Advice if we close to new registrations

RE: Advice if we close to new registrations

Julie Innes — Thu, 24 May 2018 11:24:37 GMT

Yes, we have done this at times!

Sometimes people get frustrated because "but you've been recommended!", but we explain that we are very grateful for recommendations, but our aim is to provide a good and thorough service, within a small practice setting, and to do that we sometimes need to put our existing clients needs before looking to grab new business. Hopefully that reinforces the idea that we are a thoughtful, caring practice whose sole aim is not financial gain! Ironically, that makes us even more desirable! A lot of these clients try again and eventually get in, when things are calmed down!

I tried a waiting list at one point, but it was a disaster! Really hard to manage. Now we just say "you could try again in a few months"

I have (reluctantly!) expanded a little, taking on more part time vets to increase consult times, but like you there are special constraints to how big we can go (and I don't want to get bigger!)

It is, however, a nice position to be in! You don't need to put up with nonsense from clients! Closing your list for a while will set the jungle drums going, and suddenly your practice is more popular than ever . Go for it!

RE: Advice if we close to new registrations

Clive Ansell — Thu, 24 May 2018 09:21:08 GMT

Some of my regular practices have been/are in this position, and have responded by;

1. Increasing prices; drives away the dross to the local corporates; bad debtors, moaners, floating clients, breeders, etc.

2. Increase the number of available RVN appointments, subject to being able to recruit them. There does still seem to be a reluctance to fully utilise RVN's/VN's within the profession.

3. Increase the number of available vet appointments through more staff in the day and/or extended opening hours. Subject to available staff, and those willing to work different, later or earlier hours.

4. Being selective regarding new clients; one of my regulars gets a clinical history and closely vets new clients before choosing whether to accept them or not. Any sign of them being arse ache they are refused.

RE: Advice if we close to new registrations

Joyce Whitehead — Thu, 24 May 2018 08:48:00 GMT

I think you’re right David, it was Julie Innes who closed her books for a while.

(For the linky thing you do an (at) sign then a space then type the name. )

RE: Advice if we close to new registrations

David Mills — Wed, 23 May 2018 21:01:00 GMT

I seem the remember someone else on the forum doing something similar.

Julie innes?

(don't know how to do the linky - Mr G?)

From a business perspective, suppose it depends how long the increased demand continues. Obviously may be restrained by size/rooms/staffing but I've bee through something similar (albeit different sector) and we employed more people - vet and a nurse I think - and the growth was maintained. Don't underestimate the value a nurse can provide in picking up/assuming some of the current workload.

RE: Advice if we close to new registrations

Jill Butterworth — Wed, 23 May 2018 19:51:40 GMT

What a great position to be in. I worked at a busy practice where we did this now and again. Nothing official, the nurses/receptionists were just told to say 'I'm sorry we aren't registering any new clients at the moment'. Nothing formal, and then when work eased off, as it inevitably does sometimes, we just stopped saying it. Emergencies will always have to be dealt with sensitively, case by case, and according to the Guide to Professional Conduct. Most calls are easy to field to their usual vets, because they aren't really emergencies, you just have to be mindful to do the right thing with unregistered panicking clients or true emergencies, to keep your reputation intact so as not to appear like you only care about money...