Booking a new service provider can feel like a blind date. You've seen their photos, read a few reviews, maybe scrolled their profile twice. But before you commit your time and money, a few quick questions in the Cerca chat can make the difference between a great experience and a wasted afternoon.
Service descriptions on profiles give you the big picture, but the details matter. Does a "haircut" include a wash and blowout, or just the cut? Does "deep cleaning" include the oven? Getting specific upfront means no awkward conversations at the end about what you expected vs. what you got.
Every Cerca provider sets their own cancellation policy, visible on their profile. But if you're not sure you saw it clearly, ask. You want to know: if something comes up and you need to cancel, will you lose your deposit? How much notice do you need to give?
This goes both ways. You can also ask what happens if they need to cancel on you. Providers on Cerca are required to refund your deposit if they cancel a confirmed booking.
Nothing derails a great appointment like showing up unprepared. Before a lash appointment, should you arrive with clean eyes and no mascara? For a dog grooming session, should your pup be brushed in advance? Before a massage, are there health conditions you should mention?
A good provider will often tell you this upfront in their booking confirmation. But asking in advance is always smart.
Cerca collects a deposit through the app. But the remaining balance after the service. You want to know how that works. Some providers take in-app payments through Cerca; others prefer cash or card in person. There's no wrong answer, but knowing in advance means you don't show up without cash and they don't accept cards.
If your situation is specific. A particular hair type, a dog with anxiety, a tricky repair job, a dietary restriction. Ask if the provider has experience with it. Not to test them, but because it helps both of you. A honest provider who's worked with your hair type before will say so. One who hasn't might tell you that too. And that's equally valuable.
How does the provider respond to your messages? Are they clear, responsive, and professional? Or vague and slow? How a provider communicates before the booking tells you a lot about how the service will go. And if anything feels off, you can always keep looking. There are great providers on Cerca who will be excited to work with you.