Busy Summer - a word about customer service

Trashdress-1-2, originally uploaded by ted.sali.

I've been working - a lot.
Don't get me wrong, I love the work, but one thing has disturbed me, I picked up two additional weddings this year because the photographer that was booked originally canceled with little warning.
Now, I understand that sometimes really horrible things happen and they simply cannot make it, but both of these persons canceled because they simply didn't want to do wedding photos anymore, they found out that there was too much work involved.
Yes, there is a lot of work involved, which is one of the two reasons we can charge for, and get paid for the work we do - the work involved and the quality of the product.
Without getting preachy, I'm starting to understand why some of the veterans have so much pent up rage about how 'everyone with a dslr thinks they are a pro photographer'. I'm also starting to appreciate the groundswell of support for the certification of professional photographers, and I think I'm going to be attempting to get my certification sooner than later.
There's an upside to all of this though, is I got two additional clients, and they are pleased with my work, and the level of service I provide. I didn't charge them extra for the short notice, I wasn't booked already and I don't see the need in taking advantage of someone who is already in a stressful position, so at the end of the day, I came out looking like a super-hero.
So, a word about customer service, if you say you're going to be there for your clients, BE THERE, I mean really be there in every sense of the word. Show up on time, be professional, be focused, and do the best work you can possibly do. If you deliver as promised, you'll do well. If you don't, well, you won't be around long, and the herd will thin itself out naturally.
Happy Fall, and I'm Back, Baby!