Losing Business for Preferring Meet and Greets?

I don't think it's necessarily their aversion to the meeting. I think either they are price shopping or just want to see who responds first. I've even had owners book and attend the M&G, everything went well, then they message that their family or friend will be taking care of the dog. That tells me they were just price shopping.

Not responding with 'I made other arrangements' is not limited just to pet sitting.

yes, as other said, they are just shopping for the cheapest deal. I agreed to watch one client without m&g and it was the only dog from hell that I've ever had, completely out of control and destructive. So now, meets are mandatory. If they don't respond, you probably dodged a bullet.

I echo what the others have said. I don't take it personally and I don't accept dogs without a meet and greet. The one time I did, the dog was a nightmare. I had even done an extensive phone conversation with them prior to the stay. They lied about EVERYTHING. "Sure he's been around dogs!" (They later admitted he hadn't.) "Sure he's neutered." Nope. "He LOVES cats!!" Maybe loves cats as snacks!!

I figure if someone doesn't want to do a meet and greet they probably weren't a good fit for us or the dog was just a better fit for another sitter. :)

I haven't had this experience. Most of my clients are very excited for the meet and greet. I think serious owners want to know the environment they will be leaving their dog in. As for lack of communication; it happens and all you can do is take the high road and be professional.

This happens to me all the time, and I immediately respond to almost all requests. As soon as they send one request, Rover prompts them to send another, and another an so on. Don't take it personal, keep asking for meet & greets.

I look for clients that plan ahead and will be repeat clients. A long term client will frequently book you the first time to try you out, say for 2days. Usually last minute booking requests from first timers mean they are panicking and usually don't go through. I recently turned down a request for November for a new dog for a two week stay. I would never take a dog I don't know for that long. Ask yourself, would you leave your dog with a stranger for that long without trying them out first? I would also never take a dog without a meet and greet,period. I look at dogs as peoples family members and only want clients that put some effort into their care.

In answer to your questions - yes and yes - they contact several sitters and don't follow up with all and/or don't want to meet (or are only setting up m&g in order of their preference one at a time). And Yes, it would be great if everyone followed up with a thanks, but we've made other plans. With new requests it's not unusual when that doesn't happen.