[pbhj]

You don't have to be available - "sorry all our technicians are occupied at the moment we can fit you in tomorrow at 2".

They either go somewhere else or wait, you get to sound like a bigger outfit and one that's busy. Plus you didn't lie to them, even if you're watching telly that counts as "occupied".

[domodomo]

Unfortunately with businesses that won't be a satisfactory answer, and they will go elsewhere. What's worse, they won't recommend you to other businesses, and as word of mouth is your cheapest and most effective marketing tool...that would be put you in a bad spot.

[pbhj]

What do you recommend then for a small business (me, or me + 1) if I'm with another client or otherwise occupied I simply can't attend the second place. I don't have reserves to support a second worker until they turn enough revenue to keep themselves ... so, hotshots, what-do-you-do.

[domodomo]

You will find that on-site needs of most of your clients is actually not that high, and most issues can be resolved remotely. Hardware is more reliable than it used to be, and business are increasingly buying hardware with replacement warranties or leasing.

So I would recommend installing a free program like logmein.com on all client PCs you will be servicing on an ongoing basis. This way you can provide quick response time, even when you are unable to be physically at a client's site.

Hope this helps.