Fed-Up Groomer Tells Client To Book Appointment For Their Dog, Refuses To Remind Them Of The Next Session
A fed-up groomer is dealing with a client who treats “book the next appointment” like it’s part of the groomer’s job description, not the owner’s. And when the OP finally draws a line, the whole thing turns into a petty scheduling war that somehow involves the dog, the parents, and a whole lot of unanswered texts.
Here’s the messy part: OP offers to remind the dog’s dad the day before, even suggests texting the reminder to make pickup day smoother. OP thinks they’re even doing the right thing, because the appointment is booked and the date is repeated, but the mom takes her sweet time confirming. Meanwhile, OP is left doing the reminder legwork, even though it’s their dog and their calendar.
By the time OP is done chasing confirmations, the question is no longer “who forgot,” it’s “why am I the one running the schedule?”
OP kicks off the story.
OP offers to text the dog's dad the day before as a reminder
The OP thinks they are getting confused when OP books the appointment and reminds them
OP starts off trying to be helpful by offering to text the dog’s dad the day before, like that should solve everything.
In the grooming industry, client expectations can sometimes become unrealistic, leading to frustration for service providers.
When service providers set boundaries, it helps manage client expectations and reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings.
"Let me know the day and I will book the appointment for you."
OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the a-hole:
The action I took was telling a client to make the appointment themselves and not make me book the appointment and remind them. This might make me the asshole because I could look it up and book the appointment, but this is not my dog.
And the comments from other Redditors roll in...
It makes things easier to plan
Then OP realizes the mom is the one who won’t answer for days, even though OP is the one getting pulled into the reminder loop.
The situation with the groomer highlights a critical aspect of service-oriented professions: the need for professional boundaries.
This is also like the novice K9 handler who skipped her dog’s funeral for a cosmetics appointment.
The OP's losing a loyal customer
The OP's unwilling to automate this appointment nonsense
After OP books the appointment and reminds them anyway, the tension spikes because the client expected OP to keep doing it, automatically.
The OP gives more details on what is making them pissed off
I'm not requiring they follow up with me. I set the appointment in my phone and try to tell the dad who is picking up, but he wants me to text it to the mom. When I do, she can't be bothered to answer me to confirm it for days. Why should I be left to do this when they can do the same since it is their dog, after all?
Email reminder to clients a day before
The Psychology Behind Client Relationships
Client relationships are often built on trust and respect, which can be easily undermined by misunderstandings.
Telling the dad the date
The OP doesn't have to text them
It is kind of weird though
And when OP snaps that they should not be the one texting and confirming the next session, the “loyal customer” situation goes straight off the rails.
To maintain healthy client relationships, service providers are encouraged to engage in proactive communication about appointments and expectations.
Regular reminders about scheduling can help clients feel valued while also reducing stress for the service provider.
Implementing a reminder system, whether through texts or emails, can create a more organized and respectful dynamic.
Taking your dog to the groomer for a wash and brush will improve the health and quality of their coat, regardless of breed or amount of hair. This is just one of the many benefits of grooming, but you do know you have to work with an appointment.
The OP was declared not the AH, but was told that there were certain extra things to be done if they want to retain their clientele.
The recent incident involving a groomer refusing to remind a client about their dog's appointment highlights the importance of managing expectations and setting professional boundaries within the grooming industry. This approach not only emphasizes the groomer's professionalism but also encourages clients to take an active role in their pet's care. By prioritizing these boundaries, service providers can not only enhance client satisfaction but also create a more respectful and effective working environment.
Nobody wants to be the unpaid scheduler for someone else’s dog.
Ready for more pet-care power plays, read how a pet sitter rebelled against “canine affection” demands.
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