Getting Ghosted by vendors? 👻 Here’s what might actually be happening (and what to do)
- Kathy Buskett
- Apr 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 4
If you’re planning a wedding or other special event right now, you’ve probably had this happen:
You reach out to a vendor.
You’re excited.
You’re ready to book.
And then… nothing.
No reply. No follow-up. Just silence.
It feels like you’re being ghosted.
In case you're wondering, here's the definition of ghosting:
Ghosting someone is when a person suddenly stops responding to messages or communication without explanation, leaving the other person with no explanation or closure.Â
And when you're trying to hire vendors for an event or for anything, really, this can be extremely frustrating.
But here’s the truth most people don't understand:
Vendors are NOT ignoring you.
Inquiries are how vendors make a living. If someone reaches out ready to book, that’s the best-case scenario for us. We want to respond.
So what’s really going on?
Most of the time, it’s not getting ghosted.
It’s email issues.
Spam filters are catching more than ever
Gmail and other email providers have tightened their filtering systems. I’ve seen this firsthand. Real responses are going straight to spam or promotions folders without clients ever seeing them.
If you’ve sent inquiries and didn’t hear back, there’s a very good chance those vendors actually DID reply. You just never saw it.
Before assuming you’ve been ghosted, check your spam folder and search the vendor’s name in your email.
Work emails can block vendors completely.
Another big issue is work email addresses.
Many companies have firewalls that block outside emails, especially ones with attachments like booking agreements or contracts. Particularly .edu and .gov emails, the firewall can be very strong.
So from your perspective, it looks like the vendor disappeared.
From our perspective, we replied and never heard back.
Meanwhile, the email is sitting in a blocked server somewhere.
It happens more than you’d think.
A real example
Just yesterday, I had a bride reach out ready to book my live caricatures for her wedding.
I responded right away and followed up again.
Nothing.
Thankfully, she left her phone number, so I was able to text her.
Turns out my emails never made it to her inbox.
From her side, it probably looks like I ghosted her.
From mine, I’m wondering why she disappeared.
How to avoid "getting ghosted" when booking your vendors
Check your spam folder after sending inquiries
Search for the vendor’s name in your email
Avoid using a work email if possible
Leave a phone number when you inquire
If you don’t hear back in 24 to 48 hours, follow up
Ask your tech guy to whitelist a particular email address.
Final thoughts
I know it’s frustrating when you’re trying to plan events and not getting responses.
But before you assume a vendor isn’t interested, double check your inbox.
There’s a really good chance they already replied and are just waiting to hear back from you.
FAQs about getting ghosted by vendors
Why do vendors ghost inquiries?
Most of the time, they don’t. Emails often go to spam, promotions folders, or get blocked by work email firewalls. What feels like ghosting is usually a communication issue.
How long should a vendor take to respond?
Most professional vendors respond within 24 to 48 hours. If you haven’t heard back, it’s worth checking your spam folder or following up.
What should I do if I don’t hear back from a vendor?
Check your spam folder, search their name in your email, and send a quick follow-up. You can also reach out through their website or social media if needed.
Is it okay to follow up with a vendor?
Yes, absolutely. Vendors appreciate follow-ups, especially if something got lost in email.
Should I use my work email when contacting vendors?
It’s better to use a personal email. Work email systems often block outside messages, especially contracts or attachments.
What’s the best way to make sure a vendor gets my inquiry?
Use a personal email, double check your spelling, and include a phone number so they have another way to reach you if needed.
Ready for a vendor who actually responds?
If you’re planning an event and want something fun, interactive, and easy to work into your timeline, I’d love to help.
My name is Kathy Buskett, I've been a live entertainer and caricature artist for 27 years.
I provide live caricatures for weddings, corporate events, and private parties. It’s entertainment your guests actually engage with—and a keepsake they take home.
Check availability and learn more at www.caricaturesbykathy.com
Comments