Objection handling
How to answer “I do not have time”
The call came at a bad moment. It is about timing more than about the topic.
Why customers say it
Customers are busy and an unexpected call feels like an interruption.
Three ways to respond
One approach for each setting. Adapt the words to the customer and to your company’s rules.
- In sales
- Respect the clock and offer a choice. “Understood. Would two minutes now or ten minutes tomorrow at a time you pick suit you better?” Keep to the time you promise.
- In insurance
- Acknowledge and propose a slot. “Then let us not rush an important topic. When is a calm quarter of an hour for you?” Note the time and call exactly then.
- In a contact centre
- Be brief and useful. “I will be quick. Is it better to continue now, or shall I call back at a time you choose?” Honour the time you agreed.
A common mistake
“It will only take a minute” followed by a long pitch. A broken promise on length ends the call.
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 do not have time” mean?
The call came at a bad moment. It is about timing more than about the topic.
Why do customers say “I do not have time”?
Customers are busy and an unexpected call feels like an interruption.
How do you answer “I do not have time”?
In sales: Respect the clock and offer a choice. “Understood. Would two minutes now or ten minutes tomorrow at a time you pick suit you better?” Keep to the time you promise. In insurance: Acknowledge and propose a slot. “Then let us not rush an important topic. When is a calm quarter of an hour for you?” Note the time and call exactly then. In a contact centre: Be brief and useful. “I will be quick. Is it better to continue now, or shall I call back at a time you choose?” Honour the time you agreed.
What is a common mistake when a customer says “I do not have time”?
“It will only take a minute” followed by a long pitch. A broken promise on length ends the call.