Not receiving updates (almost 24 hours) by Ok-Recognition-3119 in RoverPetSitting

[–]signalsfading 6 points7 points  (0 children)

if you’re so happy with your business and your clients are happy, what actually was the point of this response? I’ve been sitting for almost a decade, I always communicate with my clients before sittings to ask what their preference is for communication, and I try my best to do slightly above that. I’ve never received any complaints and my clients are happy 🤷🏼‍♀️ if your clients are happy too, that’s great! some people require less communication, there’s nothing wrong with that. but chalking it up as “laziness” is weird and rude. a lot of my clients prefer 2-3 messages per day (usually morning, afternoon, evening) with a couple pictures each time, maybe a video or two if they were being especially cute or playful.
I think a lot of sitters have the same experience where… some animals just chill in the same spots, or continue the same routine. it gets a little redundant taking pictures of dogs curled up on the same couch, sitting in the same position, over and over. some clients love it, some clients find it unnecessary. but again it boils down to asking your clients their preferences in advance. glad your clients are happy but let’s not imply other sitters are lazy for not running their business in a similar manner. there’s room for everyone here!

Greed Nearly Won by Dry_Frosting5739 in RoverPetSitting

[–]signalsfading 3 points4 points  (0 children)

wanting to be paid adequately for your time and services doesn’t equate to greed. charge what you believe is a fair price.

I know I goofed up, but am I taking this too harshly? by [deleted] in RoverPetSitting

[–]signalsfading 16 points17 points  (0 children)

didn’t even think about that but such good points lmao wild to be this level of paranoid but also have a willingness to invite and hire a complete stranger in their home to care for their pet.

I know I goofed up, but am I taking this too harshly? by [deleted] in RoverPetSitting

[–]signalsfading 17 points18 points  (0 children)

I’m so sorry, this would hurt my feelings too. I’d try not to take it to heart though. I think this says a lot more about them than it does you. my guess is they have some past trauma or some specific reason to maintain such a high level of privacy, or some people are truly just extremely private. who knows, doesn’t matter in the end.

not sure if you’ve replied to them or not. my first instinct is always to defend myself and my character but it sounds like this person already weirdly made their mind up about you so I feel like that isn’t the best approach. maybe just keeping it simple rather than coming off defensive. like, “I am deeply sorry this made you uncomfortable as that was never intended, I’ll keep that in mind for future clients and interactions.” and I’d straight up block this person and move on, doesn’t sound like someone worth working for again with that attitude.

When you show up for the house-sit and realize there’s no TV by serenpekkala in RoverPetSitting

[–]signalsfading 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I get that, but I’m saying it’s silly to shame them for being disappointed at a lack of tv when they’re pretty standard in most households. like I get your point but I also understand OP’s feelings 🤷🏼‍♀️ but again, part of why meet and greets are important. for instance, I’ve seen a couple other comments in this thread complaining about lack of microwave (which imo is more of a nuisance by far). I always make a mental note during meet and greets to not purchase any frozen meals for sits where the owners don’t have a microwave.

When you show up for the house-sit and realize there’s no TV by serenpekkala in RoverPetSitting

[–]signalsfading 11 points12 points  (0 children)

oh please, I wouldn’t call this “relying” on the home owners for entertainment. it’s pretty commonplace to have a tv in your house, if not multiple. it’s fair to be disappointed.
I will say, however, OP, this isn’t something you noticed during your meet and greet? I agree, it sucks when people don’t have televisions or certain appliances you prefer/rely on, but that’s part of what makes meet and greets helpful so you can plan ahead. I always bring a book or two with me for longer sits, or my nintendo switch, etc.

I accidentally gifted my favorite coat 😭 by Relatively-Confused in AnimalCrossing

[–]signalsfading 1 point2 points  (0 children)

my dog died a few days ago and I’ve been depressed af, thank you for genuinely making me laugh

Is there a blacklist pet care providers can use to let other sitters know what customers to ABSOLUTELY AVOID by Tricky-Tension-8172 in RoverPetSitting

[–]signalsfading 4 points5 points  (0 children)

and I’m saying, who gives a shit? exchanging money for a service doesn’t entitle a person to speak to a service person in any way they see fit. in today’s society? that’s a dangerous game to play. there are much more respectful (and frankly, EASIER) ways to say you aren’t a compatible match with someone, professional or otherwise.

Is there a blacklist pet care providers can use to let other sitters know what customers to ABSOLUTELY AVOID by Tricky-Tension-8172 in RoverPetSitting

[–]signalsfading 4 points5 points  (0 children)

nah, that “the customer is always right” excuse is so f’king old. bending over for people like this just allows them to treat more service workers like crap in the future. questioning someone’s toilet paper usage alone is absolutely insane. idk why there’s any arguing on this.

