Online Sellers: 7 Polite but Firm Ways to Say NO to a Buyer Request

Potential buyers will ask for anything and everything because it’s not their inventory and it’s not their time. Some of the most common requests are:

• “Will you take $15 off?”
• “Can you ship it through a different carrier?”
• "Will you drive it to my house and Deliver it?"
• “Can you switch the white shirt for any other color?”
• “Can you rush it to the post office today? I need it ASAP!”
• “Can you overnight it?”
• “Can you send me photos of the UPC and the ingredients Label?”
• “Can you send me a list of ingredients?”
• “Can you measure it more?”
• “Can you tell me what type of wood / metal it is made from?”

The requests never end because, like I said earlier, IT’S NOT THE PROSPECTS INVENTORY AND IT’S NOT THEIR TIME - remember this. And, even though you tell a potential buyer “NO”, it doesn’t mean they won’t still purchase, providing you respond correctly!

So here’s how to say NO, in a polite way that doesn’t kill the sale:

1. I wish I could!

2. I would love to do this for you but right now we are so busy that there isn’t enough hours in the day to (_____ offer additional shipping methods, take additional product images, etc___)

3. This isn’t something we offer right now but I will consider it for the future

4. Unfortunately I do not have that information available at this time, but you might be able to find the answers on Google, because Google always seems to know everything! LOL! :)

5. I’m so sorry, I just can’t. As a small business I just don’t have the staff needed to help me get answers like this. But I’m sure you’ll love the (___lipstick, cake plate, coffee beans, etc___)

6. Unfortunately I do not have the answer to this but perhaps the Manufacturer does? You could try contacting (___ Calvin Klein, Maybelline, Back to Roots, Tupperware, etc___) customer service.

7. I’m sorry but at this time I do not have a discounting program / coupon codes available.  Perhaps in the future! (If you are getting a lot of requests for a lower price, read our blog post 7 Polite Ways to Tell a Buyer They Can't Get an Additional Discount)

TIP:  If all else fails and the potential buyer simply won't take NO for an answer, just blame someone else.  "I am selling this for my friend, so I can't adjust the price" or "My boss said no, but if it were up to me I totally would!"

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