"Not now, I will get back to you": how to respond
This sentence usually means "this is not a priority today", and sometimes it is a polite no. You cannot tell which from the words alone. Respect the answer, learn what "later" means for this person, and agree on something small and honest.
This guide describes general principles based on EU rules (GDPR, the ePrivacy Directive and the Insurance Distribution Directive). National law differs between countries, so check the rules in your country and your client's country. Your firm's own procedures and the rules that apply to you decide what is required; the guide is general information, not legal advice.
Why clients say this
Insurance rarely feels urgent, and the client has plenty of things that do.
- Other matters at work or at home come first right now.
- The client does not want to decide on the spot.
- The topic feels complicated and is easy to postpone.
- It is a gentle way to decline without saying no.
How to approach it
Do not chase the client or argue about the timing. A little clarity makes any later contact welcome rather than irritating.
- Accept the answer calmly, without trying to turn it around.
- Ask whether a later contact is welcome, and by which channel.
- If the client agrees, name a rough time and only contact them as agreed.
- If they do not want to be contacted, thank them and record the wish in line with the rules that apply to you.
Three example responses
These are starting points, not scripts. Put them in your own words and fit them to what the client has actually told you.
Accept and ask one question
- Example response
- "Of course, that is completely fine. Would it be all right if I got in touch again in a few weeks, or would you rather contact me yourself?"
- Why it works
- The client chooses who takes the next step, which lowers the pressure to say no.
Make it easy to come back
- Example response
- "No problem. I will leave you my details, so you can call or write whenever it suits you, with no deadline."
- Why it works
- A clear way back, with no deadline, keeps the contact open without nagging.
Check whether later means no
- Example response
- "Thank you for being honest. If this is not something you want to take further, that is perfectly fine, just tell me and I will not contact you again."
- Why it works
- Permission to say no makes the client more candid and protects trust.
Mistakes to avoid
Pressure applied here ends the relationship rather than advancing it.
- Creating false urgency, such as "the offer ends today" when it does not.
- Asking for a decision "just in principle" right now.
- Calling again before the agreed time.
- Listing everything that could go wrong if the client waits.
- Ignoring a request not to be contacted.
How to practise it
A calm, short reply to a postponement is easier to do when you have already said it aloud.
- Set up a short call in which the AI client raises this objection ("Not now, I will get back to you").
- Answer out loud, not in your head. The first spoken attempt shows where you hesitate.
- Replay the call and mark the moment you started to defend yourself. Try that moment again with a question instead.
- Repeat with two different client moods, for example friendly and sceptical, until the response sounds like you.
Frequently asked questions
Does "I will get back to you" mean the client is interested?
Not necessarily. It can mean interest, a postponement or a polite no. Ask gently what suits them, and do not assume.
May I contact the client again?
Only if they have agreed or if the rules that apply to you allow it. A request not to be contacted must be respected.
Should I mention a deadline to motivate them?
Only if it genuinely exists. Invented urgency damages trust.
How soon is a sensible follow-up?
As agreed with the client. If nothing was agreed, wait for them or ask permission first.
How can I practise this?
Run a short voice call with an AI client who postpones, answer out loud and replay it. The practice is for your own training, not for evaluating employees.
Practise this objection out loud
Try it with a voice AI client and replay your own call afterwards. The Free plan includes 3 voice calls a month of up to 5 minutes each; a pilot is available for teams. DIRI AI is for training and coaching, not for evaluating or ranking employees.