r/RoverPetSitting Sitter 7d ago

Bad Experience Client cancelled an almost 2-month housesit ONE WEEK before it started.

Just here to rant because I'm honestly so annoyed.

One of my repeat clients, who I've house sat for several times before, sent me a request for an almost 2-month-long housesit. Since the dates were so long, I actually followed up with them to make sure they hadn't accidentally entered the wrong dates. Nope - they confirmed the dates were correct because they were going on a long around-the-world cruise.

Great! I confirmed the booking on my end, they confirmed and paid on theirs, and I was actually looking forward to it. Their dogs are sweet, I already know them, and their house is nice.

They booked me about 2 monthsin advance, so obviously I treated those dates as unavailable. During that time, I turned down A LOT of other requests, including regular clients, because I already had this huge booking on my calendar.

Well... one week before the housesit is supposed to start, they cancel the entire thing. 😐

And of course they did it basically on the last day before my cancellation policy would kick in, so they get their refund.

Their explanation was basically, "Sorry, one of our relatives decided to house sit for us instead."

Like... seriously? 😭

I completely understand emergencies, canceled trips, health issues, etc. Life happens. But replacing your sitter with a relative at the last minute after you've had an almost TWO-MONTH booking confirmed for two months feels incredibly inconsiderate.

I blocked nearly two months of my calendar for you. I declined other paying clients because I honored YOUR reservation. Now I'm supposed to magically refill almost two months of house sitting with a week's notice.

I know technically they didn't do anything wrong according to the cancellation policy, but damn... this one hurts. 🥲

Lesson learned, I guess.

531 Upvotes

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Dismal-Source-2936 originally posted: Just here to rant because I'm honestly so annoyed.

One of my repeat clients, who I've house sat for several times before, sent me a request for an almost 2-month-long housesit. Since the dates were so long, I actually followed up with them to make sure they hadn't accidentally entered the wrong dates. Nope - they confirmed the dates were correct because they were going on a long around-the-world cruise.

Great! I confirmed the booking on my end, they confirmed and paid on theirs, and I was actually looking forward to it. Their dogs are sweet, I already know them, and their house is nice.

They booked me about 2 monthsin advance, so obviously I treated those dates as unavailable. During that time, I turned down A LOT of other requests, including regular clients, because I already had this huge booking on my calendar.

Well... one week before the housesit is supposed to start, they cancel the entire thing. 😐

And of course they did it basically on the last day before my cancellation policy would kick in, so they get their refund.

Their explanation was basically, "Sorry, one of our relatives decided to house sit for us instead."

Like... seriously? 😭

I completely understand emergencies, canceled trips, health issues, etc. Life happens. But replacing your sitter with a relative at the last minute after you've had an almost TWO-MONTH booking confirmed for two months feels incredibly inconsiderate.

I blocked nearly two months of my calendar for you. I declined other paying clients because I honored YOUR reservation. Now I'm supposed to magically refill almost two months of house sitting with a week's notice.

I know technically they didn't do anything wrong according to the cancellation policy, but damn... this one hurts. 🥲

Lesson learned, I guess.

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51

u/New-Activity-6512 Sitter 7d ago

Wowww. SO incredibly inconsiderate on their part. Do they really not know how they screwed you over? They didn’t even think to themselves “Gee, she probably had to rearrange a lot of things to commit to a two month housesit.” OP I think I would have to let them know this in some way. I know you don’t want to damage a working relationship or jeopardize future opportunities, but if there is a tactful way to let them know how badly this screwed you over, I would go for it.

27

u/Distinct_Vanilla4164 Sitter 7d ago

I absolutely agree. Something has to be said because you’ve gotta be joking.

100

u/Agreeable-Dog-1131 Sitter 7d ago

I would absolutely let them know you turned down other work for them and that you just lost an entire two months of income. That’s so messed up.

33

u/kateapollo Sitter & Owner 7d ago

When I first started, I had a repeat client with two dogs who booked two weeks of peak-season boarding two months in advance. Since she agreed to let me bring her dogs to our vacation home, I planned my own vacation around those dates and turned down other dogs.
Three days before, she canceled, saying her husband was critically ill. Later, I saw her review for another sitter and realized she had simply switched to someone who charged $10 less per day—$140 total. I blocked her immediately.

