypal, and I would use that to secure their appointment. I would KEEP the money in Paypal and withdraw it after I did their readings.
THE PROBLEM WITH THAT: I've been scheduling readings now almost 1 YEAR after setting the appointment. If people provide an OLD email via paypal, or can't be contacted through paypal I spend hours trying to contact them. If I can't, I would obviously want to REFUND THEM. BUT, Paypal won't refund anyone at zero cost after 60 days. Further, If the customer's email is Invalid, I can't refund them ( you would be surprised at the number of people who don't enter an email or have an outdated on their paypal account). If their email is valid and I do refund them, Paypal charges me about $1.00 apiece, giving me a Net Loss because people didn't provide updated info.
MY FIX: From now on, I'm asking people to email me and I will schedule them. Then it's up to ME, 2 weeks before their reading to remind them to pay via paypal (and I just added VENMO). - It's more work for me up front, but it ensures I have their VALID EMAIL and don't have to worry about incurring costs when they give me wrong info up front.
LESSON LEARNED.
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