This past month, I've had 6 clients contact me enquiring about copywriting services. When I respond with how I work (turnaround, fees, etc.) 5/6 never reply back. One had the courtesy and upfront honesty to tell me 'thank you but this is over my budget' - something I really appreciate.

The rest dissappear. Any of you guys experienced this? I did send a courtesy follow up and they didnt have the courtest to respond! What ways do you guys secure enquries? Or do you let them go if theyre not professional enough to reply? Your thoughts..?

My quote request form asks for, and offers them a list to choose from, a budget. The minimum is on the drop-down list. So they know beforehand what my minimum fee is, which kills a few tire-kickers at the pass.

But...

I also used to have (since I don't accept new clients anymore) a follow-up process. A quote is good for 30 days. A reminder is sent 15 days later, asking them if they have any questions. A final reminder is sent 25 days later, telling them the quote is about to expire in 5 days. IF they choose not to respond, their quote dies, their file is closed and rates are subject to increase. (I also offer them alternatives, including other copywriters -- who are more affordable and where I get a finder's fee -- or my membership website.

If they don't respond at all during the entire process, it could be a number things. But very often, the money is the issue.

Drop those. As they say is New York, "fawggeddaboudit!"

They're more problems than anything.

Granted, some may come back in 2-3 months time, saying they had to pause for a number of reasons, or they shopped around. I always make sure they know that the quote is no longer good. And I must verify to see if it still applies.

Often it does. But I never let them get off that easily... I will say, "The quote is no longer valid and expired on [date]. My fees have risen, or will rise, and I'm doing you a favor -- all I ask in return is, I'm willing to go ahead at the expired quote, provided that you send me your deposit in the next 3 business days. If not, I'll totally understand and wish you the best in your quest for a skilled copywriter of my caliber and in your budget range."

Again, some of them tend to bully you into lowering your fees. Don't give in. And don't get bullied. If you're desperate, you will be even more so after you deal with these high-maintenance vampires -- because, all too often, that's what they end up being.

A caveat: some larger corporations do take time, for a variety of reasons. Whether they need committee approval, a purchase order, some supervisor's OK, or whatever, you might first want to ask what prompted them to go ahead so late in the game first. Corporations don't like to be bullied -- unless they truly bully first.

My gosh, yes. I understand your frustration, Sammer.

In fact, I planned on brainstorming this morning to see if I could come up with a better approach when I respond to prospects' intial inquiries. I've gotten about 9 requests for a quote in the past 10 days, and only 3 ever replied to my response. I'm left wondering "Is it something I said?" My rates are low, so I can't imagine it's price (but who knows).

It's been fine so far because I already have plenty on my plate, but when I hit a dry spell ...

Michel, I love your idea about the 'expiring quote' - that sounds like a great way to follow up. I think I might just try that.

Do you guys issue "formal" quotes in separate documents, or do you just toss the client some figures through email?

I use a template with an actual date, plus 30 days. And I use a template-driven hotkey program to insert "partially canned" quotes, with variables to customize. The program is "TypePilot," and I offer a free copy here:

http://successdoctor.com/books/typepilot.zip

Yes, Michel raised some very telling points.

The issue for me isnt so much "I need the work, please respond". No, the issue is why they dont reply. I just dont get it. I want to move to the next client but dont want to feel Ive turned away someone because of somehting I did/didnt do.

But more often than not, its the money. Thats why I like Michels idea of making it clear upfront what your minimum rate is - albeit subtely.

When somebody doesnt respond, I say ok, they either cant afford it, they are tire kickers shopping price only, or they died. Remember, they contacted you, you didnt hussle for their business. 9/10 clients I work with are the business owners/decision makers themselves so it refutes the 'I need to get back with the boss on this one' argument.


But thanks for your input, Ill work on doing somehting similar to what you suggested. It will act like a good filter.

LOL. I guess death is always a possibility.

Michel, thanks for that link, I'm going to try it out.

I have no good advice for you, just commiseration. The first week in January, my phone rang off the hook. I got a swelled head, thinking I'd finally arrived. Ten proposals out. Not a single one of them got back to me. I do think it was the money.

I spoke with someone last week, and all the signs were very very good. We talked price, they agreed, then they asked me to send the contract over ... and nothing since. This was the company decision maker, too. Maybe I'm paranoid, but I'm not getting a good vibe. Oy. No fun. I'm still navigating my way through moving up from local Chamber of Commerce type clients to people with decent money to spend. (When I figure it out, I'll let ya know.)

Oh, oh! Updated to add, I just went out to my mailbox to find a big fat deposit check from aforementioned prospect from last week.

Eileen - NICE!!!

If theyre gone, theyre gone. But if you want to have some fun and teach them a lesson, go ahead and set up 50 different email addresses, flood their inbox's with 'enquries' about THEIR products/services, and when they contact you, just stay silent.