Christine,

Our museum does charge admission but we usually get the check when the
group comes for the visit, in case they have absences. Because of recent
no-shows, we've considered requiring the admission ahead of time and
reimbursing overpayment. Have you considered asking for a deposit that
would cover any extra trouble you have to go through (paid staff, etc.)?
You could always return the deposit upon the visit. This may be too big
of a pain, but if it happens often enough it might be worth the policy
change. Sometimes it's  worth calling the school or group the day before
the visit too, in case they forgot to cancel. I hadn't thought of a
letter. Thanks for the idea!

Erin Gerrity
Portland Museum
Louisville, KY


Christine Dwyer wrote:

> Colleagues,
>
> We had a large school tour scheduled for this morning, and the group
> never showed up, nor did they call to cancel.  In order to accommodate
> the group, I had scheduled volunteer docents and paid part-time staff
> to work extra hours.  We do not charge admission or for tours, so
> there is no deposit to hold.  I confirmed the tour with the contact
> two weeks ago.  Needless to say, I am quite aggravated and I'm sure
> we're not the only museum who has experienced this.   So, my question
> is -- do any of you have a letter you send out to "no shows?"  Would
> you share it with us?  I want to emphasize the importance of keeping a
> tour (or canceling it in a timely manner), but I also do not want
> to burn bridges or scare potential museum-goers away...  Responses
> online or offline are welcome.  Thanks.
>
> Christine Dwyer
> Stanly County Museum & Historic Preservation Commission
> 245 East Main Street, Albemarle, NC 28001
> Tel: 704/ 986-3777   Fax: 704/ 986-3778
>
>
>
> ========================================================= Important
> Subscriber Information:
>
> The Museum-L FAQ file is located at
> http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed
> information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail
> message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message
> should read "help" (without the quotes).
>
> If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message
> to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read
> "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).
>

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).