I think you would have trouble with that policy, Cindy and I don't think it would make a big difference in last minute cancellations. MIKE ROCK's comment about not investing too much to accommodate the client may be a better track to take. I've had good results with those special arrangement showings by cautioning the buyer before I try to schedule, saying that we are really inconveniencing the seller so don't postpone and don't be late. 

It would be suicide to your business and I think BRE would definitely take issue. I feel your pain since I, too, had a no-show with no apology or explanation. Welcome to the Real Estate Business

Cindy,

Annoying people is a part of all businesses.  I think your idea would be a turn-off to many.  A

It is sad Cindy and I have experienced the same annoying problems but there is not much you can do. It is just part of our work, dealing with a few undependable people.

I have a buyer client who is 15 minutes late to every showing no matter what I do, really give me (ocd) gray hair.

i think your being very reasonable, buttt i suspect the buyers will not. its a shame but its life. you may perhaps consider next time, how many strings you have to pull prior, and the weight and "cost" of those strings might outweigh the value the client represents.

This situations do happen on a regular basis. Be thankful that they canceled rather than wasting your day if they are not ready to purchase.

$50 is not nearly enough.

Require a $1000 retainer, paid before you start scheduling the showings.

It's one way to get their attention that they shouldn't cancel last minute. But I'd probably charge more like $100. The issue will be collecting the money, unless you get it up front and return it at closing.

It would likely reduce the amount of business for you.

Cindy - It makes sense to us as professional Realtors, but I don't think you will get too many buyers to buy in. It would probably be a detriment to you getting appointments, and also, I think it would be difficult for you to collect on those that still no-showed.

The penalty idea, though you are totally within your right, would most likely make you lose business. Did you check last week and the day before the showing to make sure he was coming?

That is a little scary, in my opinion, unless you could get all the agents to buy into this with you.

That is very annoying - especially since you were not able to make plans either or schedule other clients.  I think the written contract is a great idea but it isn't something I would put into place.  Who knows if you would ever get the $50.  Most sellers understand about cancellations, although they went through the trouble of getting their house ready to show.  It is something that happens all the time, not just holiday weekends.  I would just brush it off and keep moving forward.  

Wow, she set this up MONTHS AGO? What's she doing, moving to the area? Is she still moving to the area? When and why did she cancel? She might just be a perfectly good client who had a problem. Give her reason to the sellers and move on. It's part of our job. However, if she dropped into a black hole, well, that's another story.

Argh!  Last minute cancellations are not nearly as annoying as no-shows.  If I have any doubts, I call to reconfirm. 

Oh yes, I feel your pain.   This happens to us at times, too and it generally seems to happen more around holidays.  I had a no show last week, too (and we had confirmed the day before and spoke to the customer.  For you it may be worse as it may be a series of showings and others that have been inconvenienced + extra work for you to cancel.

And, yes, I think you'll have trouble reinforcing it..it will scare them away and you'll lose many potentials at the beginning.

Maybe it's about emphasizing up front the need to not cancel and the impact to everyone esp on holiday weekends.  I wish I had a better solution.

I think you are always gambling on a client not showing up, especially on a holiday. I have clients call me if they have expressed a desire to go out on a holiday weekend to confirm 2 hours prior to the appointment. 

Hi Cindy -- I think anyone in our business beyond a mili-second feels your pain but I think your solution would prohibit prospective buyers from choosing you unless everyone in your area had the same policy(and we know that's not likely).

I have no solutions but sorry it happened to you.  

If I read correctly you represent the buyer AND the seller in this situation.

That is a bit more tricky.

In your showing instructions for agents include the statement, "Listing agent must be notified 90 minutes or more prior to scheduled time to cancel an appointment. Failure to notify will result in a $250 no-cancellation fee."

Now as the listing agent you will call the buyers agent the morning of the showing to remind them of the appoint. You will again call two hours before showing time to confirm the ETA is good. After that, a no show deserves a bill.

Then send the bill to the agents broker. Of course you will never collect, but you will have a bill to post on the Deadbeat real estate agents website. (kidding of course)

Now, have your broker send a bill to you for the no show and present it to your buyer. Explain, it is to make the sellers whole as a result of the buyeres cancellation.

Add up the costs. $250 to the negligent agent is justifiable. 

Deadbeat agent website....hmmmm.