11/11/2022
Interesting! The past few months have seen some weird requests and reactions.
I was booked for a party, confirmed with the patron to be there, and went... only to find TWO OTHER Balloon Artists already there! They said "We're leaving at 5 PM, and were told you'd 'take over' !!
I twisted for 2 hours (per agreement), never saw the patron, and left. Then I called and left VM asking for balance payment - no return! I sent Text Message - no return! I sent EMAIL - still no return! She has completely GHOSTED me out of 2 hours pay! At least I got the $50 deposit first.
One person called, reserved me for a party 3 weeks away (promising to pay at end of event), then when I called the day of, to confirm my coming, responded with "OH! I found someone cheaper and hired them! You don't need to come!"
Another strange one happened today:
Same scenerio - inquired 3 weeks ago, gave me all the details (except the time of the party), then didn't return my email booking agreement, or make deposit. When I called last week, she said it was still planned, but no start time determined yet. I called this morning (day of event), let a Vmsg asking for start time. she called back, asked "Who is this?" I answered "HatterMike. The Balloon Artist you wanted to come to your Party!" She HUNG UP !! I called back to have the call go IMMEDIATELY to VM. SHE TURNED OFF HER PHONE (or blocked me).
If you're not going to hire me - be HONEST up front! I DO reserve your requested date/time, and refuse potential conflicts, if you sound like you're actually going to want me. Or, at least, be courteous enough to call me and CANCEL ahead of time.
From now on - No more "pay at event" bookings. NO Booking Deposit = NO coming to your event!