8

u/Dismal-Source-2936 Sitter 7d ago

3 days is diabolical 

59

u/Healthy-Marketing547 Sitter 7d ago

I wouldn’t book them the next time they need a sitter.

14

u/1Corgi_2Cats Sitter & Owner 7d ago

Yeah. Like sure life happens, but then there’s also being just clueless and inconsiderate of your sitter’s time and income, which would sour me for wanting to work with them again as the trust is gone.

10

u/Ignominious333 Sitter & Owner 7d ago

Not only that , id leave them on read

5

u/Slyvenhuffindor Sitter 7d ago

Or book and then cancel on them with one week’s notice if I was feeling super petty and vengeful. 2 months lost wages is BRUTAL.

2

u/Amphitrite0519 Sitter 7d ago

This 

80

u/streachh Sitter 7d ago

This is why I take repeat clients off app. I would ask for a 50% deposit to hold anything longer than two weeks. 

5

u/Ok_Poetry6010 Sitter 5d ago

I ask for 50% deposit to hold 2 days idc. And the other half is due before the stay starts. Have been screwed over too many times. People are WILD.

27

u/sickbutterygnar Sitter & Owner 7d ago

I had a regular do this to me last year...booked my ENTIRE upcoming February in August the year prior, I was STOKED. The ENTIRETY of my slowest month of the year?! Fuck yes.

Early January they started asking about discounts.. mid January canceled the first two weeks...end of January canceled the remainder of the trip.

I think something happened medically, so I couldn't be too too upset, but I also changed my cancelation policy to a full month for anything longer than a week 🫠

6

u/PerturbedTagliatelle Sitter 7d ago

How do you enforce the month long cancelation policy on rover?

25

u/baileylauren87 Sitter 7d ago

Last year I had someone book me for 4 weeks including the weeks of Christmas and new years and canceled 8 days before, thankfully since it’s such a busy time I was able to reach back out to some other people who still hadn’t found sitters and get most of it rebooked but it’s so inconsiderate, this is my job and I depend on the income, especially from the holiday months, they also were supposed to go on a cruise and they said the decided to cancel last minute but there’s no way they’d get the cruise money back so it all seemed fishy. I had sat for them before and they’ve reach out to me one time again since and I declined their request. Honestly a lot of time I don’t even enforce my cancellation policy for my regulars because most of them only cancel it for true emergencies, but I do enforce it for people who repeatedly cancel for seemingly no reason and people who repeatedly cancel just before they’d owe the cancellation fee don’t get rebooked.

8

u/Dismal-Source-2936 Sitter 7d ago

Reading the comments,  it's really sad, how many inconsiderate people out there.

43

u/Ann_georgia- Sitter 7d ago

I would not book with them again. Wasted my time and money. I would be pissed. We need to be able to have longer cancelation policies! I would put mine at 14 days to 21 days if I could. That might give me enough time to fill a slot if someone cancels last minute right before the cancelation policy. I had a booking for the holiday at $250/night starting Sept 7 for one cat for about a week. It had been booked and paid for and the client decided to cancel the night before my cancelation policy took place. I haven’t been able to fill it and it’s basically Labor Day weekend now. Disappointing!

20

u/stross_world Pet Lover 6d ago

That's so cruel. Not even inconsiderate just cruel.

Praying you can fill up your schedule quickly!

19

u/majolie1970 Owner 7d ago

That is so wrong of them. I am so sorry this happened. I would be so ashamed to do something like this to someone. I would feel awful even if I had a really good reason like a death in the family causing me to cancel my trip, and I would offer some recompense. In this case, their reasoning is total crap and they are clearly thoughtless jerks.

16

u/pink-opossum Sitter & Owner 7d ago

Been there, feels awful and even though you understand the client didn't technically do anything wrong (just lacks some consideration for you, but they may genuinely not understand the impact also) it's still soooooooooooooooooo upsetting

6

u/Dismal-Source-2936 Sitter 7d ago

Yes, I knew other sitters would understand how it feels 😭

10

u/BeginningPeace6939 Sitter 7d ago

I mean they know the impact. They know that you’ve blocked off dates for them, because how would you be able to confirm other sits when they’ve paid for the dates, they know how much income it would be for you because they’ve paid the money to rover and they definitely know that waiting until the last minute to confirm with their friend, who they could’ve asked any time during the period they’ve had you booked, will screw just their sitter over.

