Is it just me, or are people just downright rude these days?

I have had two people lately contact me to do weddings based on the referral of other people. Emailed back with quotes as requested with a suggestion to meet and chat about everything. Never heard anything else. Not even a "no thank you" response. I don't know if maybe they thought I would be cheaper or what. I'm assuming they saw the photos on my website and were happy with the quality or they wouldn't have contacted me. I'm not exorbitantly expensive, but I'm not super cheap either. But what's wrong with a simple email back saying that sorry but that's more than we can afford? I'd call, but they don't put their phone numbers in.

Are you sure they even saw the emails? emails are spotty at best these days.

Expectations are getting out of control these days..remember its 2011 we all have magic art/shutters button's.

cheers
Darrin

I think perhaps your expectations are a bit high in regards to return emails. If something about your email disqualified you in their eyes, they have no responsibility to let you know, especially if haven't progressed any farther than that initial email.

I sometimes think the same thing but consider this:

what if the bride spent an afternoon looking for a variety of wedding vendors (including photogs) and she emailed for quotes from 4-5 of each of those vendors in each category (flowers, DJ, transport, cake, you get the picture). remember, she's probably not done this before. now she's being inundated with emails and maybe phone calls if she left her number. and even though you were a referral you could have very easily got shuffled in the mix.

you didn't mention her date or how long you've actually been waiting for a response either but her wedding date is definitely a factor. if it's a year and a half out (many of mine are) then she may not be in a huge hurry. she may be making her way through the emails or she just may be swamped at work or other things going on.

believe me, it's annoying as hell but you do have to consider that some brides you'll never hear from again and you may never know why. and sometimes it takes months for them to get around to organizing a consult, and even responding to an email.

the bottom line (for me) is that if they really like your style and want to meet with you, they'll be prompt in response and book you.

just let the "rude" ones go.

If all you did was sent an initial e-mail with some basic information and prices, I doubt you'll hear back unless they decide to use you. When I send out info, I rarely ever get any type of response if they decide not to use my services.

Hmm...different expectations I guess. I always respond to emails, even if it's just to inform someone that I'm going a different direction, not going to use their service, whatever, etc.

One couple I met and discussed the date, times of things, etc. and they wanted a contract so I sent them one, and then nothing at all. I had someone call about the same date they wanted and it's just awkward. Technically I won't reserve a date until a down payment is made, but I don't want to be a jerk about it. I mean if the new couple booked and reserved and then the others called two days later and wanted to pay, etc. I'd feel like a jerk.

I guess maybe I expect too much.

If you have their phone number call them.

You could open the conversation by saying you wanted to follow up your email, then use it as an opportunity to remind them of your skills, talents and all your available services that make you the greatest wedding photographer in the universe.

If you are the only photographer to take the time to make a follow up call you might get the gig.

BTW yes I think people are rude not to reply to emails. Common courtesty has disappeared

Happens all the time, not just with photography, but life in general. Just have to brush it off.

Funny story, I was e-mailing back and forth with one bride about covering their wedding, agreed on a price for what they wanted. I sent back an e-mail explaining that I take a 25% deposit and the balance needs to be paid in full prior to the event. Got an e-mail back that she meant to send to her soon to be husband (forwarding my e-mail) that I was out of my mind thinking they were going to pay before the event.

I politely replied. "Have a great wedding, thank you" Never heard back from her...

It's not rude.

1. It's just a colossal waste of time for a bride planning a wedding to email everyone she did not choose.

2. Not everyone lives by their email. You and I are connected because it's integral to our work to be prompt in our communications.

To them, you're just a business. In reality there is always someone at the other end so I try to remember to reply with something so the supplier knows where they stand.

Though its a unrelated industry, at work we follow up quotes with another email a few days later to check the client has seen and read the first. This gets followed up for a second time later on. I really don't think you can expect a reply from all customers who don't want to go ahead, many wont have time - simple as that. Some may just have been curious, others will be too shy to say why - but you will get more answers if you prompt them.

Turn on requesting read receipts if you haven't already. Granted not everyone sends them, but it can help.

if you gave them a number, they'll assume that's the only number, and may not let you know if it's in their budget.
If you give them an idea on pricing (aka packages start at $xxx) and would like to know more about their wedding day/plans to give them a proper quote, you should get more responses...

Anyone that doesn't respond, I send a follow-up email at roughly 2 weeks - basically just to mention that I want to make sure they have seen my response, etc...

SMP_Homer wrote in post #12475730
if you gave them a number, they'll assume that's the only number, and may not let you know if it's in their budget.
If you give them an idea on pricing (aka packages start at $xxx) and would like to know more about their wedding day/plans to give them a proper quote, you should get more responses...

Anyone that doesn't respond, I send a follow-up email at roughly 2 weeks - basically just to mention that I want to make sure they have seen my response, etc...

This. pretty much exactly what I do. No price sheet, just "packages start at $..." Then, they pre qualify themselves so not to waste anyones time.

Then I ask for them to come in for a consult so I can get more details that will help me build a package just for them.

Follow up in a few days. I always mention in these follow ups that I'm just checking to see if they even received it because sometimes my emails get kicked to spam folders. Usually then they'll let me know how they want to proceed.

Have you followed up with the bride and groom? I always do and that's when I usually get a response "yes let's meet". She may be crazy busy with wedding planning, so a reminder or 2 is ok, IMO.

I never give a straight number ($$) when I email them back, I give them the range for my fees, saying that on average couples spend $$$ and if that's within their budget I'd love to get together and chat with them. If I don't hear back, I know it was the price, but that's fine - not everyone is my client.

This, and this:

Numenorean wrote in post #12470861
I have had two people lately contact me to do weddings based on the referral of other people. Emailed back with quotes as requested with a suggestion to meet and chat about everything. Never heard anything else. Not even a "no thank you" response. I don't know if maybe they thought I would be cheaper or what. I'm assuming they saw the photos on my website and were happy with the quality or they wouldn't have contacted me. I'm not exorbitantly expensive, but I'm not super cheap either. But what's wrong with a simple email back saying that sorry but that's more than we can afford? I'd call, but they don't put their phone numbers in.

I've been in the situation. The client has all of my information. I will always send a follow up email to thank the client for meeting with me. If they never reply..Oh well...