This has been annoying me for some time so I thought I would see if it happens to others and how you handle it.  I meet brides-to-be for free tastings and consultations.  If the bride doesn't book with me on the spot, I ask them to let me know what they decide, either way. (It won't hurt my feelings if they don't book with me, I just would like to know so I don't keep following up with them or think they might book down the road) The ones that don't book with me, will typically just blow me off; a few will actually say they went with someone else.   I usually follow up after a couple weeks or so.  I just think it's very rude.  I take my time and product and they can't have the common courtesy to send an email back if they went with someone else? Does this happen to you?  Is there another way to approach them to get a response?

Thanks,  Michele

I guess I'm rude because I don't email when I choose one service over another either.  Brides are super busy so don't take it personally, it's not like forgetting to write a thank-you note or not RSVP'ing.  

I do, however, answer follow-up emails if they are sent to say I went elsewhere.  It can be awkward to let someone know you didn't choose their service.  

AI don't put them under any pressure, I try to get the sale sure but I don't try to force a decision, neither do I chase them after consultations.

With me they pay for their tasting for which they are given a receipt which states the amount will be deducted from their final bill if they choose to book with me. Booking requires a deposit and until they contact me wanting to pay a deposit they aint booked.

If they don't get in touch I assume they have chosen someone inferior* oops, I mean different :-)

You can't take it personally.  It would be nice if everyone got back to you but frankly people are crazy busy these days even if they aren't planning a wedding.  A simple follow up email a couple weeks later is fine but don't be upset if they don't get back to you.  It's part of business

I'm with Crazy-Gray. In the decade plus my wedding cake biz was open, I followed up not ONE TIME - NEVER- with a bride.  She's had a tasting and a design consult, she either booked or didn't.  If she moved on fine.  So did I - to the next paying customer.  And if she tried to book months later, if the date was open, fine.  If not her loss.  My prices, designs and frankly personality aren't for everyone.  And I'm OK with that.  The one things I'm not ever going to do though, is appear desperate for busienss in front of a customer.

CakesByMichele: I hope that you don't get your feelings hurt too much.There are other reasons for not booking a cake with your business that have nothing at all to do with you or your lovely cakes.

Illness, accidents, breaks ups, postponement of date, change of venue to another town, gone broke, mom's cousin making the cake after all........  chin up!

mb

I can understand where She is coming from. I can see both sides that everyone has posted. Sometimes with personalities it is hard for some of us to not take it personal. It also depends on how we handle our own business ( as in looking around for an item for ourselves)

 I do find it rude of people when they can't give you a quick "I'm sorry I found someone else or I've had to change my plans." I don't care what the reason they give ... just give something.  The time  we spend on planning , researching ,buying and preparing for their special day , you can bet they want us to take our time, be precise , respectful and responsible . It's a two way street cupcake ! LOL No pun intended. 

:)

i mean you are simply setting yourself up for continuous never ending disappointment in expecting peeps to respond--why do that--

control what you can and this doesn't make the list--

I agree with K8memphis.

I do think it's kind of rude, but apparently it's pretty common. Maybe you'd feel better if you charged for the tastings.

AAgreed with all above. I also never follow up. They will choose the vendor best fit for them. I choose to offer free tastings and only give mini cupcakes, and yes it does cost me but thats my business strategy. It may not work for all. Im just like you , too much of a softy. And think about it, if they are no wanting to book with you, an email is not suddenly gonna change their mind. I know you wanna know but if you concentrate on your other orders you wil forget about it.

I think that as long as you follow up with them that there is a good chance you will get your feelings hurt.  If they are interested in your services they will contact you and until they do, go on with your paying customers.  I used to be quite sensitive, after owning a very busy bakery and selling it and doing it at home,,,,I have learned that if you take it all too seriously you will be upset too often...Good luck to you

Well, an update.  I got the order.  I guess she just a slow responder or my email 'nudge' helped.  Thanks, Funtodecorate, you think along my lines.  Just a quick note.  So simple with email now a days.  But I know, people are busy.  I'll try not to be too sensitive about it but I like to blow steam on the message board to fellow cakers who deal with it too.  Thanks!

AI charge for tastings, if they order from me, and it is over a certain price point, it goes towards the total. That alone eliminates most looky-Loos. I give them a small booklet at the end, its a folder card with my menu, policies, contract and business card. That's my 'follow up' these days. I used to do one follow up, but it wasn't necessary.

This has only happened to me once but the mother of the bride called and asked for a consultation, even though the Aunt was making the cake................why?  Because the bride wanted the experience of a professional taste test and the fun she was missing not having one.................................what???!!!!  Ummmm...................no.

And a few come to the taste test not knowing how to figure out how much a wedding cake will actually cost.  Once the decorator tallies the total, they get cold feet and realize they can't afford one on their budget.  A couple come for a taste test to pick your brains about styles, design ideas, table scape ideas, etc.  Then leave with a wealth of information................free.  Happens .............not often, but it does happen.  Just tell them that you'll hold the date for them for 7 days, at which time it is up for grabs to another bride.