The number of times I get someone cancelling the morning of a class with the statement, “I just wanted to make sure that someone else could have my spot” makes me wonder if people really think about other people or just grab the most convenient idea that they could think of to excuse themselves.
In my experience, most people on our waiting lists are not standing by with baited breath waiting for someone to cancel 90 minutes before class. The waitlist has moved on by this point. It’s sweet that you want to do us the favor, but really, please know that odds are, you didn’t really help us fill the spot.
The other thing that I find wholly unfriendly is the person, sounding like they are on death’s door, calls the morning of their class and says, “I’m really, really sick, I’m wondering if you would excuses the charge, but if you are still going to charge me, I’ll come to class.” How is this anything but a threat? As grown, adult humans, we know how most diseases spread.
It puts me in a real catch 22. If I end up waiving the late cancel charge, it’s because I am thinking of your classmates. Your selfishness doesn’t really deserve the consideration to be honest. The people that perhaps deserve the consideration more are the ones that call an apologetically cancel and maybe even say, I know I’m being charged, I just want to make sure you knew I wouldn’t be there. Statistically, I’d say that one that threatens to spread their germs gets waived more often than the one who owns their lot.
It’s not fair. I try to keep this in mind with those who are taking ownership of their piece of the training relationship. I also try to be merciful with our cancellation policy within reason.
My dear student, perhaps you could approach us with the same care?
Thank you,
The Management
Lisa Moves 