The dreaded "We won't be moving forward"

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Ever get a "We won't be moving forward" response after you spent so much time on a proposal bid?  So frustrating right??

First, make sure before you spend all of that time and effort, you have qualified this project and/or customer.  Will they be a frequent orderer, is it one of many locations, are they nice to work with?  Sometimes even the big ticket price projects are not a good fit for your or your center.

If you think they are good fit and a target account, then it's worth the time and effort.  So when they just send a short statement of "We won't be moving forward with this", what do you do?  Scream and cry a little?  Maybe.

Always respond in a kind and professional way but definitely ask why they won't be moving forward.  Their answer could very much keep the door open.  If they say it's a budget thing, could you offer alternative signs or do they have to wait until next quarter?  Did they get a better cost from someone else?  Ask for an estimate so you can make sure the other company is offering the same product as you, you don't want your customer to end up with something not as durable or visible.

No matter the answer, if it's a worthy prospect, be pleasant, let them know you are here for them, and keep in touch.  A lot of times, the other sign company fails somewhere and you will be there to pick up the pieces AND gain a new customer who trusts you and appreciates you.

Turn that frown upside down and keep going!  You got this!


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