I was googling catering companies in my area and noticed that I had a review listed under my business name. It was bad---very bad, and probably a very legitimate mistake on my part. Some one called when I was way too busy, I took her number, then forgot to call her back apparently. She said, "The lady who answered the phone was rude, hurried and made me feel as though I was bothering her and she did not have time for me."
Things get so hectic on Saturdays and Sundays before a wedding delivery if anyone calls, I know I am not as polite as I should be. The review goes on from there. I am sorry that she had a bad experience. I am very sorry she didn't give me a chance to make it up. I have no idea who wrote the review it was anonymous.

I feel sorry for you. I'm also in the process of looking for a caterer and have the good sense not to call on a Friday, Saturday, & Sunday. I figure they are in full prep mode on Friday, working an event on Saturday, and Sunday must be their day off. Why the heck would she call on any of those days and think you have time to shmooze & chat her up. I don't know if you were rushed or not, but I feel some people think the world revolves around them.

A perfect reason to let the call go to voicemail or answering machine. That way the customer can hear your friendly, pre-recorded voice. Just because you are "technically" there, it doesn't mean you HAVE to answer the phone. If you aren't mentally available when the phone rings, you can call back a little later, when you're not worried about your buttercream crusting prematurely while you listen to someone on the other end of the line! The customers want the "happy you," not the "distracted you."

Brush yourself off, you'll do better next time!!!

Not only does Springflour have the perfect solution, it's easy.

Personally, I have given forethought to the timing of my call to a variety of businesses. I try to avoid calling at busy times.
I don't think it is totally presumptuous but unlikely since most folks don't think like that.

I am a big fan of voicemail. I often don't answer my phone. If they leave a message fine, if not oh well. I have returned calls less than 30 minutes later to be told they called someone else. I have learned to say oh well to that too.

Sorry, they left you a bad review. It really wasn't called for IMO.
Just brush it off and keep going. It is hard but really all that you can do. Sending you hugs!!

Thank you guys for the support and the hugs! I needed that!!! I do know better than to answer the phone when I am like that--just habit. I am going to rerecord my voice message and start putting it to better work. Thanks for the advice!

And, you should have every single review site out there bookmarked and be checking it regularly. I spend an obnoxious amount of time each week scanning the internet. I use different computers to do searches to move my site higher up in results when searches are done, I change keywords and metatags.....whatever it takes to get the other guys further down the list when someone goes looking for a decorator!

Oh, I'm terribly sorry to hear about this!!!

As the saying goes, 1st impressions are often the lasting ones, especially with businesses. As a business owner (not a bakery), I say defintely do the voice message recording for when you're really busy. You can even say that in your message, that you are working on a current client's event and that their call is extremely important and will be returned. If you can put a time frame when the customer can expect a call back that would probably help, too (as long as you can get back to them within that stated period).

At the minimum, I think most potential customers expect to feel like their call to you is important. So whatever you can do to put that smile in your voice will greatly help you get those jobs even when you're extremely busy.

Wishing you the best of luck, continued success, and POSITIVE reviews!

(((((BIG HUG)))))

You might try contacting the website to see if you can post a rebuttal.

As the others say, let them leave a message.


Minette
My Blog www.minetterushing.typepad.com

sorry you read a bad review *hug*

also, if you do regularly check for reviews. There are some internet folks that go out there and leave very bad reviews on purpose. in this case it sounds like you remember the instance and it's not a false claim. but if you do find a false claim you should contact that website and tell them immediately what action you would like taken. Your business and reputation is on the line here!

I'm so sorry to hear about your review. I know that if I call a business and I don't feel like I'm their top priority in that moment (only the moment they're talking to me!) then I feel disappointed in the company as a whole. Self centered? Oh yeah! But that's why they call it the 'service industry'. All this is not to slag you and it definitely would have been nice for her to complain to your face so you could have a chance to make it up. Big hugs, because your stomach probably dropped to your feet when you read that. And here's to learning experiences: they usually suck but they help us grow.

I very seldom answer the phone if it rings while I'm doing a cake. My phone message is short and to the point.

Hi, youv'e reached the home of Cakes For All Occasions. If you would like to leave a message for Bev, please do so after the beep. If you are checking on date availability, you may do so on our web site cakesforalloccasions.org. Thanks for calling and have a great day.

Most people go to the web site and send a message from our contact us page with their cake request.

Well I just googled to find your posting and it looks like you have two really good reviews and a response to your negative one. Maybe if you have some loyal customers you could have them leave a response to boost your ratings. Blow it off, lesson learned, use your answering machine and move on. You offer a lot on your website and it looks great.

à had a whole pile of weddings on wednesday last week.... 9-9-9 ya know. (and they all thought that they were just soooooo original...)

Just a little update....
I was obsessing too much yesterday over the review so I just let it go and didn't get back online. When I came online today, I had a private message from one of our fabulous CCers that actually took the time to make a comment to the bad reviewer, and I got two other very positive reviews. One I know for sure is from one of my husband's best friends, but an unknown client won't know that. I feel pretty darn lucky to have people like this to support me.

I certainly agree that a rebuttal would be a great idea, especially if you are trying to build a business. Rather than make excuses, though, I think just saying I was busy and not thinking, or something like that, would be best. Maybe a bit of an apology, along with a guarantee to those reading that this will not happen to them. Then, get the answering machine (a great suggestion), and set about presenting the best you that you can be!

I am sure your work is fantastic, and that you have many happy customers, so maybe you can have someone post a great review for you.

While this probably cut into your heart when you read it, it is not the end of the world, and you will grow and learn from everything people say...good and bad! Good luck!

sounds like you are doing better!

as far as blaming the women for calling on the weekend, that's just silly. most people don't sit there and think to themselves "hmmm, wonder if this is a good time to call"??? i know i don't...

On one hand I understand, but at the same time I think it's unfair that she could leave a review when she didn't try your product. It's like refusing to stay in a hotel because the doorman didn't smile when he opened the door...

OK-not to completely hijack, but does anyone have a really good voicemail message that doesn't totally insult the customer, and gets the job done? I am tired of picking up the phone when I'm spending time with my 2yr old, but I don't know exactly what to put on my message to encourage them to go online- many clients still want to talk to a real person, you know? I can never come up with a good succinct message!

I'm thinking of changing mine to "Hi and thanks for calling so and so. We are working on ourlatest fabulous creation and can't come to the phone at the moment. Please leave a voicemail and we will get back to you as soon as possible. In the meantime, please visit us on the web at www.whatever, and feel free to shoot us an email with any questions you may have. Have a nice day, yada yada yada." Not literally the yada yada yada, but you get it.