[428street]

We always ask when the project will start.

We always ask to let us know either way if we lose the job or not to let us know even via email.

The problem is they don't return calls, emails, etc. to find out this information.

I've gone so far as creating a draft communication agreement for my customers:

It is on the idealistic side.

UTC Communication Agreement

Summary

This document was created to foster a positive communication channel and
establish mutual respect for both Up To Code and you the prospective client
in respect to each others time and effort in regards to your prospective
telecommunications and/or electrical cabling project.

The undersigned agrees to the following:

1. UTC and client will respond to each other via email or phone with in 24
hours (M-F normal business hours not including weekends or holidays) of any
request for further information, general concerns, status of quote, etc.

Client must communicate with UTC with final decision on outcome of proposal.
No response is not an option. If the decision has been awarded to UTC,
postponed, terminated or given to another vendor client must tell UTC via
email, voice or fax with in 48 hours of the final decision.

At any point in the proposal stage either party can part ways for any reason
as long as they communicate with each other via email, phone or fax. Once
this communication is received both parties agree not to call each other.

If the customer is only engaging UTC for a quote to fulfill their three
quote minimum please let us know and we will be more then happy to put
something together. We understand it is many companies policies to get
three quotes, most of the time the customer has the vendor they want to use
but still needs three quotes. We understand this just let us know ahead of
time.

UTC agrees to make up to three revisions per proposal or upon further
requests by client to revise a 4th time UTC reserves the right to decline to
go further in the process.

Failure to comply with the above agreement will give either party the right
to submit the signed agreement and stated non conforming issue to the Better
Business Bureau.