Practical Sales Training™ > How To Lose The Sale > Let You Down
Let You Down
What Is It?
Sometimes you spot a buyer who’s going to be nothing but trouble. Blaming yourself as the reason you can’t help them works surprisingly well. It’s one of the most effective, and politest, ways to turn someone away.
Why Does It Work?
It works because you’re not criticising the other person or starting a confrontation. You’re criticising yourself instead, saying you simply won’t live up to their standards. It skirts the real issue on purpose. Being direct and calling someone difficult wastes time and creates friction. So why risk it, when a softer exit gets you the same result?
How Can You Use It?
Watch for the usual red flags. Look for unrealistic expectations, ignored instructions, or excessive price sensitivity. Questioning every detail is a red flag too. Any one of these is worth noticing early.
Once you spot them, politely tell the buyer you don’t think you can help. Frame it as your own worry that you might not live up to their expectations. It shouldn’t sound like a judgement of them.
When It Works Best
This works best when you catch the warning signs early. That’s before you’ve invested real time in the relationship. It also helps when you deliver the line calmly, with no hint of frustration behind it.
When It Becomes Dangerous
This becomes risky if you use it too often, on buyers who were actually fine. Overusing a polite exit turns caution into a costly habit.
Common Mistakes
Waiting Too Long To Use It
Don’t wait until you’re already deep into a difficult relationship to use this. The earlier you spot the red flags, the easier and cleaner the exit becomes.
Letting Frustration Show
Never let frustration slip into your tone when you say it. The whole approach only works with genuine sounding humility.
Let You Down – An Example
A freelancer notices a prospective client questioning every detail of the quote. Rather than confronting the behaviour directly, she says something simple instead:
“I’d rather not work with you, as I fear I may disappoint you.”
It’s hard for a difficult buyer to argue with. It also leaves them feeling like the one holding the higher ground. That’s exactly the outcome that avoids any real conflict.
See also