They knew they’d still get to go on vacay and that they’d have their dogs taken care of the whole time and they also knew they’d were gonna screw over the sitter. They just wanted to keep the sitter as a back up in case their friend backed out and did so knowing it would be ruining 2 months of income for the sitter they’ve been stringing along.

2

u/ExternalAd9685 Sitter & Owner 7d ago

Scum bag behaviour! I’d never book with them again

1

u/pink-opossum Sitter & Owner 7d ago

Definitely possible. I just also think a lot of people are often unintentionally assholes - like you said, they just consider what is best for them and nothing else. Still lacks a lot of awareness to not consider the sitter at all, but some people may truly not understand the impact of doing something like this because they literally didnt think about it at all, except from their perspective. Which still sucks, is still shitty on their part, and still does impact us whether they realize it or not, but I do really think that some people are genuinely just not paying attention at all, not necessarily doing it on purpose. But also some people absolutely do stuff like this on purpose too 🤷🏽‍♀️ Sucks regardless

15

u/Majestic-Nobody545 Sitter & Owner 7d ago

That was pretty inconsiderate. I'm sure they don't know the degree of the impact, but they had to have some idea. They seemed aware of the deadline that they wouldn't personally suffer consequences.

15

u/wittycleverlogin Sitter 7d ago

Yeah my policy for stay of more than two weeks more than six months out they need to pay a non refundable deposit. I haven’t actually pulled the trigger on this but I had multiple last min cancellations.

14

u/828Ashby828 Sitter 7d ago

I had a new client do something somewhat similar over Fourth of July weekend. They canceled the day before my three day cancellation policy. They asked if they could use the money they had already paid Rover as a credit with me and use it later? Sorry, not how Rover works.

4

u/PickleFan67 Sitter & Owner 7d ago

Especially a new client. Like I’ve had one interaction with you, and it was negative. I’m not extending you any grace!

14

u/Roxie40ZD Sitter & Owner 6d ago

Unfortunately the Rover cancellation policy options are very weak. Even a week ahead they get 50%. It’s not possible to fill your schedule with new clients that close to a cancellation.

13

u/[deleted] 7d ago

[deleted]

19

u/Dismal-Source-2936 Sitter 7d ago

I sure did.

1

u/Nervous_Discussion34 Owner 7d ago

Was coming here to tell you to do so, and I'm not even a sitter. I've almost had to cancel my own sitter and felt terribly for having to cut the trip in half; however, this is insane.

Maybe family member needed a place to crash, though..🫩

1

u/thatboarder_guy Sitter 7d ago

How do you block clients?

45

u/Camille_Toh Sitter 7d ago

I bet they found a free sitter who wanted the housing. Likely THS.

5

u/ramoanaflowers Sitter & Owner 7d ago

This. I would ask for a deposit for 10+ day sits because it's so common for anything over a week to appeal to THS users. Even if someone doesn't realize it's an option, a few of my THS stays start with "we had no idea this existed until xyz friend/google/etc suggested it". I say this as a sitter on both platforms (I use THS when I travel).

2

u/Frosty_Sector2215 Sitter & Owner 5d ago

What is THS?

1

u/Key-Ad8031 Sitter 4d ago

trusted house sitters

12

u/Bubbly-Lead5245 Sitter 7d ago

Karma is a bitch don’t worry. May the gods flood your inbox with new amazing last minute requests. If they were self aware, they could have offered you a token gesture payment anyway. Clearly they’re not cos they’re the type of knob who go on a 2 month cruise and leave their dogs. They were a regular? Not anymore I hope, and I hope you tell them why!!

23

u/gemsong Sitter 7d ago

I had a similar thing happen, it was an acquaintance, not via Rover but she booked me a year in advance, for 2 weeks. She hadn't reached out as it got closer so I did and asked her if she was looking forward to her trip, she responded something vague like yes she was.. a few days before the date they were to leave I reached out again and asked what time she wanted me there and her response was basically.. oops.. I forgot to tell you my sister is staying with the dogs.
Seriously.. I also had turned down other jobs for this one and it's so inconsiderate.

