Calling Brides

[karmstrong]

I get a brides lead list every monday from a site and some brides give their phone numbers as a form of contact. How do most brides actually feel about getting a call from a wedding vendor?

[Kacie_bride]

I wouldn't like being called out of the blue. I wouldn't mind something coming in the mail. If I was interested I would call the vendor.

[LaceyinPgh]

This is a personal preference. Do NOT ever call me. I hate when people call me, especially pushy people. I actually did not book a venue that I liked for the rehersal dinner because the woman called and was very pushy explaning to me how things were going to go. I work all day. When I come home I am mentally exhausted. The last thing I want to do is talk to someone I don't know and didn't ask to call me. Mail me something. If it interests me I'll find you.

[karmstrong]

But would you put your phone number in your contact information if you didn't want to be called, because there are some in the lists that only have addresses, so as a vendor should I assume that since they put their phone number that calling them wouldn't bother them?

My next question would be if I've already sent out a flyer/mailer....would a follow up call to the mailer be ok??

Thank you Ladies both. I haven't ever called because I feel funny about calling somone that I haven't met, but on the flip side I always wonder if it's something I should do because it is within the information that is sent to me, you know?

[CindySue]

I dont leave my # unless Im ok with someone calling. Is there a way to ask? Like have a box to check if they dont mind a call. Or have it written that if they would like a call then leave their number.

[Kacie_bride]

When I fill out things I usually just fill the whole thing out not really thinking about it so yeah I'm probably guilty of putting my phone number on contact info. Is the site a place where they go requesting info. If they are specifically asking for more information then I would say call. If I put my number down on something when I want more info I don't mind them calling me.

About the follow up call after mailing something, I wouldn't do it. Personally when I get something in the mail and I'm not interested I don't want to have a vendor call me. It annoys me. Here again, if I am interested I will call after I've looked over the information. Also sometimes they may call before you've even had the chance to look over it and that is super annoying.

[usahgrad]

I know that on many things I have filled out, the information has been required...so they end up with my phone number even if I don't want to give it out.

I have to agree with Lacey, send a mailer and if they're interested, they'll find you. I am so annoyed when I get phone calls for things I've already booked or things I don't need. I don't like to be called either and work too long each day to have to deal with people I don't know using my minutes on my phone to sell me something I don't need/want. If they need/want you, they'll call you.

[WebLady]

I usually don't call brides unless I met them at a bridal show or something. I have done a few follow up calls before and that went ok. I really don't have the time to cold call people though.

My contact form asks for a phone number but if you don't want to give it, you can just put all 7's or some fake number or just 'Don't Call' Most forms that ask for a number are only looking for 7-10 characters ;) I also ask 'How would you prefer to be contacted'

For me, I find that post cards and emails work best ... usually with a special offer of some kind. But as for booking brides, I have gotten 90% of my brides from referrals from other vendors.

:goodluck:

[WhiskeyGirl]

I hate it when I fill something out and then lo and behold I get a mysterious call from ANY sort of vendor!! I usually just put my number because it is required on the form!

I agree with everyone else, send out a little pamphlet or something! If they want your service they will call you!! Or you can have them mail you back a survey and have a question would they find ok if you called! DOn't forget to include postage so they can send it back to you!! :)