Is it lawful for a mobile groomer to charge me $60 in gas for a missed appointment.?

Question

I had a grooming appointment for my dog this morning and had to take my nephew to the ER. I called the woman after she arrived because of all the chaos and apologized.

She called me back screaming, calling me "irresponsible" and showing an explosive temper. I wanted to give her some money for gas, but after she acted so unprofessional I want to see where we stand legally for this.

Thank you.

Answer 1

She is unprofessional, however you did contract for her services, which she did her best to provide to you.

Write her a check for what you owe and then have nothing more to do with her.

Answer 2

If her standard rates include a charge for missed appointments, you have to pay for it.

Answer 3

If it's in your contract then yes.

Answer 4

Yes.

Many service people that come to you charge a "minimum charge" - this does not cover any work - just coming to your home.

So - instead of the groomer, what if it was an appliance repair person? The dishwasher was on the fritz so you called him. He comes to the house and you are not there -- yep, your going to get a bill for a minimum charge (and that's going to run 75-100). If he comes to your house and you answer the door "sorry, my husband fixed it last night. I don't need your service". Yep - you're going to get hit with a minimum charge.  

Service people charge a minimum charge anytime they come to you. Then they charge you for the work they do on top of that.

But it's gotten even beyond that -- if you make a dr appointment and cancel w/ less than 24 hours notice or do not show up-- they charge you a minimum charge - usually $50 - $60.

I'm sorry you had to go to the ER. But you did not value her time - her service enough to call her or have someone else call her before the appointment to let her know "something came up - can't talk - gotta cancel - please call me later". That would have taken 1-2 minutes.

The groomer spent her gas and her time. She did not book any other clients for that time because she had promised to come to you.  She planned her route based on your home being a part of it.  You cost her more than the gas to get to your house.

So, yes - you owe her a minimum charge and 60 is not unreasonable.  

Answer 5

I would let her take me to small claims court since she acted so rudely. Then I would never call her again. Can you imagine how angry she would get with your pet if it didn't behave?

Answer 6

Don't pay her. you had a medical emergency to attend to, you were not irresponsible and this wasn't your fault. Unless you signed a legal contract stating that you would pay a fuel surcharge for a missed appointment under any circumstances then she can't charge you and even then an emergency is an emergency. I would suggest notifying her that she is "fired" and to find another groomer. I doubt this would hold water in court and if she tries to go that far she is an idiot.  

Answer 7

If the missed appointment fee is part of a contract, even an oral agreement, then you are out $60.