When a Cookie Conversation Goes Quiet: Handling Ghosting with Grace

Let's lift the lid on Ghosting...and no, I'm not talking Halloween.

If you’ve been in the cookie decorating world for longer than five minutes, you've probably experienced it: a potential client reaches out, you spend time chatting through their ideas, you put together a thoughtful quote (maybe even a design sketch), and then......crickets.

Every baker has had that inquiry. The one that starts with a fist pump "We're planning a Baby Shower and we'd love some cookies!" - and your mind races with colour palette's, that vintage baby shower vibe that you've been dying to run with.

You reply quickly, pour time into a beautiful quote-hit send...then nothing, nada, zilch, zip-diddly squat.

Days turn into weeks, the inbox stays silent. You start second guessing yourself: Was the price too high? Did I say something wrong? Do they even like my work? Is this even a real person?

Who says our Terrace House Collection is just for Christmas?

Here's the truth: ghosting happens to everyone. It's not a reflection of your talent, your worth or your business.

Often it has more to do with the client's own situation-their budget changed, their event shifted, they got busy, they don't know how to say no or they simply got overwhelmed and forgot to respond.

And then of course.... there's just "those people". You know the ones. Shhhhh let's not breathe life into it. We are all about positivity here.

It stings in the moment, but it doesn't define your worth as a baker or the value of your beautiful cookies.

Most people don't realise how much time goes into quoting and planning custom work. Their silence isn't a reflection of your talent or professionalism-it's often just a lack of communication skills on their part. By setting boundaries and systems, you can protect your energy and maintain a professional image.

So how do you protect your time, your energy, and heart while still showing up with kindness and professionalism? Let's dive in.

How to minimise ghosting

1. Have clear boundaries upfront

   Share your pricing guide, your minimum order quantities and key policies before you start the deep design conversations. There's no point gatekeeping here. This helps a potential client know what to expect and filters out those who may not be ready to commit. It saves you so much time if your policies and prices are available for all to see.

2. Use a booking process that requires action

   Instead of leaving things open ended, send clients an official quote or invoice with an expiry date. For example: "Quotes are valid for 7 days. Your order is secured once the deposit is paid."

3. Create templated responses

   Save yourself from rewriting the same long emails by having a few "ready to go" responses. That way you're not investing 30 minutes into a reply that may never get answered.

4. Communicate next steps clearly.

   End each conversation with a gentle nudge. "We understand life gets busy. If we don't hear back within 5 days, we'll assume you no longer need cookies, but you are always welcome to reach out in the future."

5. Receive a response that's not exactly ideal

   Check out "The Gentle No" in my resource library. It's full of premade replies and ideas for all sorts of tricky situations.

6. Don't be afraid to follow up.

   A simple, kind message like "just checking in to see if you'd like to go ahead with your order" can often spark a reply. If not, you know where you stand and can close the door with peace.

Classic Halloween Faces, perfect for Trick or Treat

Tips beyond the basics

Alongside the steps I've already listed, here are a couple of extra ways to reduce the sting of ghosting:

• Automate reminders: If you use an invoicing software or booking platform, set gentle automated reminders for expiring quotes and payments. This takes the pressure off you and keep things consistent.

• Shift your mindset: Instead of seeing ghosting as rejection, view it as a natural filtering. Clients who disappear are showing you they weren't the right fit, saving you time and heartache down the road.

• Track your inquiries: Keep a simple spreadsheet or track of who inquired, when you replied and the status. This helps you follow up once, and then confidently move on if there's no response.

A Positive Reframe

Yes, ghosting stings-but it can also be a blessing in disguise.

While ghosting can feel disheartening, it can actually work in your favour.

It naturally filters out clients who may not have truly valued your time, skills or artistry.

Instead of chasing after those who disappear, you can focus your energy on the clients who genuinely appreciate your work and are excited to invest in it.

It also frees up valuable space in your calendar-whether that's to welcome new aligned clients or to create ready-made stand-alone packs and products that bring in extra income.

A Personal Note: Keep Ghosting Off Social Media:

Your social media is your shop front-keep it welcoming, not a wall of frustration

One piece of advice I want to share from experience is this: resist the urge to vent about ghosting on social media. I know how tempting it can feel after spending time creating quotes and mood boards, only to hear crickets.

You might want to post something like "So tired of people wasting my time!"-but here's the catch. I know of one person in this industry that regularly does this and to be honest, it always makes me cringe.

When potential client's see those kinds of posts, it doesn't just make the person who ghosted feel called out (if they even see it) - it can also make future clients worry that if they ask a question, change their mind, or take too long to reply, they'll end up on your "naughty list."

What you see as venting can look, from the outside, like frustration or negativity aimed at customers. And unfortunately, that can scare away exactly the kind of people you do want to attract.

Instead, take the high road. Save those feelings for a chat with a trusted friend or another baker.

Your social media is your shop front. It's where clients are looking for inspiration, reassurance and excitement about working with you.

Keeping it positive, professional and welcoming will always serve your business better than venting ever could.

Check out our Spooky Collection of Petite Impressions!

Ghosting is frustrating, but it's also part of running a business. The best response is to implement clear systems, follow up once kindly, and then move on knowing you've done your part.

If you're loving my business tips, you won't want to spend another minute without our Cookie Decorator's Master Planner.