How to handle nonresponsive potential client

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I may be in the minority, but I don't entertain that sort of client. If they are interested, they reply quickly - usually withing 24-48 hours. Any longer than that and I archive it and move on. I don't follow up. The good thing about the system archiving instead of deleting is that if they respond after you archive it, you'll still get the message and can proceed if you want/are still available. If they never respond, you're not out anything. If you leave a request sitting in your inbox, you might not show up in the search results for someone else's inquiry. If you have to remind someone or chase someone down, they're not interested and have found someone who better suited their needs. If they feel obligated to show up for a meeting, they might do so even though they've already decided not to book with you because they feel like they're being polite. This has happened to me even without reminding them. So, In a nutshell - customers like this aren't worth the time.

I agree with Cassandra. I have also experienced the "just asking" contact from a new person. I always respond ASAP. Immediately in most cases. I've been in an important meeting, gotten a request but been unable to respond until my apt. is over. By then, they have moved on. Frustrating. Also, I have contacts that "string me along" with many questions, starting out with dickering over my fees. When that happens, I know they are working with several others in a "price war" to see who will give them the lowest price. I feel my price is very fair. When you consider 24/7 care for less than $1 per hr. that's a great deal in my book! I, too, want their business. For those who contact me but don't set up a M&G: Professionally, after 1-2 days later I reach out again. After 3-4 days, I send cheerful contact asking if they have found pet care that meets their needs yet. If not, I am still available for them. Some do respond & book. Others never do. I archive those who never respond. Hope this is helpful.

It's up to you, but for me, if I don't get a reply, I wait 1-2 days, send a follow up message, and if I don't hear back within 2-3 more days I archive it. If I have other requests pending for that same time period, it'll be on the shorter end of the spectrum; if I don't, I'll give them a bit more time. If I have other clients competing for that time, I'd much rather book with the clients who will respond in a timely manner, because it makes my life easier.

I agree with both of you. I do my best to respond in a timely manner, and I expect the potential client to do the same. On the other hand, I want the work. So, I wait a day or two and then send a follow up. If you aren't available for the "new" dates, then you arent' available. End of discussion. Simply say something like "I apologize for the confusion, however those are not the original dates requested. I am afraid I am not available on the new dates. Please feel free to contact me in the future with any further requests. I would love to work with you." Or, something less cheesy. Haha.

What if it's the other way around and you haven't heard from your sitter in a few days when you are trying to find a dog sitter?

Really, because I've been asked for my address!

 It is very frusterating to deal with clients like those. I,m

also new to the booking process. I delt with two of them. One didn,t even reply back yet but I think I hit the booking button to soon. I hope this gets easier for ypou as well as me.

When does a client see your address?