You pitch, you wait, then you get the email that says:

“We’re not in the position to do this at this time…”

OR

“We’re going to pass on this right now…”

What do you do?

First of all, realize that you can’t win them all—at least not now. But that doesn’t mean you can’t win them later.

How you handle your response to that email will determine if, and what kind of, opportunity you will get later.

Hint: Don’t whine, don’t beg, don’t accuse.

Instead, be understanding, be professional, and give your prospect options…

Start using this email response the next time you get the email above:

Hi first name,

Thank you so much for getting back with me, and no worries! The timing has to be right, and when it is again, I’ll look forward to helping you.

Meantime, so I know how to best follow up with you, could you let me know which of the three options below best describe your interest level with us?

1. Something about our offer just wasn’t a fit for you, and you’ve chosen another company for this. I should let you reach back to me if and when there is further interest.
2. You liked our offer and would have gone with it, but something just changed internally. I should stay in touch and reach back in a few months.
3. You’re still in the market, and if we changed our offer just a bit, you’d be open to discussing it. We should set something up to speak again this week.

Please shoot me a quick response letting me know 1 or 2 or 3, and I’ll schedule a follow up accordingly.

Sincerely,

The next time you get an email telling you they aren’t going with your offer, try sending this email back to them.

You’ll be surprised at how many responses you’ll get, and you’ll especially be surprised by how many 2’s and 3’s you get.

Happy selling!

Further resources are available in the Mr. Inside Sales blog by clicking here.