Certain businesses and professions rely on people showing up for their appointments or reservations in order to make money; however, some believe that charging fees for no-shows is inappropriate.
According to the latest survey from BC-based analysts Research Co., British Columbians have a difference of opinion when it comes to these ‘no-show fees’.
Specifically, Research Co. honed in on the restaurant industry, barbers and hair salons, dentists, doctors and medical specialists as well as pet groomers.
When asked whether BC residents think a no-show fee is justified versus unjustified, respondents answered:
- Restaurants – 43% justified, 49% unjustified
- Barber/hair salon – 54% justified, 37% unjustified
- Dentist – 63% justified, 32% unjustified
- Doctor/medical specialist – 60% justified, 32% unjustified
- Pet grooming – 50% justified, 37% unjustified
Those not included in the results answered that they were unsure.
Of these professions, BC respondents said they had missed more dentist appointments than any other of the criterial professions at 15%, and just 9% subsequently said they had to pay a no-show fee to their dentist for missing an appointment.
For restaurants, 10% of BC respondents said they had missed a reservation in the last year and 6% said they had to pay a no-show fee in the last year.
Across the board, BC respondents seem to believe more strongly in upholding and paying no-show fees when an appointment is missed as compared to other provinces.
However, the area of Canada who believes in no-show fees the most is the Atlantic region.
In Atlantic Canada, 66% of respondents believe in no-show fees for dentists and 67% believe in these fees for doctors and medical specialists.
In terms of respondents’ political affiliation, those across the country who voted NDP seem to believe in no-show fees more than those who identify with the Liberals or Conservatives.
Of course, not all fields of work were represented in this survey, including, but not limited to, acupuncturists, massage therapists, orthodontists and many more.
What is your take on no-show fees? Do you think they are justified more for certain things than others? Let us know in the comments!
