Why aren’t my buyer leads responding?

Overview

It can be frustrating to reach out to multiple matched buyers and not hear back.

While TellTail’s matching service is designed to connect you with interested puppy buyers, there are many factors that influence whether a buyer responds — some of which are outside our control.

This article explains:

• Why buyer leads may not respond
• How to manage expectations as a Certified Breeder
• Lead nurturing strategies that increase your response rate
• Our terms regarding refunds and memberships in relation to unresponsive leads

Understanding Why Leads May Not Respond

Once TellTail matches you with a buyer, both you and the buyer receive an email with each other’s contact information. From there, the conversation is in your hands.

Here are common reasons buyers may not reply:

• Timing changes: Buyers’ circumstances can change quickly — they may decide to postpone or have already found a puppy elsewhere.
• Message overwhelm: Buyers may be contacting multiple breeders at once and overlook or delay replying.
• Email delivery issues: Your message might land in a spam or promotions folder.
• Lack of connection in first contact: A generic or minimal first message is less likely to spark interest.

Managing Expectations with TellTail Leads

TellTail is not a brokerage or sales agent — our role is to facilitate introductions between Certified Breeders and potential buyers.

The success rate of converting those leads into sales depends on:

• Your breed’s popularity
• The quality of your program presentation (photos, profile, description)
• Your outreach and follow-up approach
• Current market demand
• Each buyer's decision whether or not to connect with you

Best Practices for Lead Nurturing

Breeders who consistently convert leads into sales often follow these strategies:

• Respond quickly: Aim to reply to buyer leads within 24 hours.
• Personalize your outreach: Mention their stated preferences (breed, timing, location) and highlight what’s unique about your program.
• Include high-quality visuals: Share clear, well-lit photos or short videos of your puppies and facilities.
• Set expectations early: Be upfront about pricing, waitlists, go-home dates, and your breeding practices.
• Follow up: If there’s no reply after 2–3 days, send a friendly follow-up message. Sometimes, persistence pays off.
• Diversify outreach: If you have a phone number, try calling or texting in addition to emailing.

Resource: A Certified Breeder's Secret to Success in Selling to TellTail Buyers

Refunds and Membership Policy for Unresponsive Leads

We understand how disappointing it can be when leads don’t respond. However, as outlined in our Terms of Use :

• Membership fees are non-refundable once purchased, as substantial resources go into generating your Certified Breeder badge, lead matching, and providing educational resources from day one .
• Buyer responsiveness is outside TellTail’s control, and unresponsive leads do not qualify for membership refunds.
• Your membership is valid for a full year, allowing ongoing lead generation and the opportunity to build relationships and waitlists over time.

In Summary

While it’s normal for some leads not to respond, using strong lead nurturing practices, maintaining realistic expectations, and leveraging the full length of your membership can significantly improve your results.

TellTail’s role is to open the door — how the conversation progresses is up to you.

Need help? Contact our Breeder Support Team at hello@telltail.com for personalized outreach tips.