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Debbie-FernRidge Labradoodled
"Lookers"--how do most of you deal with emails from-
Sat May 12, 2012 19:26
67.142.166.22 (XFF: 97.73.228.43)

local folks that are interested in Labradoodles and just want to come and "look". They say--see how the breed is---see Mothers and Fathers. I'm sorry--I realize I should accommodate this, but I simply don't have the time. I have in the past, but we live very privately on 8 acres and don't appreciate "looky-lou's".(and people "casing" the place). I'm I being unreasonable or how should I address this situation?

Lease this WebApp and get rid of the ads.
  • We require application and at least 7 days notice, this stop — krista Rainmaker, Sat May 19 14:51
    the I am in town people who rarely would buy anyway. I at least know they are serious as they filled out an application. We do not require a deposit but they don't know that and usually assume we... more
  • I don't any more. I have spent too much time with — Jacque, Gabby Jack Ranch, Wed May 16 02:18
    people like this, they come, stay for 2 hours (and it takes me time to get my home and dogs ready for visitors) and they fall in love with the breed and don't want to wait for my litters so they end... more
  • I have wasted more time allowing — Christy - WCR G'doodles, Sun May 13 21:10
    folks to come in and "see" our dogs. As impressed as they always seem, they either buy from someone else due to timing or some other issue. So, I flat out do not allow visits for any reason unless I... more
  • Thank you for all your great input! Lots of — Debbie, Sun May 13 16:04
    good thoughts---I replied to one lady thismorning and she wrote back: oh, I completely understand! We are going to Seattle to help my brother move and are going to visit several breeders there, so I... more
  • Hold a meet & greet 2 times a year — Barbie, Sun May 13 11:01
    in the spring and in the fall. that way you can schedule it in advance and work your schedule around it. It's really hard when you have kids and their activities trying to work around visitors coming ... more
  • I meet them at a dog park when I was planning to go anyway (nm) — Todd, Can Chocolate LDs, Sun May 13 08:58
  • I do this all the time. — Carol Dean, Sun May 13 06:37
    I also live out on 8 acres. I have the time, am an empty nester, but families must come when I allow it and I only give out my address after I have spoken with families and have a puppy application... more
  • I struggle with this as well. What I've come up with — Linda - Canadian Doodle Puppies, Sun May 13 06:20
    is, first I insist they fill out an application. It seems that step makes people who are really just looking for a way to spend an afternoon uncomfortable. They basically have to give me all their... more
    • One other thing..... — Linda - Canadian Doodle Puppies, Sun May 13 06:24
      I do confirm what they are looking for in terms of gender and colour and if I don't have it, then I discourage a visit. If they genuinely seem open to consider other colours and genders, then I would ... more
      • lookers — linda@omg, Sun May 13 08:13
        I've had people tell me that they are just beginning their research and have not decided to buy yet because they want to see adult doodles first. These people apparently(so they tell me) have never... more
        • I try and to meet all people who want to visit but — Barb @ Gemstone's, Sun May 13 14:18
          I require a signed visitors form with instructions on how to meet us safely. I make them park down the hill and clean their shoes and hands before coming thru my gate. About 1/2 of my visitors buy in ... more
  • refer them to a doodle romp — joy shadymaple, Sat May 12 20:59
    I don't do looky loo's . Only familys with an approved application and deposit.
  • Your program, your marketing, your rules — Cris VA Labradoodle, Sat May 12 19:48
    If you are able to place your pets in a timely fashion without offering "lookey-loo" appointments, then why inconvenience your family time? If you are not selling your pups quickly, then consider it... more
    • I meant to say also- it is slow selling puppies- — Debbie-, Sat May 12 20:54
      however, we are a small program with 2-4 litters per year. I've advertsed alot--not locally in newspaper--folks won't pay price, so we rely on website---but still slow--we have lovely fully tested... more
      • if you are losing sales to other breeders — Amy G. - Sound Labradoodles - WA, Sat May 12 22:20
        because you take the time to sell people on the breed first and THEN find out their requirements, clearly you need to switch that around. Pre-qualify your customers. Don't let them steamroll you with ... more
        • That's so true, Amy — Janece -Goldendoodle Acres, Tue May 15 10:08
          I work the same way. Interview the people first. They love to talk about themselves and it gives me a good idea of what kind of clients they will be. :o)
        • thats an excellent approach (nm) — joy shadymaple, Sun May 13 15:29
      • Response — Cris VA Labradoodle, Sat May 12 22:14
        I agree with what Joy has shared. My response was "We only accomodate visitors with an application/deposit on file.". With that, the lookies go elsewhere. Those with a commitment will pursue. I used... more
        • How do they know they want to commit — Carol/scl, Sun May 13 06:40
          If they have not met you or your dogs? I wouldn't, which is why I do allow visits. I do requrie a puppy application as stated above. I can see how an active family with kids etc that visits would be... more
          • commit — Cris, Sun May 13 07:30
            I inform them that the deposit is refundable if they come here and do not think we are a good match (for any reason). I have never shipped a dog, so I have met all the families who have purchased... more
    • Thanks, Chris--I see your reasoning--and I agree — Debbie-FernRidge Labradoodles, Sat May 12 19:53
      however, how do you politely respond to their request? I've told them I have 2 puppies available. They aren't interested. They want to see the parti mother that MAY have puppies this fall--
      • Just politely decline — joy shadymaple, Sat May 12 21:06
        say " at this time we are not open for visitors except for families with an approved application adn deposit. I am sure you can understand that with this being such a popular breed we get many... more
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