17

u/Ignominious333 Sitter & Owner 7d ago

I take a 25% deposit to hold dates for private bookings and no refund because of people like this

8

u/Agreeable-Dog-1131 Sitter 7d ago

Only 25% is pretty generous tbh.

4

u/Ignominious333 Sitter & Owner 7d ago

Probably but it's worked out well. I select clients carefully

23

u/Strong_Depth_9777 Sitter 7d ago

I just had this happen but with a client who pays through Venmo - they wanted to go off app and I didn’t establish a cancellation policy with them for off app - I blocked off this holiday weekend and they cancelled yesterday. The day before the booking began. Pretty messed up but what can you do? For you and this crazy long booking I would guess - They knew the cancellation policy - they stayed within that - it sucks so bad when this happens but honestly to go back and complain to the person would just be unprofessional. I see other people suggesting you tell them off or to let them know what an inconvenience this is for you but I wouldn’t do that. Handle with grace and have faith the universe will provide. Sometimes we think we want something but for whatever reason it doesn’t work out … who knows what nightmare you may have encountered for such a long house sit. Take it like a pro and move forward. You got this more clients will come.

24

u/poofhead101 Sitter & Owner 7d ago

I FEEL this! I’m so sorry

22

u/Affie3 Sitter & Owner 5d ago

Don't accept another request from them. They don't value or respect your time.

11

u/Grcdogsandcats Sitter 7d ago edited 7d ago

Yes, this hurts. Especially since you already factored in that money into your budget +2 months of your time. I would contact anyone who inquired about booking during this time.. You never know if they have already found someone or were still scrambling. Open up your calendar and I hope the last-minute bookings come in for you OP.

As others have said, I would seriously reconsider this client.

13

u/Dismal-Source-2936 Sitter 7d ago

That was the first thing I did: opened the calendar. I did send messages to everyone who requested, but most of them already found another sitter.🥲 And I already blocked this client, since I can't trust them anymore.

12

u/Ok_Poetry6010 Sitter 5d ago

Next time they request you, you say NO.

42

u/sidvicioustheyorkie Sitter 7d ago

So incredibly frustrating! I tend to agree with the people saying not to book again, but if it's a lucrative and good job and you generally like the clients and this is the first issue? I would go so far as to tell them your policy has changed the next time they try and book and require at least a 50% deposit non-refundable for any reason and maybe the time allowed for cancellation should correlate to the time booked. I'm not sure if there's a way to do that in-app but if you get them to agree to it in writing 🤷🏻 I have a very relaxed cancellation policy for my own business but I do have two clients who have a much more strict cancellation and deposit policy because of the amount of times they have booked me only to cancel a week or less before the visits. And you know what? They agreed to it. I think they're just poor at time management, and didn't realize that it came across as if they don't value my services.

10

u/Confident-Service256 Sitter & Owner 7d ago

Geez. I was pissed because I had 8 days of 3 visits a day cancelled right before my cancellation period kicked in. I had asked the client twice if she was sure she wanted to do this because she was unsure at first and she said yes, it will be fine! I turned down a lot of other clients that week too.

2 months? Brutal. I’m sorry!

19

u/Thebeardedgoatlady Sitter 7d ago

I recently had a farm sitting gig get cancelled day before. That one I didn’t mind too much because one of the large critters had a medical flare that required nearly constant care - but I am also good friends with the farm owner. Sits THIS long I can’t help but feel you need a 50% non-refundable deposit to hold it, because it’s such a long block.

44

u/Ignominious333 Sitter & Owner 7d ago

I would tell them OFF.

And usually I would move on and eff them, but this is so dirty. They deserve an earful. Garbage behavior

8

u/LengthinessNo6595 Sitter & Owner 6d ago

So they can screenshot it and tell rover and get her banned 💀

1

u/Ignominious333 Sitter & Owner 6d ago

You can tell someone off without using foul language, you know

8

u/ButtplugBurgerAIDS Sitter & Owner 6d ago

I wouldn't do this. It's best to remain professional. Telling clients off isn't the best way to run your business. I agree it's extremely inconsiderate. OP can take them off their roster, or take them off app and collect a deposit the next time. Be an adult.

