I was curious & would appreciate hearing from both hobbyists & providers alike, whether this is a significant issue. Why after filling out the reservation/appointment request forms on providers' website that they do not reply in a timely fashion, at times not at all.

Having spoken to other hobbyists at a recent M&G, many seem to have a similar experience of no replies after emailing. Clearly, there are reasons why one may not reply. However, when one has clear verifiable references & handle & the provider is not on tour, to not reply by email, or to call back after a voicemail is left, creates an unnecessary uncertainty on the part of the hobbyist.

Of course, this assumes that the hobbyist is polite in his communication & submits one email and perhaps one further voicemail message, after a few days hearing nothing from the original email contact.

In the interim, one may wish to consider someone else to book with & would want to avoid multiple submissions, to prevent a conflict where one may need to say, maybe awkwardly, to the first submission that another arrangement has been made.

If the economy is truly affecting some in this industry as been suggested in various posts, it would behoove both hobbyist & provider to handle their business communications in a timely manner, so it does not perhaps become a lose-lose situation for both hobbyist & provider.

This said, there are many providers who are very efficient with their replies to emails/voicemails, using their blackberries to stay in touch whilst away from their computers.

Any thoughts on how long to wait (ie 2-days, 3-days, etc) for a reply before moving on to contacting another provider?

Also, what is the most polite response when you do receive a reply, after you made another arrangement due to a delay in not hearing from the first communication in a timely manner?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.