> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.chefmaison.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# The client doesn't answer

It happens on every marketplace, and it's not a reflection of your profile, your pricing, or your professionalism. Here's why it happens and what actually helps.
## Why clients go quiet
A client might stop responding for reasons that have nothing to do with you:
* They contacted several chefs at the same time and chose someone else.
* They were just exploring the platform, without a firm plan yet.
* Their date, guest count, or budget changed.
* They moved forward with a different option — sometimes even outside the platform.
* The booked a restaurant
* They just changed their plans, is life
This is something we can't fully control, and it's completely normal. Not every request is meant to convert — the goal isn't to win every single lead, it's to convert the *right* clients.
## What ChefMaison does automatically
When a client goes inactive after receiving a proposal, ChefMaison automatically sends reminder emails encouraging them to respond. The final decision, though, always stays with the client.
## What you can do to improve your odds
|| Dont spend too much time into your first message: Keep it short, warm, and engaging.
* Reply **quickly** whenever a client interacts with you.
* Start with a **simple proposal or price indication**, rather than a fully detailed menu right away.
* Ask **1–2 clear questions** — date, number of guests, dietary needs — to keep the conversation moving.
* Confirm the client's expectations are aligned before building out a very detailed menu.
* Show interest and flexibility early; refine the menu once the client shows real interest.
* Send a **polite follow-up** if the conversation goes quiet.
* Stay **consistent and patient** — bookings build up over time, not from every single lead.
## How the ChefMaison model works
Think of it as a lead-based system: you'll receive several requests, send several proposals, and only some of them will turn into confirmed bookings. That's expected, and it's how the whole marketplace works — for every chef, not just you.
> 💡 Pricing and fit are naturally subjective — some clients will find your price perfectly reasonable, others won't, and that's normal too. Staying consistent with a good first message and quick replies is what moves the needle over time.