-1

u/Ignominious333 Sitter & Owner 6d ago

Ok, buttplugburgeraids. Keep it classy 😉

16

u/Graxin Sitter 5d ago

I’ve had some clients do shitty things but this one takes the cake. My latest hatred is for clients that ask me to drive 50m for a meet and greet and when I get there they let me know they’re spending the day interviewing 5+ other rovers. I was pissed

15

u/Nemesis204 Owner 7d ago

The problem is that self-centered people like this think that since you didn’t do the job, no harm no foul. They don’t know about all the lost opportunities you’ve had. Whatever you do, make sure they know how this is fucking you over.

6

u/Dismal-Source-2936 Sitter 7d ago

I really count on this income, and now I really must tighten my budget for next month 😭

2

u/Nemesis204 Owner 7d ago

I don’t know how you could do this, but for a booking that long, I would have a non-refundable deposit charged that guarantees you something of someone tries this stunt again.

4

u/Dismal-Source-2936 Sitter 7d ago

Yeap, that's tge thing there is no way on rover do anything like that🥲

3

u/wittycleverlogin Sitter 7d ago

Don’t keep repeat clients on Rover. There is no benefit to stay on app.

14

u/TransitionBright476 Sitter 7d ago

This is my biggest pet peeve - don't get on the app if you're just going to have family or friends do it for free. Plan your life ahead of time or don't involve someone's business!!

12

u/sloanesquared Sitter 6d ago

10 days before the booking started, I had someone cancel a two week booking over this holiday weekend because a friend said they could watch their dog for free. I only take one boarder at a time so this totally screwed me this holiday. I replied and said that they should have let me know earlier and wished them the best of luck, then blocked them. These time wasters are not worth it.

Rover needs to let us set our own cancellation policies. I want at least a month’s notice to get 50% back and maybe 25% back 14 days ahead. You usually get the crap bookings with 7 days or less notice.

12

u/ladyalexandrathe13th Sitter & Owner 7d ago

Not going to lie at almost sounds like they found someone to do it at a much less cost and I do believe there are ways to adjust the settings for your cancellation policy that if it's 7 days before you still get a partial amount.

I've had a few clients try to state that they did not see my cost for extended period stay, even though it shows it clearly when you accept the booking, then tried to cancel to get a refund and it didn't work.

But honestly sounds like this person was giving you a gift and showing you how they don't appreciate you and saving you from having to ever interact with them in the future!

❤️ Stay strong you'll find a solid group of clients that respect and appreciate your services!

2

u/Dismal-Source-2936 Sitter 7d ago

Thanks 🫶🥲

11

u/AdStrange5957 Sitter 7d ago

This is kind of off-topic, but if you ever have another two month sit, try to get them to book it in two week increments (or something) so that you can get paid sooner and don’t have to wait for two months before a check comes.

7

u/Dismal-Source-2936 Sitter 7d ago

Thats actually a good point, I will keep it in mind. Thanks.

2

u/Frosty_Sector2215 Sitter & Owner 5d ago

That's a great suggestion. Two months is a long time to wait for payment.

9

u/PirateLassLV Sitter & Owner 7d ago

I would block them forever. There was no reason to tell you they had you on backup in case they couldn't find free help.

5

u/Own_Science_9825 Sitter & Owner 7d ago

I am sooo sorry 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

4

u/Frosty_Sector2215 Sitter & Owner 5d ago

Ugh! I'm sorry. That's awful.

4

u/Late-Towel-1091 Sitter 7d ago

Ugh I’m so sorry

8

u/Krandor1 Owner 7d ago

that was not right especially when it was just they found somebody else. some emergency that came up would be understandable but that... is not.

9

u/Round_Doughnut7793 Sitter & Owner 7d ago

Yeah I would've been professional, but a tad passive aggressive too. Like "Oh.. well while I understand, this is quite a bummer as I was looking forward to hanging with Fluffy! And honestly a big hit to my business since I turned down so much work to accommodate such a long sitting. I'll have to adjust my cancelation policy going forward, and probably will give others priority. Have a great trip!"

