Handling the Bad Time Response in Sales Calls

[NooraK]

"Yes, actually you did catch me at a bad time"?

I know Tammy Stanley teaches to ask if you've caught your contact at a bad time because with the natural desire to push back, most people will say "No, this is fine."

But when you do get that person who is at work or putting the kids to bed or making dinner or whatever, what do you say? Do you just ask when would be a better time? Do you still mention why you're calling?

 

[Sheila]

I wouldn't recommend the phrase "is this a bad time", because they don't know if you want their attention for 2 min's or for 15. I'd say "I know you're busy and I don't want to tie you up for too long ... do you have a couple of minutes?" If not, then "Would there be a better time later today/tonight for me to call back?"

 

[PamperedK]

I absolutely LOVE "is this a bad time" I get the odd one that says yes it is. Tammy Stanley says to say "I can call you back in 30 minutes, unless you'd like to pick another time"The problem with saying "do you have a couple of minutes" is no one has a couple of minutes....and Tammy Stanley makes a good point of, if you are running around like crazy and putting your kids to bed, dealing with your husband, pets and work and someone says "do you have some time right now?" we're more likely to feel resentful toward that person. As opposed to someone saying "is this a bad time?" when we can say "yes it's a bad time, please call me back later" without feeling rude. The other thing I've found, is when I would ask "is this a good time" or "do you have a couple of minutes" I'd get a hesitant, "ummm yeah sure ok". That doesn't make me feel good about asking them about a show, or whatever I'm calling about. I want them to be upbeat, and I find when I say "is this a bad time" I get a much more positive "no not at all!"hope that helps.

 

[mountainmama74]

I agree - I usually say, "Is now a good time to talk?" or something similar to that. If they say no, I ask them when would be the best time to call them back, then I verify - "Great! I look forward to speaking with you! I'll call you at 7:30 tonight!"

 

[wadesgirl]

I always ask if this is a good time to talk. If they say no I just ask what time would be a good time for them.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I absolutely LOVE "is this a bad time"

I get the odd one that says yes it is. Tammy Stanley says to say "I can call you back in 30 minutes, unless you'd like to pick another time"


The problem with saying "do you have a couple of minutes" is no one has a couple of minutes....and Tammy Stanley makes a good point of, if you are running around like crazy and putting your kids to bed, dealing with your husband, pets and work and someone says "do you have some time right now?" we're more likely to feel resentful toward that person. As opposed to someone saying "is this a bad time?" when we can say "yes it's a bad time, please call me back later" without feeling rude.

The other thing I've found, is when I would ask "is this a good time" or "do you have a couple of minutes" I'd get a hesitant, "ummm yeah sure ok". That doesn't make me feel good about asking them about a show, or whatever I'm calling about. I want them to be upbeat, and I find when I say "is this a bad time" I get a much more positive "no not at all!"

hope that helps.

Totally agree with this - I love Tammy Stanley!

 

[raebates]

I ask, "Are you interruptable?"

 

[Liquid Sky]

Totally agree with this - I love Tammy Stanley!

Word! She is AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[baychef]

I do ask this too. In the past week I have interupted a second Christmas with out of town family (soldier may have just returned from deployment). And then I called her at her work number and she was talking with her boss...but she does want to book a party.

Once I called and the person told me they were out to dinner and I quickly told them I would call back later...she told me no...she wanted to talk with me then!

If people REALLY don't want to talk with you they will screen calls if they have no caller id. (I love having caller i.d. but wish others wouldn't avoid me).

I too am really like Tammy Stanley! There are some things with every speaker that you will really not find useful, so pick and choose what you like. There are certainly other ways of saying this. Her point is to not try to fool people by thinking it is a social call...then go into a selling mode. To let them know the intention of the call right off the bat.

 

[NooraK]

Thank you all for the opinions.For the most part, it works: "Oh, no, it's fine." It's just those one off responses that make you want to say "Well why did you answer the phone then?" You know, the "Well, I'm at work, and I really shouldn't be answering my phone." I tried the 30 minute call back tonight, and it worked, so I think I'll emphasize that more. Today's calls were to promote my "Snow Day" Virtual show, so I often let them know that I was just calling to let them know, and they should have an email.

 

[lockhartkitchen]

I always ask if this is a good time to talk. If they say no I just ask what time would be a good time for them.

My words exactly. I like to keep things in the positive. "good" sets it up for a postive. Most people will tell me to call in an hour, etc. There are some that will give a different day and time. I thank them and follow-through with that day. I like to respect others. If they say no not a good time, I'm not going to say anything about what I called for.