It may be spooky season, but the only ghosts haunting me this year aren’t wearing sheets — they’re disappearing into my inbox after asking for quotes, custom timelines, and contracts. In this post, I talk about the rise of client ghosting, why it hurts small businesses more than people realize, and why a simple, honest message goes further than any pumpkin spice latte ever could.
October 4, 2024
It is now October, and ghosts are goblins can be found everywhere. But while I can't speak for goblins, it turns out that ghosts are found all year long.
This wedding season has been the worst I have ever experienced when it comes to ghosting. Since April, I have taken the time to hold multiple long conversations with some clients, to meet them in person, to provide customized quotes, and to prepare contracts at their requests, and then. . .nothing. I never hear from them again.
I wish all clients were courteous and respectful of all wedding vendors. It is perfectly okay to tell us that you have decided to go with someone else. It is okay if we aren't what's best for your specific needs. And it is okay if our services are not within your budgets. Just tell us.
I ALWAYS want what is best for all clients. And, admittedly, sometimes I am NOT what is best. I wish I was always the right fit, but sometimes, I am just not your guy. I do not take it personally. In fact, I tell all clients in my first conversations with them that I hope their events are absolutely magical no matter who DJs for them, and I genuinely mean it. Especially when it comes to weddings. I am a romantic through and through. I always want what's best for the brides I speak with, and sadly, sometimes I'm not what's best. It makes no difference whether couples book me as their DJ or not. I honestly wish all couples the very best, and I hope whoever DJs gives them the weddings of their dreams.
But as a small business owner, sending out information and contracts takes real time and effort. It is a part of the business, and I genuinely enjoy talking with prospective clients. If I send a message to follow up with you, please reply with something. I do not mind at all if couples change their minds and decide to hire other DJs. I understand. Really, I do.
If you are reading this blog, and if you are currently planning an event, please always send a reply. If you tell your vendors, "Thank you for your information; we'll look it over and get back with you once we make a decision," then please follow through. It is okay for clients to send a quick message that reads: "Thank you for all of your help, but we've decided to go with a different DJ." We will not be mean or rude when you tell us this; rather, we will be grateful that you were thoughtful enough to tell us. Reputable and seasoned wedding vendors are understanding, and we do not hold grudges. We do not burn bridges. If we did, we would not be in business for very long.
Here is the issue: when you have suggested or implied that you want me to DJ for you, I typically turn other clients away when they ask about your date—a date I believe I have already secured—and that is when things turn sour. Some couples never get back to me—they ghost me—and I soon realize I have lost business by turning others away.
Please send your wedding vendors messages back even if it is to say that you need more time to think it over or that you went with someone else. Sometimes prospective clients assure us that they will book with us, and then, we never hear back again. It has happened to me more than two dozen times this wedding season.
Please know this blog entry is not about any specific people whatsoever. I am just posting this as a friendly reminder that honest communication goes a long way. Everyone should know that it is okay if I am not the best fit for their weddings or their parties. I have been doing this long enough to know that my weekends will be booked eventually, but that does not make ghosting any less frustrating. Please just communicate—with me and all wedding vendors. It is the courteous and respectful thing to do. And it means more to us than you know.