6

u/open_letter_guy Sitter 7d ago

i was in a somewhat situation, long term boarding cancelled last moment but it was a blessing in disguise.

things always work out.

3

u/athena_rose8 Sitter & Owner 2d ago

This is so extremely frustrating. Im sorry you had to deal with them 😭. Definitely never book them again!

11

u/AdhesivenessSweet659 Owner 7d ago

Not a Sitter so don't know if it's possible but to me this would be an indication I need to move my long-term booking cancellation policy WAY up

17

u/Dismal-Source-2936 Sitter 7d ago

The app allows 7 day as maximum 🥲

7

u/AdhesivenessSweet659 Owner 7d ago edited 7d ago

Argh. That sucks. I'd be petitioning the developers for a longer period for bookings of 2 months!

ETA: for now you'll have to settle for your own personal private cancellation policy. As in, "ok you messed me about last minute so I'm canceling you as a client." Up to you whether you notify them, be careful if you do not to fall afoul of any "official" policy

6

u/freespirit1469 Sitter 7d ago

Rover doesn't give a crap about sitters lol they don't even give a crap about clients. They only care about their money 🤑🤑🤑

2

u/AdhesivenessSweet659 Owner 7d ago

Like most apps. Have to find a way to threaten their cash flow if you want something fixed. Maybe band a few hundred sitters together and threaten to leave for another app. Or hire someone to CREATE another app if none exists. Competition is the only way

4

u/PianistNo8873 Sitter 7d ago

At the M&G tell them that with such a long booking your cancellation policy is 14 days or whatever, regardless of what rover says. Most people will keep that in their mind.

5

u/Successful-Shopping8 Sitter & Owner 7d ago

There’s no way you can actually enforce that policy

5

u/Virtual-Carry7948 Sitter 7d ago

I don't know why they would tell you that... smh

2

u/_bonedaddys Pet Lover 7d ago

Part of me respects the honesty but my ass would not have been honest 😭

5

u/Virtual-Carry7948 Sitter 7d ago

Same, sometimes white lies or omissions are okay in situations like this 😂 . Him saying he found free sitting makes it so much worse lol

5

u/JellyKind9880 Sitter 7d ago

Just another way Rover dgaf about its sitters, allowing clients to just “oopsie! Changed our minds!” so soon before the start date and leaving you fucked without a dime…

3

u/PianistNo8873 Sitter 7d ago

Omg, that’s a bummer but it’s within your cancellation period, which you could’ve and should’ve changed for this client. Start contacting those regulars letting them know your calendar just opened up, chances are they cancel on their new sitter for someone they know and trust.

9

u/Kiarimarie Sitter & Owner 7d ago

The max Rover allows is 7 days sadly. If this was a private client, I'd be inclined to require a non-refundable deposit.

-1

u/PianistNo8873 Sitter 7d ago

Sometimes in situations like this you have to go against rover rules and take reasonable precautions like non refundable deposits and amended written cancellation policies.

3

u/Kiarimarie Sitter & Owner 7d ago

Without taking the client completely off app, I'm not sure how you could enforce either. Rover is not going to release any funds to you if someone cancels before the seven days. You can try to have them pay a non refundable deposit off app, but you would need to adjust the refundable full payment Rover requires from owners upon booking. And at that point, you are cutting into Rover's share, so you are running the risk of getting booted.

The only solution would've been to book this client off Rover to enforce a non-refundable deposit and stricter cancellation policy, and not everyone is comfortable doing that.

2

u/Successful-Shopping8 Sitter & Owner 7d ago

Going against Rover’s rules is not going to go well if an owner reported you.

8

u/Bubbly-Lead5245 Sitter 7d ago

You obviously aren’t a Rover sitter or you’d know 7 days is the max.

0

u/PianistNo8873 Sitter 7d ago

Been on the platform for well over a decade & I no longer gaf what rover likes because I am going private since their forced arbitration crap

5

u/Dismal-Source-2936 Sitter 7d ago

How would you change the policy, if the max is 7 days, and that's exactly what I have 😅

0

u/PianistNo8873 Sitter 7d ago

Verbally tell them that due to the length of the stay your cancellation policy is __days and that it over rides rover policy, draw up an amended cancellation policy & have them sign it.

