Disappointed in a business followup to my request for a quote

[Pace]

After reading the BRILLIANT flying solo book last week I decided to contact 2 business coaches about a quote and chose 2 from the Flying solo directory. However, 72 hours later, I haven't had a reply from either

I know people go on holidays and it's also possible that I've chosen 2 that no longer have their business for whatever reason but haven't removed their directory listing, for example.

But it got me thinking, how long is too long to respond to a client email?

I guess I'm now analysing this for my own business - how many days after an initial email is too long for a prospective client to have already moved-on and lost their excitement of the possibility of working with you?
Am curious as to what other members think as a professional timeframe for return contact and if anyone uses auto-responders or anything?

[yourvirtualboard]

Service is often used as a differentiator and I believe that includes initial response to contact.

We live in an instant society and people expect really fast responses because technology is so portable. Not too many excuses for nothing after 72 hours. If going away or unreachable use a diversion or auto responder (personally don't like them but ok just to advise there may be a delay in response).

[gossipism]

there is a certain level of expectation and it will vary on the query and the person as well.

so there is no right and wrong answer. (apart from the stupid ones, ie never).

however, you have to look at it from a tech view. you should also play your part. if there is no contact within 72 hours+ then call them.

your email could be in their junkbox or filtered so they may not even have it in the first place to reply to.



if the email is quite important, stick a read receipt on it. some businesses still allow this through and so if you get their read receipt and no reply, then you may be onto a bad thing.

[FS Administrator]

Originally Posted by Pace

After reading the BRILLIANT flying solo book last week

Thanks for the feedback!!
Only hope you can now hook up with the right coach.
Good luck!

PS: there are many coaches as members around here in our business directory http://www.flyingsolo.com.au/directo...iness-coaching

[execva]

I have a business policy that all email contact is replied to within 24 hours - I usually reply same day but the policy is 24 hours.

Like it or not we live an instant-gratification society - and with smartphones and ipads in every pocket and briefcase, instant is even faster!

If I send a response to a request for info and hear nothing back I follow up 48 hours later (just in case the message was junked or they missed it). If still nothing I follow up in a further 3 days. If nothing, in a week ... then I leave it.

I generally don't phone - though I know other businesses do - mainly because they have approached me via email which indicates to me that is the way they would like to be contacted. If they have asked for a phone call, then naturally I'll respond that way.

In your case it may be as you say that they are no longer in biz, or were on leave, or your message got junked as spam - or 1000 other reasons. So since you are the person seeking the services, in this case you could follow up with a call just to check.

HTH

Cheers
Lyn

[Khalid Adam]

If there is no form of acknowledgement within 24hrs, walk away.

For example, when i was offering consultation and coaching, my practise was to respond within 12 hours and let them know when i will contact them to discuss further.

[Pace]

All very true and good points - would you believe the same thing happened when I was doing some research for a client who is looking into what web-based program to use her practice (she's a Psychologist) and I'm checking out different ones for her.
Anyway - 2 emails and a phone call to one program developer... and no response. Finally got a phone call back from them and they never got my emails.
I suggested perhaps their email link on their website is incorrect or my emails went to their spam... either way I'm glad that I phoned them.
And you're right - we do expect things to happen pretty-much instantly these days

[AdvancedPetSitting]

Here is my story from this week. Monday morning sent 2 rquests to 2 different graphic desiner websites. Today is Saturday morning and still nothing... I'm sure it didn't go into their junk mail because I filled in a contact form from their websites.

I answer email requests usually the same day or if they have arrived in my inbox very late I would answer the next day.

To me not having an answer and having all kinds of excuses (espacially when people go throught the online forms) is the worst costomer service and even if they eventually get back to me I would not do business with them. I hate being ignored when I'm ready to spend my money. There is enough fish in the sea and I'll be fishing elsewhere next week.

[BlackCoffeeComms]

I agree, they should have at least acknowledged receipt - even if just an autoresponder...

I know a couple of great graphic designers if you want a referral...

[AdvancedPetSitting]

Originally Posted by BlackCoffeeComms

I agree, they should have at least acknowledged receipt - even if just an autoresponder...

I know a couple of great graphic designers if you want a referral...

Sure I'm happy to talk to anyone who actually cares about getting new clients. And I'm the type of person who sticks with the same business if I like it