To ask my client why she no longer wants my business?

[Hamsterpantz]

I'm a dog walker and have walked a lady's dog for some time.

All seemed fine and she mentioned, before the summer holidays, that she would not need me over hols (her kids were home to walk dog).

She did say she would need me from September.

I did not hear from her, but have found out she has hired another (more expensive!) walker.

It's her prerogative, obviously, but she has neither let me know nor given me an explanation.

The other walker and I offer identical services.

I honestly can't think why this has happened and am worried I have, inadvertently, upset her.

I don't know whether I should just ask her? Is there any point or will it just be awkward?

[Delatron]

You’ve every right to ask if she still needs the space you’ve been holding for her. You could have filled that. She should have let you know.

[Daytimetvsucks]

How odd! I'd text her with a friendly hi and asking if she needs the dog walked again (say it's no issue if not you just need to know for spaces). Be aware she may fob you off with a complete excuse mind!

[londonrach]

Move on. I run my own business. People are free to choose who they want to use. It be rude to ask why they dont use you.

[londonrach]

But daytime right you can ask her if she needs the space as youve people waiting. That why you know 100% she not using you and can fill the space

[DarlingNikita]

I think you should ask for feedback. Do it neutrally and professionally –do you have/could you draw up a questionnaire, even just a simple tick-box one? Present it as something you send to clients as a matter of course if they decide not to take you on/during a break in using you/if they stop using you.

[BabySharkDooDooDooDoo]

My dog walker had a month or so break for personal reasons and lost a few clients but if i were to change dog walkers id be curteous and let them know and vice versa although I wouldnt change her as ddog loves her and the one i attempted to use once as emergency cover he hated

[WiddlinDiddlin]

I would send out a form asking for feedback that includes a question about 'if you have decided not to use our services any more, are there any improvements we could make'..That way it isn't personal at alla nd gives you constructive advice for the future.

[pasturesgreen]

Another one chiming in to say don't ask anything. Terribly unprofessional. It's a business arrangement, clients come and go.

[Cobrider]

We run our own business and it’s absolutely normal to ask for feedback if business is lost, the opposite of non professional in fact.

[charliebear78]

The thing is if you do ask-You are simply not guaranteed to get the truth so you will be no better off! That said I would want to know so would probably just drop her a quick text to ask if she will be needing your services again-she will have to give a reason if she says no(though methinks she could just say kids/friend are now walking dog) which you will know is not the truth then you are non the wiser-but yes ask!!

[SuperSuperSuper]

The new walker - your friend- thinks you dropped this client. They must have gleaned that from her. I think that there are crossed wires somewhere, rather than dissatisfaction with your service.

[TheSageofOnions]

I don't know about it being unprofessional, but I do know that when I have changed suppliers, trades, etc being rung up and asked for an explanation was bloody annoying. If I want to take my business away that is my prerogative.

[Cobrider]

Even the A&E that I visited at the weekend texted me for feedback. I was really pleased and I told them what I thought went right and also what went wrong, it’s progressive.