If a client arrives late and you have the time to take the appointment without jeopardizing other appointments, you should _________.

• A. Politely advise the client of the late policy
• B. Refuse the appointment
• C. Ignore lateness
• D. Move the client to a different slot

Answer: (A)

Setting clear boundaries and communicating policies calmly when a client runs late is important. If the client arrives late but there’s still enough time to complete the appointment without affecting others, it’s best to politely remind them of the late policy. This reinforces expectations for future visits, keeps scheduling fair for all clients, and shows professionalism while still allowing the service to proceed when feasible. Refusing the appointment would be unnecessary if you can accommodate, ignoring lateness is unprofessional, and moving the client to a different slot adds unnecessary disruption and inconsistency.