
The last thing anyone wants is to feel pressured into a sale. You don’t like it, we don’t like it, and you can be certain your business isn’t going to win any friends by pursuing that method. That’s why cold-calling and door-to-door sales can often engender such an aggressive response, because it’s simply annoying to be pushed something you don’t want.
That being said, a business would be silly to avoid trying to make good on all the sales it could. Sometimes a customer needs to feel more confident in their consideration, and you’re perfectly equipped to help with that. But how can you avoid the tendency to oversell or exploit in such instances, or at least, have a customer feel like you took that approach?
It’s not easy, but some of the following advice can help:
Immediate Payment Options
Don’t let a customer overthink things, so when they feel like they’re ready to buy, make the act of paying feel as simple and unburdened as possible. You could give them the freedom to just tap their card and go using a contactless credit card reader right there on the sales floor.
When a transaction is quick and effortless, it feels like a natural part of the buying process, which makes the customer feel more in control of their decision and not like they’re being held captive, upsold, or given a thousand addons. This is a very subtle way to remove any feeling of pressure.
Discounts & Trial Codes
Offering a small discount or a trial code can be a gentle way to encourage a customer who’s on the fence without pushing them over it. It’s also a way to reward them for their consideration and give them that little extra nudge they might need to move forward.
You could offer a first-time buyer a small percentage off their order, or you could give them a limited time trial of a service so they can experience the value for themselves. This approach feels like a helpful hand and not a sales tactic, and it shows your appreciation for their interest in your brand.
Money Back Guarantees
A money-back guarantee is one of the most powerful ways to take the pressure off a sale because you’re essentially removing all the risk for the customer. You’re telling them that you’re so confident in what you’re selling that you’ll take it back and give them a full refund if they’re not happy. This builds a huge amount of trust and lets the customer feel completely secure in their decision, knowing that safety net is always there, as they’re no longer wondering if they’re going to regret their purchase, since they know you stand behind your product and will resolve any issue for them.
With this advice, we hope you can cinch that uncertain sale with confidence.