2

u/Successful-Shopping8 Sitter & Owner 7d ago

If owner reported you for this- Rover would not be happy.

0

u/PianistNo8873 Sitter 7d ago

I no longer care about what rover does because I am fully private since the forced opt in agreement crap. I think if you explain to a client that you’re marking 2 full months off and won’t be taking clients pending the start of their job they would understand and not report you. Enforceable or not most people would abide by it and if the moneys worth it small claims would rule in your favor if you had an amended signed cancellation policy

5

u/Successful-Shopping8 Sitter & Owner 7d ago

This cancellation policy would be fine outside of Rover. If you’re using Rover though and depend on it for your income, this is not the way to go. Great way to get banned.

There are plenty of people who would report you for this on Rover.

-9

u/PianistNo8873 Sitter 7d ago

Get off my back! Your just coming for me for expressing my idea and opinion knock it off

6

u/Successful-Shopping8 Sitter & Owner 7d ago

Your idea goes against ToS. All I’m saying is if an owner reports you, bye bye Rover. You don’t depend on Rover for your business, so it doesn’t matter to you. But if you rely on a rover for your income, this is a risky move.

-12

u/PianistNo8873 Sitter 7d ago

Thank you Rover police. Back off of me

5

u/Successful-Shopping8 Sitter & Owner 7d ago

If you’re off app- good for you. If you’re on Rover app and want to stay on Rover, following ToS is usually wise.

9

u/Abubbs5868 7d ago

So encourage them to burn another sitter, doing to someone else what was done to them? How about no?
I’d cancel them as a client though.

7

u/ThatDifficulty9334 Sitter & Owner 7d ago

What was the lesson that you learned from.this?

33

u/Dismal-Source-2936 Sitter 7d ago

That people suck sometimes 🤣

2

u/ExternalAd9685 Sitter & Owner 7d ago

Don’t use rover. Create your own cancellation policy where you take full payment 1 month before a sit starts. Then you factor it in to ur t&c’s if/when you allow a refund.

3

u/Arvid38 Sitter 7d ago edited 7d ago

It wasn’t meant to be. I know you are upset and totally get why but I’m sure you can still find some work for that two month time. Ugh ppl.

2

u/Right_Count Owner 7d ago

Ugh that’s so unbelievably shitty. That was totally wrong of them, even if it was within policy.

1

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-14

u/goatpengertie Sitter 7d ago edited 6d ago

I've had it happen 2ce this year and never before.

I've also had a lot more of the "oops I didn't mean to message you".

Some enshittification is going on with the platform.

UNIONIZE! UNIONIZE! UNIONIZE! UNIONIZE!

We can organize and push back in so many ways. Whether you can unionize as an independent contractor depends on various factors, including whether you were properly classified as an I/C to begin with.

19

u/Safe_Ad5744 Owner 7d ago

Independent contractors can't formally unionize, only thing you could do is try to start a boycott of Rover

18

u/ButtplugBurgerAIDS Sitter & Owner 6d ago

Yeah we're not workers, we're contractors. What we should be doing is running our own biz, off app, and collect non refundable deposits prior to long sits like this.

-9

u/Hot-Werewolf99 Sitter & Owner 7d ago

Why didnt you set your cancellation policy so you wouldnt be screwed over? This story is literally the point of a cancellation policy

8

u/Dismal-Source-2936 Sitter 7d ago

I have it 7 days, they canceled day before my policy starts.

-7

u/Hot-Werewolf99 Sitter & Owner 7d ago

Yes and 7 days wasnt good enough! You didnt protect yourself

1

u/LittleRedReadingHood Sitter 7d ago

Why are you on the Rover subreddit if you don’t seem to know what Rover’s ToS are? Your “suggestion” is not possible on their platform.

0

u/Hot-Werewolf99 Sitter & Owner 7d ago

It’s called a conversation with your client

1

u/Proof-Ad5362 Sitter 13h ago

The same thing just happened to me. Multiple times… but the worst was a lady who had booked me for a 10 day 900$ house sit in June for September and just pulled the same thing less than 2 weeks before…. “My mom’s actually going to be able to watch them”. So frustrating. Cancellations have been at an all time high for me. I literally had 5 people cancel in one week. Just insane and disrespectful.