Setting expectations from the start can help and not working with people who don't match your work style is another

I can't remember the last time I worked with a client who demanded instant gratification. I set expectations up-front with my clients on how I work and they respect my boundaries because they understand them and why I have them. Someone who refuses to respect my boundaries and time would not be a client for long. That being said, unexpected things do come up and I try to accommodate as best as I can (especially favorite clients).

I do the same thing, Paul. You know, I do try to accommodate as often as possible but, if I can't fit them into the calendar, they are always good with waiting. 

I will say this, if they are in a popular price range, I will drop everything and take them to see something so they don't miss it.

I have my time block set, some times are non negotiable, and a few blanks are left open for those unanticipated things that come up.  When someone needs something that my assistant cant handle they get scheduled during one of my available slots.

Well? Do you feel lucky?

I always kept my agenda very loose Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS .  I rarely boxed myself in time wise. The most time I would ever ever block off for any one client was half a morning or a half of an afternoon. That would leave me plenty of flex time.

I do not - have not run into that in 16+ years. I just d\on't take on more business than I can manage. I am very responsive to my clients. Sometimes more so than even they expect. 

I do what makes sense. If I am not available, I make other arrangements. If that is not suitable...well you can't please everyone.

Yet...I strive to deliver to my clients.

I can't imagine not having my day set out before me, well in advance.  I don't take last minute appointments and neither do my Sellers who demand at least 24 hours notice of any showing.  For example, last weekend was a holiday for Victoria Day.  It is the first long weekend fn the Summer and people are busy in their gardens or opening up their cottage or out on the water boating, etc.   I have a guy from your part of the world demanding to be shown thru several of my listings, all high end for this area.  I explained to him that they were not accepting showings over the weekend but would be happy to during the next several days after.  He went ballistic stating his time was money,  lol.  When I stopped laughing, I explained that he was in Canada now and that my clients valued their time over his money and that we obviously were not a good fit.  (He called 3 days later requesting an appointment!)

adjust if I can but not a big fan of oiling a squeaky wheel.

There is truth in the saying "the squeeky wheel gets the grease."

I find that if people are not good at waiting at least a couple of days, they are not very good clients in the end. The ones that demand instant appts, etc suck as clients. They are like energy vampires & have a low success rate.

I always had flex time built into my schedule, but never let any one client dominate to many slots!

Yes, I set the expectation up front when we first meet. I schedule gaps (aka appointment time) in my calendar because people will need to look at homes at the last minute. Homes here can go quickly. If I have someone who has to buy vs. lookey loos I will make time for them. If I cannot and it is a perfect home, I'll get a showing agent to assist me. It's not a fool proof schedule but, helps tremendously.

Michael Jacobs has the answer Paul.

I used to, now I don't!

You can lay the ground work for what your day ahead is going to look like. But shifting gears when a change of plans is needed takes thinking on your feet and asking questions.

The demanding customers... are they qualified, cash burning a hole in their pocket to buy today? Of have to sell a home first that is not even on the market, has no buyer hooked in, etc? Like an ER, it is triage with the eenie meenie miney moe on who you work with.. who you can help at any given moment Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS !

In our market, if the client is a buyer, I'm glad they want instant gratification because the next instant the property will be gone. So, I either help them during the same day or find someone on the team (or in the office) that can. 

Seller's not quite as urgent but again, someone that wants to meet and act fast is the kind of client I want more of. Bring'm on, I'll figure out a way to service them.

If you want to grow your business then you have to conform to the client base. If you are in an area where most clients expect fast responses then that is how you respond. If you have a business already built up to your satisfaction then you can do whatever you want.

I try to accommodate the best I can, but if I have others scheduled I tell them that I will fit them in. 

YES and it drives me crazy. They dont want me to answer my phone when i am with them, but they want the phone answered when i am with anyone else. They dont value my time

I remain as flexible as possible, but I can only be in one place at a time.

I set boundaries and expectations one day one. I rarely run into to someone with amnesia, so moving forward, we each know what we've agreed to.

When on a mission I invite communications thus satisfying the need for all

Depends on the situation.  If it is a listing or buyers rep appointment, I can adjust my schedule.  

Yes, I've had those type of clients.  I just move along and if I'm really busy with other clients I let them know that I can't get back or respond to them until xx time.

If you think about it, biuying or selling a house is the biggest thing people do. SUper stressful and high pressure for an individual who may only do this once or twice in their life.

If they see a house online that they fall in love with and want to see, you better believe I will do my best to show it to them.

Of course, once under contract, I set expectations on time frames, etc

If you want their business, you may need to meet their needs.

yes.  

Paul,

I agree with Michael Jacobs .

I do whatever is needed to keep them happy.

But that will be completely in compliance with the welcome message.

Gratification will come at 1 and 6 PM, if they leave a clear message stating exactly what they need.

Sometimes the voice message is a great filter. "Please call me back" is NOT a clear and concise message but IS an attempt to jerk the chain.

I would pass.

Agree with Michael. 

Hello Paul,  I figure I only had clients like that.

I try to accommodate within reason BUT I do let them know this is a business and certain things should not be expected.

I do have a client like this right now.   THEY want instant gratification, but never answers the phone or reads email timely.

Yes, it is the reality of our time. Everyone wants the answer fast. 

Most people understand that I'm one person.  I never want my schedule to compromise their progress to the goal line though and will bring in back up as needed OR alter my agenda if it really shouldn't wait.   "Drop this second and run" though will NOT happen. 

we have our limit....and when we reach it, it's not pretty, but we able to finish the deal....

In my experience, the "instant" ones were not the "real" buyers, so I learned to let them go to find their instant gratification elsewhere (or waste someone else's time...). Serious buyers with whom you have a relationship should respect your time and schedules.