Objection handling
How to answer “We already have a supplier”
The company has an existing provider and does not see a reason to look elsewhere.
Why customers say it
Switching feels like effort and risk, and the current supplier works well enough.
Three ways to respond
One approach for each setting. Adapt the words to the customer and to your company’s rules.
- In sales
- Do not attack the supplier. “Good. What do they do well, and is there anything you would change? I am not asking you to switch, only to learn what matters to you.”
- In insurance
- Acknowledge and ask about the current cover. “That is common. When was the cover last reviewed, and is everything in it still right for how the business is now?”
- In a contact centre
- Ask about the experience. “Thank you. How is service working for you today? If a second option is ever useful, I will leave you my details.”
A common mistake
“We can beat any supplier.” Boasting before you know anything about the situation.
Educational conversation training. It is not legal or financial advice and it promises no results. Always follow your company’s rules and the terms of the product.
Practise it out loud
Talk to an AI customer who raises this objection and read in the report which sentence helped.
Questions about this objection
What does “We already have a supplier” mean?
The company has an existing provider and does not see a reason to look elsewhere.
Why do customers say “We already have a supplier”?
Switching feels like effort and risk, and the current supplier works well enough.
How do you answer “We already have a supplier”?
In sales: Do not attack the supplier. “Good. What do they do well, and is there anything you would change? I am not asking you to switch, only to learn what matters to you.” In insurance: Acknowledge and ask about the current cover. “That is common. When was the cover last reviewed, and is everything in it still right for how the business is now?” In a contact centre: Ask about the experience. “Thank you. How is service working for you today? If a second option is ever useful, I will leave you my details.”
What is a common mistake when a customer says “We already have a supplier”?
“We can beat any supplier.” Boasting before you know anything about the situation.