Objection handling
How to answer “I need to ask my wife or husband first”
The decision may really be shared, or the customer is politely stepping back.
Why customers say it
In a household, money decisions are often made together, and some customers are not convinced yet.
Three ways to respond
One approach for each setting. Adapt the words to the customer and to your company’s rules.
- In sales
- Respect it and make the next step easy. “Absolutely. What would your partner want to know? I can prepare a one-page summary or join you both for ten minutes.”
- In insurance
- Offer to include the partner. “It is a decision for the whole family. Would a short call with both of you work, say this week?” Agree a time rather than leaving it open.
- In a contact centre
- Keep it neutral. “Of course. Shall I send the details to you both, and may I ask when would suit for a callback?”
A common mistake
“You decide for yourself, don’t you?” Belittling the relationship or pushing for a signature without the partner.
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 “I need to ask my wife or husband first” mean?
The decision may really be shared, or the customer is politely stepping back.
Why do customers say “I need to ask my wife or husband first”?
In a household, money decisions are often made together, and some customers are not convinced yet.
How do you answer “I need to ask my wife or husband first”?
In sales: Respect it and make the next step easy. “Absolutely. What would your partner want to know? I can prepare a one-page summary or join you both for ten minutes.” In insurance: Offer to include the partner. “It is a decision for the whole family. Would a short call with both of you work, say this week?” Agree a time rather than leaving it open. In a contact centre: Keep it neutral. “Of course. Shall I send the details to you both, and may I ask when would suit for a callback?”
What is a common mistake when a customer says “I need to ask my wife or husband first”?
“You decide for yourself, don’t you?” Belittling the relationship or pushing for a signature without the partner.