Okay.. So after searching the world wide web and not finding anything on this topic I decided to turn to the trusty CC Website.

I run a small cake and events business from my home, I am a mother of three and have a pretty full schedule. With that being said, How accommodating do you have to be to your clients?

I mean don't get me wrong. I am a big believer in quality product and outstanding customer service. 

But where you draw the line? and lose business for that matter? Okay let me give a little of a back story as to where all of this came from. I got a call for a wedding cake consult and and tasting.

I don't offer tasting without charging because in the long run I don't find it worth the time and effort that goes into doing this.But I do apply the charge towards the purchase of the cake if they do book with me. 

Now I gave the client my available timing and days to come in. None of them seem to work for her, I offered a phone consult and a "to-go tasting" she declined. Should I feel bad? I am more angry though because I didn't accommodate their schedule they decided not to use me. I am totally fine with that, but am I in the wrong for sticking to my guns about my business timings? I mean if you were to go in an order from a known bakery you would setup a time that they had open right? So what makes me any different?  Over to you guys... thanks for listening to my rant.(climbing off my soapbox now)

AThis will always be a balancing act. What were the times they wanted and why couldn't you meet them then? If this was a one-off occurrence, then forget it. If it's happening a lot and affecting your business, maybe you need to rethink your priorities.

I think you handled it perfectly! If your family is more important at this time then grow your business a rate you can handle. They could have picked up a taste sample to go, then scheduled for a later date if they wanted a face-to-face! You can't be all things to all people! 

Yeah, it happens all the time. I give dates and options, and if that doesn't work then obviously we aren't going to work. Can't please everyone, and some people are either just really busy or just plain difficult. 

I figure I'm a custom studio and I keep everything small for a reason. People with difficult schedules will probably end up at a local bakery that has a large staff and lots of business hours to accommodate almost any schedule. I can't be that person. If my times and dates don't work, then I feel bad, but not too bad :)

I provided her to meet anytime from Mon-Fri between 9am -6pm. No consults on weekends due to prior orders and events.