Dealing with Bookings Struggles: Lisa's Personal Experience and Seeking Advice

[lsm72]

I hate to be so blah but I'm having such a hard time with my business right now.

3 out of my 4 shows cancelled on me; a fundraiser fell through and to top it off, two guest who ordered through a cattie last month bounced their checks. They still owe me a combined total of $156. They haven't answered my calls or emails.

I'm so discouraged and feel as if I should hang up my PC towel right now. My day job (which I love!) has me completely buried right now. I barely have time to do anything these days.

I appreciate any feedback you may have. I know many of you have had your PC ups and downs. Just feeling really blue right now.

-Lisa

 

[mhrivera]

I'm sorry you are feeling blue Lisa! I was in the same position you are in May, except I didn't have 3 shows to have cancelled! I did a fair, and that really turned around my business. All I can stay is stick it out, and keep working it as much as you can! Stay encouraged!

 

[pcchris]

Lisa, I'm in the same boat as you! I have had NOTHING for June, but I have some for July...just hang in there! Make your CCCs and do what you can. At least you have a FT job to fall back on. We all have bad times at some point, don't give up too easily! Also, everyone here is great if you need a proverbial kick in the pants!! All ya gotta do is ask...LOL!

 

[Chef_2_Four]

I'm so sorry about everything! I can't believe the people won't call you back so they can pay you!! I hate that for you! My business has been off and on too. I had a good May, and before that February. Mine has been running every other month is good. I had 4 shows for July now I have 2. Hopefully neither of those will cancel or reschedule. I hope everything works out and makes you not blue anymore!

 

[chefbecky]

I'm sorry your having a tuff month. I have a suggestion on the bad checks. I would go to their bank every couple days and see if funds are availble then cash the checks. In the future you could have the guest write their checks to the host, most people won't write a bad check to someone they know. Then have the host write you a check. The host can then hold their stuff untill they make good on the check. I know this is a little late but maybe you could use it in the future.

Don't give up, we all have bad days, months, or several months but it's like anything else. The more you put into it the more you get out of it. GOOD LUCK!

 

[heather9892]

i agree with becky go or phone their banks and see if the funds are there
you can go in and certify the chqs, of course for the fee, and then cash them at your bank
instead of chqs you could also start accepting internet interac payments, you only need an email and do your banking on line, no money at closing their orders are cancelled
just a thought
good luck getting your money been there and its not alot of fun

 

[AJPratt]

Sorry to hear your frustrated. Right now I would just try to stay "active" until things clear up for you. I would either cancel their order or alert the of the problem to hold those items. Then, you can return them and get the $$ back in your acct.

 

[cookin'mom]

Sorry you've had problems. If you can't contact them or they won't return calls, take the nsf checks to your local district attorney. They will get attention fast! I had to do that with one check and had my money within a week! Good luck

 

[raebates]

Lisa, I'm so sorry you're struggling right now. Please believe you're not alone. Sales of any kind are an up and down business, and that's particularly true of direct sales. Hang in there.You mention that you're buried at your day job, and you barely have time to do anything. Are you getting plenty of rest and eating right? I'm asking because it's easy to let your physical self suffer when you're busy, and that can lead to mental exhaustion. As for your PC business, do you have a regular schedule? There are lots of great threads here about setting priorities, setting a schedule, and working smarter instead of harder.BTW, you'll also find lots of threads of people who have hit a slump. It's the nature of the beast. Just remember that next month may be your big come-back.