my way around this is to go to them to do a consultation before hand and ask for 50% deposit at consultation for a new client, it might seem like such a waste to drive back and forwards just for a consultation but in my opinion it's far better for me because i can get an idea of the area/street/home/client aswell as deciding if for eg. the property was in a block of flats if i wanted to actually do the treatment because of course equipment is heavy and without a lift could be a right hasle not to mention leave you with a sore back. safety is far more important than money. not just that but any potential problems with the treatment i can ask my trainers for advice in advance.
i'm still just practising but i'm having to start charging for products/equipment and it's so annoying when somebody cancels, especially when you have gone through the hasle of getting ready and sorting child care.
i always said i would take deposits up front and this particular person said she didn't get paid until the day i was supposed to be doing the treatment and i was like oh it's ok then so on thursday i went to do patch tests and consultation and give aftercare leaflet etc and the next day 2 hours before the appointment she texted to say she 'hadn't been paid by work'. x