In sales, it is common to be rejected by the buyer in almost any purchasing situation.  The solution: finding out how to handle the rejection, whether that means finding a way around the customer’s hesitancy or accepting that they will not be making a purchase.

Rejection comes from not wanting or needing something. In this case, the buyer does not feel that the product or service is necessary or desired in their life. Typical methods of rejection include something as simple as a “no thank you” to “I don’t have the time or money for this sale” to “I am not interested.” Although there are many more examples of sayings people use, those are some of the most common.

How do we solve the problem with customers shutting the seller down, either immediately or after a sales pitch? The seller can be a good listener and ask as many questions as they can to discover what the customer needs. Some customers are easy and require little convincing to buy a product or service, but the situation is not always that lucky. By being a good listener and asking questions, the customer will understand that the seller is genuinely interested in the person, not just the sale. Selling is more than just making the sale and collecting the money; it is about building customer relations and holding a meaning conversation. Most customers will not purchase a product or service unless there is a direct need. So as the seller, figure out a way to provide for that need by getting to know the customer. If the customer feels a genuine connection rather than a pure business transaction, they will be more likely to buy and even buy more in the future. Even with the unfortunate circumstances of the buyer truly not needing a product or service, an honest and considerate seller will accept the sale not working out. This furthermore shows the customer that even without a transaction, the seller cares more for the customer’s wellbeing, something often overlooked in the business world.

2 thoughts on “Handling Rejection”
  1. I think that it is important for us to learn how to handle being rejected in the professional field. We all will have to deal with it at some point, whether that is an idea our boss doesn’t like, a sale, etc. Your propositions as to how to deal with/prevent being rejected are great ones!

  2. It’s unfortunate that so many salespeople don’t want to take “no” for an answer. If a customer genuinely doesn’t need a product or service, it’s best not to push him or her to make a purchase. Eventually, the customer may need the product, and may come back to that salesperson if the experience with him or her wasn’t a pushy one.

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