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FINDING OUT
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CC
private
Posted:
2/25/2010 | New Horse Shipping In - Help
Hi-rnWe have a new boarder having a horse shipped in. We are not set up for a semi rig. we will be meeting the shippers at the end of our 1/4 mile driveway on the side of our little country road. I have no problem with that, However the shipper said they will most likely be here in the middle of the night. Reguardless if the new boarder will be here or not, I still must get up to turn lights on, open gates, etc. Is it wrong to charge for this? If not what is a fair price? Barn hours are 8am -7pm Thank you in advance |
Megan
WHEC
Posted:
2/25/2010 | Re: New Horse Shipping In - Help
You have every right to charge, especially considering the exchange will happen after barn hours. Do you charge for assisting the vet/farrier, or for trailering? I'd suggest a rate that is somewhere between those two might be best. ex: we charge $20 for holding your horse for the vet, and a base fee of $40-50 for trailering. If your boarder doesn't want to pay the big fee, then they need to make sure that they are there for the trailer so you at least don't have to trek to the end of the drive. A smaller fee would be reasonable for your help in the barn (lights, fences, etc). Also, make sure you have any and all possible paperwork taken care of BEFORE, so you aren't up at 1 am doing that stuff as well.
Good luck with your new boarder! |
Susan
Woodside Stables
Posted:
2/25/2010 | Re: New Horse Shipping In - Help
First impresssions are lasting, I likely would not charge for this at all since I am gaining a boarder and want to begin the relationship as considerate as possible yet professional. I am the type that would consider this an unusual request but a completely out of owner control one. First priority is getting the horse safely in and checked over. If it were me, I would insist that the owner be here, try to get the shipper to give a few hours heads up or a t least a confirmation of their eta within reason. Assuming that your board contract does have vet and farrier holding fees, so you are not setting yourself up for being walked on, you could sit in the wee hours joking that at least you are not waiting on the vet or that you would stay up all night waiting for the new foal also...after all this is their "baby" you are waiting for...it might be a good opportunity to create a great relationship. That could turn into a long term boarder who sings your praises or even a long term friend. |
Emily
FBF
Posted:
2/26/2010 | Re: New Horse Shipping In - Help
Right on, Susan! I totally agree. Each facility has its own personality, and the friendly, professional is who I'd like to be, so I am helpful even if it means a middle-of-the-night receipt of a new horse. Dealing with distance shipping can be so exasperating, but it's out of everyone's control but the shipper, so make the most of it, have some warm beverage with your new client and settle in for a little wait. Starting out on the right foot will make the most of a new relationship! |
CC
Private
Posted:
3/1/2010 | Re: New Horse Shipping In - Help
Thankfully the horse arrived Sunday at 11am. However the new boarder was very willing to pay an after hours fee had he gotten here in the middle of the night.
Thank you for your opinions! |
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