I'm wondering - what method do you all use to get a testimonial or solicit feedback after the event?

I've only ever heard from one bride that sent me a thank you note afterward. I've done probably 20 wedding cakes in 10 years - just here and there, but I've really never asked for them to provide feedback.

Any advice/suggestions would be great!

I don't. My theory is no news is good news. If there is a problem you will definetly hear about it.

I was wondering the same thing...... I am on Wedding Wire and I got an email the other day giving me the opportunity for brides to leave reviews (even if they were non-wedding wire clients) and I was wondering how I solicit these reviews...... maybe an email asking them to post it? An offer (*ahem*) of a free 6" anniversary cake?

I think testimonials go a long way for helping brides make decisions - as far as reputable bakers go. (??) Just my opinion. I saw someone that had it in her Client Form. At the end there was a check box for "Sent postcard to bride for follow-up" or something of that nature. I guess I agree no news is good news, but does that mean my work was good enough for them to tell a friend? That's what I want to know!

Wedding Wire has a form where you can fill in up to 5 emails and they send the email to the 5 customers, with a link where they can leave feedback. If they give reviews to 5 vendors, they get some kind of gift card. It costs me nothing to be listed on wedding wire. As with any advertising, be careful if you're operating unlicensed.

If you "pay" someone (money, with a cake, etc.) my SIL, who works in marketing and advertising, tells me it must be disclosed that the testimonial was compensated.

But I agree with the 'no news is good news'.

Good to know! I'll keep that in my advertising file for future reference! Thanks~

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10367464-93.html

Happened across the above article that states the FTC is going to crack down on paid or "freebies" for endorsements. THe articles seems to imply they are looking at celebrities and they conceed it would be hard to police, but I wanted to share an "official" source that reinforces my above post about giving a free cake for a testimonial, rather than leave it at "debi knows someone who knows someone" type of thing.

I used to write and make sure the customer was happy but I gave that up for the most part...I figure yeah, if I don't hear back, everything's okay.

After all, I rarely write a company when I am pleased with a purchase...I just don't complain! (I have a few times written though, if I'm pleased with customer service....)

A link to another article about the FTC's new rules which go into effect on 12/1 from FindLaw as indydebi indicated previously.
http://news.lp.findlaw.com/ap/ht/1700/10-05-2009/20091005073507_09.html

glad to hear the consensus it not to solicit the feedback. speaking of wedding wire, i was at a wedding merchant business academy in las vegas 2 weeks ago, and the 2 guys that founded wedding wire were there, speaking and had a booth set up with martha stewart weddings. pretty good info. nice guys.

thanks Everyone! I guess since I've never heard anything I should consider it a good thing.

Ever notice how many people have testimonials on their websites?? That's what got me thinking!

Happy Baking.