WAHM Forums

okay, I read down below that other people are having lots of cancellations too. I had 5 parties for March and 2 of them canceled on me. Okay, so I pull myself together and plunge forward. Now, I call my April 2nd party woman to get her addresses early on and she will not return my calls. I called her on Wed. and left a message. Called one other time during the week but left no message and called tonight, Sunday, and left another message stating that to please call me back so I can reschedule with someone else if she is not interested. Why can't people just use common courtesy and return a #@! phone call? Should I call AGAIN?

Hi, I'm sorry you are dealing with this right now. I find that alot of times people just don't realize or respect the fact that we do this to make money, not just for a hobby. I would call back Tuesday and say something like "Hi Mary, this is ______ with ______ (sorry I don't know your name or company) and I was calling to go ahead and get that guest list from you for your party on April 2nd so you don't have to worry about sending out invitations. I'm happy to make this as easy for you as possible. I do understand that things come up and sometimes it's hard to return calls. So, I'll hold your date for you until Friday.I look forward to talking to you soon! Have a blessed evening!!"


Or whatever suits your personality. But I do think you should do one more call in a couple days but let her know that you will not hold her date for her if you don't hear from her. If you have someone else wanting that date then I would schedule them for it the day after whatever deadline you set for this Hostess to get back to you.


At least you are dealing with this 3 weeks in advance so there is time to schedule in someone else if she flakes out.


But, do think about this first.....was this person excited when she booked? Has she been easy to get in touch with up til now? Do you know someone that knows her to find out if she's been talking about holding the party and getting outside orders? Do they know if she might have had a sickness in the family or a vacation this week?


Sometimes, there are reasons that people aren't able to get back with you. I would go over the above possibilities before you make your next call to her. It might be something very explainable and next week she may be back and ready to get planning.


I hope this helps. I'm sure everyone will have very different opinions on what to do so before it's all said and done I know you'll have a great solution for your specific needs. Take care and have a blessed week!!

That is an excellent script for a call, Krystal - thanks for sharing!!


I don't know where you are, but my area has been really hit hard with the flu and assorted illnesses. I had 10 bookings going into January and ended up having 4 parties, my February went the same way, and March isn't looking too much better - and now it looks like my kids are getting sick - again!! It's got to pick up, this is just the nature of the game!


Nora

I can tell you that the flu is rampent here, where I live. I have a friend and the Day care she uses has 5 teachers out. I also teach Sunday school, and I had 3 out of 9 show up (I usually get 6 students a week), so it could just be illness. But I like the script Krystal gave as an example. Good Luck!

That is a great script Krystal!


There are a lot of things--Spring Break as well. And we just got dumped on snow. Yeah! People will be home today! smileys/smiley36.gif


I try not to judge, because there are times where I don't return calls. My best friend called 2 weeks ago to talk about our trip in July and I keep thinking about it at 10 at night, she's an hour ahead! And she works during the day. So I'm not ignoring her, I really want to talk to her. But I'm preoccupied.


Debbie

Krystal, I love your script!


Why people don't call back is the biggest question in this business I think. My rule is to call 3 times and after that, be done.


Sometimes I call block my phone number. He he he!!! LOL!! I get the phone answered that way or I use my cell. I would rather have them tell me over the phone they are not interested than not returning my calls.


Ellen

I think the economy is having a big impact - My hubby and I own a retail store and us and all our sisters stores have had the worst year in history - even the grocery store has been terrible - they said it was the worst year in over 20 years - same with a flooring and furniture store here - they said the past year they have had to tap into savings just to survive - so people are just being really cautious about spending -


I have had more people than ever come and switch to our skincare and makeup line that used to use expensive or department store skin care or makeup -so that hasramped upmy one biz - they said I just can't afford the other anymore - so everywhere you look there is signs - it's sad = I think the only ones making really good money are the big boxes and the more economy based products -


I am hoping the economy turns around soon - but it's not looking real good - but with a mild winter - hopefully people didn't spend as much as they thought on heating so they will have a little more money come spring :)


Hang in there - As with all things - this will pass and we learn to adjustour lives to whatever the wind blows in :)


Meg

Krystal,


That was a good script.. thanks. I will try her one more time. A friend also suggested an email would be good too. I am even more ticked off because I turned down a really good craft event for this party because the woman sounded soooooooooooooo excited about it. I just don't understand, I mean really. Can't you just call and say no instead of making me crazy. I will let you all know what happens. Thanks.