Propose a smaller step
Shrink the decision to something low-risk that moves things forward.
“Of course. Shall we say the second week back? I will send a short note beforehand so you do not need to remember anything. What date works for you?”
How to respond to “Come back after the holidays”
Customers say “Come back after the holidays” for a reason. Here is what usually sits behind it, how to respond and what to avoid.
What is really behind it
The customer expects little to happen over the holiday period and prefers to restart afterwards. It may be genuine or a gentle way to defer. The key is to agree a specific time to reconnect so that “after the holidays” does not become “never”.
Typical in: Software and SaaS, Insurance and finance, Real estate, Telecom and energy, Professional services, Retail and e-commerce, Manufacturing and logistics, Contact centre and customer service
How to respond
Pick the framework that fits the customer. The wording is an example direction, not a script: say it in your own words.
Clarify before you answer
Ask what sits behind the objection, so you answer the real concern.
“Enjoy the break. Is there a decision or a plan that will be made over the holidays that I should know about, so I can be useful when you are back?”
Reframe around the outcome
Move from the objection to the result the customer said they want.
“If it would help, I can send a summary now for you to read on a quiet day, and we speak when you are back. Would that be useful, or would you prefer to start fresh?”
The follow-up question
After your response, ask:
What is the first week after the holidays when you will have time to talk?
What not to say
Avoid: People always say that and then they never take my call.
It reveals a grudge and teaches the customer that you do not trust their word. Keep it professional and specific.
Practise it out loud
Reading is not the same as saying it. Talk to an AI customer who raises this kind of objection and see in the report which sentence helped.
Practise this objectionQuestions about this objection
What does “Come back after the holidays” really mean?
The customer expects little to happen over the holiday period and prefers to restart afterwards. It may be genuine or a gentle way to defer. The key is to agree a specific time to reconnect so that “after the holidays” does not become “never”.
How do you respond to “Come back after the holidays”?
Propose a smaller step: “Of course. Shall we say the second week back? I will send a short note beforehand so you do not need to remember anything. What date works for you?” Clarify before you answer: “Enjoy the break. Is there a decision or a plan that will be made over the holidays that I should know about, so I can be useful when you are back?” Reframe around the outcome: “If it would help, I can send a summary now for you to read on a quiet day, and we speak when you are back. Would that be useful, or would you prefer to start fresh?”
What should you ask after “Come back after the holidays”?
What is the first week after the holidays when you will have time to talk?
What should you not say when a customer says “Come back after the holidays”?
Avoid “People always say that and then they never take my call.” It reveals a grudge and teaches the customer that you do not trust their word. Keep it professional and specific.
Keep exploring
Educational conversation training. It is not legal or financial advice and it promises no results. Always follow your company’s rules, the terms of the product and a customer’s clear no.