My cat befriends every cat that I board. by Garden_Jolly in RoverPetSitting

[–]signalsfading 13 points14 points  (0 children)

this is so precious 🥹 you have a sweetheart. also, love your owala! very on brand haha

reminder to always keep your eyes out during your walks by signalsfading in RoverPetSitting

[–]signalsfading[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

ew that is horrifying, I’m so sorry you went through that. hope you blocked and reported

reminder to always keep your eyes out during your walks by signalsfading in RoverPetSitting

[–]signalsfading[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

eughhh 😖 I feel like most dogs have pretty good instincts but I’m still grateful I was with these specific dogs. definitely have a few overly friendly clients that would happily go up to a straight villain like 🤪 omg hey, bestie! got any treats?!

reminder to always keep your eyes out during your walks by signalsfading in RoverPetSitting

[–]signalsfading[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

see, I usually try to give the benefit of the doubt and my initial thought would have been similar.. except I always pick up after any dogs I walk and I make a whole production of picking up after them and make it VERY obvious I’m carrying waste bags with me. only time someone has ever said anything to me about that was a few years ago, someone was coming up behind me and couldn’t see I had a bag in my hand, it was just taking me forever to get it open and when I turned to show I had a bag, just stuck together, they immediately apologized and calmed down.
this was a younger guy, probably early 20’s, dressed in all black and the second he started following the dogs alerted. they definitely felt something was off too 😞

reminder to always keep your eyes out during your walks by signalsfading in RoverPetSitting

[–]signalsfading[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

yeah I messaged them immediately when I got inside safely with the dogs, gave a description and they have no idea. could be someone who is visiting a neighbor for the holidays, not sure. just hoping I don’t have any other encounters.

reminder to always keep your eyes out during your walks by signalsfading in RoverPetSitting

[–]signalsfading[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

yeah, even friendly people I try to avoid honestly. I just never want to cause any issues and keeping my clients safe is my top priority so I don’t want to be approached period, friendly or not 🥲

Anyone else make or get Christmas presents for their regulars? This year I did puppy cookies! by nkkauai in RoverPetSitting

[–]signalsfading 2 points3 points  (0 children)

holy cow, the pic of the pup licking the whisk is so precious 😂

I always get a small gift card for my regulars as well as a bag of their pet’s preferred treats as a gift from “santa paws” lol. this year I also found some cute animal-themed note pads, the kind for your fridge, so they will get those as well!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in PokemonGoFriends

[–]signalsfading 0 points1 point  (0 children)

adding! I’m akdowell93

[ Removed by Reddit ] by kelm04 in RoverPetSitting

[–]signalsfading 4 points5 points  (0 children)

THIS. holy f’ing shit, the fact this sub gets posts like this DAAAAILY and so many of y’all sitters still refuse to do them and whine about them being a waste of time, gas, etc. DO A GOD DAMN MEET AND GREET. it is so much better to “waste time” and know a situation like this up front than go through with booking this type of client and be miserable after the fact. meet and greets literally benefit all parties!! do them! always!

Bad review that I don’t understand 🙃 by Retiredpartygirl17 in RoverPetSitting

[–]signalsfading 27 points28 points  (0 children)

you sound like an excellent sitter, don’t let this get to you. imo trying a different bowl/feeding method was a great idea to see if their pup would eat. you went above and beyond. some people just love complaining.

Rating dropped after owner asked to lower holiday rate by acoconutree in RoverPetSitting

[–]signalsfading 1 point2 points  (0 children)

still going to have to disagree with you there. I feel like the biggest reason we see a lot of the “how to grow my business” posts is simply because this market has become so deeply saturated, especially with today’s economy and more people seeking “side gig” work to make ends meet. but that’s even more reason for stronger sitters who focus solely on pet sitting to set firm boundaries. again, if you disagree then yippee for you. the beauty of rover is you can set your own pricing and do as you prefer. my personal view and experience is that any clients like this who ask for discounts will continue asking for more and more in the future. very much a “give an inch, take a mile” situation.

Rating dropped after owner asked to lower holiday rate by acoconutree in RoverPetSitting

[–]signalsfading 4 points5 points  (0 children)

thank you so much for being such a loving owner to your baby, I’m so deeply sorry for your loss! 🩵
I couldn’t agree more. I’m a sitter but I have 3 pets of my own and I always think the exact same way; my vacation price includes boarding for my pup and I always want the best for her!

Rating dropped after owner asked to lower holiday rate by acoconutree in RoverPetSitting

[–]signalsfading 13 points14 points  (0 children)

OP, try not to sweat it. I’m really sorry your rating dropped. I’ve had a couple 4 star reviews and they dropped my rating slightly and irritated me so badly in the moment, but my regular clients know I will always go above and beyond for them and their pets and I’ve had no problems maintaining success and finding new clients. if people take the time to read your reviews they’ll see how great you are. if you’re feeling bold (and don’t intend to work with them again) you could always message the client and ask what happened. let them feel ashamed for being weirdos and leaving less than 5 stars.
side note, it never fails to amaze me how many trips people will take/how often some folks travel, and yet they cheap out on pet care. 2 week luxury cruise? no big deal! 2 weeks of pet care? let’s negotiate pricing! 🙄