Ask any salesperson what their biggest challenge is, and you’ll likely hear “closing more deals!” No matter your industry or product, leading prospects across the finish line is a science and art unto itself. From the assumptive close to the puppy dog technique, sales closers have many tactics up their sleeves. But how do you know which approach is best for a given buyer or scenario? This comprehensive guide explores 12 of the most effective sales closing techniques, along with expert tips on when and how to deploy each one. Once you understand this diverse array of closes, you’ll have the versatility to seal the deal with prospects across the spectrum. Ready to unlock your potential as a master closer? Let’s dive in!
What is a Sales Close?
Closing the sale is the ultimate goal of any sales interaction. But what exactly does it mean to “close” in sales? Here’s a quick overview of the key elements involved in closing a deal:
Asking for the Sale
At its most basic level, closing a sale means directly asking the prospect to make the purchase. This seems simple enough, but many salespeople struggle with actually uttering the words “Are you ready to buy?”
It’s easy to spend the entire sales conversation focused on building value and rapport. But at some point, you have to pull the trigger and go for the close. Otherwise, your prospect may walk away without ever realizing you wanted to make a sale in the first place!
Some common ways to phrase the closing question include:
- “Are you ready to move forward with this?”
- “Shall we go ahead and get the paperwork signed?”
- “What’s our next step to get this deal done?”
The exact wording isn’t as important as making your intent clear. The prospect should have no doubt that you are officially asking them to become a customer.
Overcoming Objections
Another key aspect of closing a sale is handling any objections that arise. It’s extremely rare for a prospect to say “yes” immediately when asked for the sale. More often, they’ll express some hesitation or concern that prevents them from committing on the spot.
These objections may relate to the price, specific product features, company policies, implementation plans, or any number of other factors. The salesperson must be prepared to address these objections confidently and tactfully.
Some best practices for overcoming objections include:
- Letting the prospect fully voice their concern first before responding. Don’t interrupt them.
- Rephrasing their objection as a question to clarify the issue. “It sounds like you’re concerned about our cancellation policy. Is that right?”
- Providing specific data, stories, or explanations that counter the objection.
- Asking open-ended questions to better understand their reservations.
- Suggesting potential solutions, compromises, or alternative options.
The goal is to alleviate the prospect’s worries so they feel comfortable moving forward with the purchase. Patience and empathy go a long way here.
Getting a Commitment
The final step of closing a sale is securing an actual commitment from the prospect. This goes beyond just asking for the sale—you need to obtain their clear agreement. Common ways to gain commitment include:
- Asking for a verbal confirmation. “Just to be sure, you’re ready to move forward, correct?”
- Having them sign a contract, order form, or other paperwork.
- Requesting a deposit or partial payment.
- Scheduling a follow-up call to finalize details.
- Sending a confirmation email thanking them for their business.
You may need to ask for the sale 2-3 times, while handling objections along the way, before finally gaining the commitment. But don’t leave the conversation without concrete next steps or a firm “yes.” Otherwise, you’ll find yourself chasing down wishy-washy prospects that are unlikely to ever convert.
In summary, closing a sale requires asking for the business, mitigating concerns, and securing agreement—all while maintaining rapport and focusing on value. Mastering these core elements will ensure more closed deals and satisfied customers. With the right preparation and persistence, you can become adept at sealing the deal during any sales interaction.
Why You Need a Variety of Closing Techniques
While asking for the sale and overcoming objections are fundamental to closing deals, relying on just one standard sales closing technique can limit your effectiveness. Here’s why it pays to expand your closing skills:
Different Prospects Require Different Approaches
Not every buyer will respond positively to the same closing style. Their personality, industry, role, demographic, and numerous other factors determine what resonates.
For example, a fast-talking, high-pressure closing approach may work wonders on some stereotypical Wall Street types who respect assertiveness. But try this on a reticent prospect in a more conservative field, and you’ll likely alienate them instantly.
Similarly, beginning sales reps may react better to a soft, low-key close where they control the pacing. While executives may prefer you take charge and use a more directive approach.
The prospect’s previous experiences with salespeople also color their expectations. Someone burned too many times by pushy closers will be on guard against anything perceived as overbearing.
In short, there is no “one size fits all” closing method. The most adaptable salespeople have a broad repertoire of closing techniques they can draw upon to match the prospect.
Keeping Your Closing Skills Sharp
Even when you find a closing style that generally works for your industry and ideal prospect profile, it pays to maintain versatility. Over-relying on the same approach repeatedly dulls your closing skills.
Being too predictable also diminishes your effectiveness. Prospects eventually catch on to your usual rhythms and patterns, allowing them to brace for your closing attempts.
But when you flex different closing muscles, you keep prospects on their toes. This prevents them from easily dodging your close by throwing out a standard objection.
Regularly practicing new approaches also builds your confidence. Knowing you can rely on multiple techniques prevents desperation if your “go-to” close doesn’t land.
Continuously expanding your closing repertoire also keeps things interesting for you. Sales roles inevitably involve repetition. Varying your closes makes prospect interactions feel fresher and less robotic.
Think of closing techniques like a golfer’s clubs. Each has certain uses—you wouldn’t putt with a driver or drive off the tee with a putter. Salesclosing works the same way. The more tools you have, the greater ability you have to close deals across diverse selling scenarios.
12 of the Most Effective Sales Closing Techniques
Expanding your sales closing skills requires learning various techniques for different selling scenarios. Here’s an in-depth look at 12 of the top closes to have in your toolbox:
1. The Assumptive Close
The assumptive close is one of the most widely used techniques. You act as if the sale is already decided, focusing just on finalizing details.
How to Use It
After delivering your pitch and value proposition, seamlessly transition into questions or statements that presume the prospect is ready to move forward:
- “Would you prefer to pay upfront or in three monthly installments?”
- “Let’s go ahead and schedule the delivery for next Tuesday.”
- “Should I have the contract sent to you or your business partner to sign?”
Phrase these questions conversationally, not aggressively. Your confident, natural tone implies the sale is a foregone conclusion.
If the prospect pushes back, clarify why your solution is a great fit. For example:
“I understand. Let me recap why this makes sense based on your goals of _. My apologies for jumping ahead—I just thought our discussion indicated we’re aligned.”
Then continue addressing concerns before trying the assumptive questions again.
When It Works Best
Use the assumptive close when:
- You have strong rapport with familiar prospects.
- You’ve fully demonstrated how you’ll solve the prospect’s challenges.
- The prospect clearly articulates their problems.
- You receive buying signals like discussing implementation plans.
- Personality-wise, the prospect seems to appreciate confidence and directness.
Avoid assumptive closing with extremely analytical or guarded personalities that dislike presumption.
2. The Summary Close
The summary close restates the value proposition emphasized throughout your pitch. You recap the benefits and solutions for the prospect’s needs.
How to Use It
After discussing the prospect’s pains and your solutions, clearly summarize why your product uniquely solves their challenges:
- “As we just reviewed, our CRM platform would consolidate your customer data, automate repetitive workflows, and facilitate cross-team collaboration. This directly solves your challenges with scaling processes as your startup grows. Does this summary accurately reflect why our platform is a great fit?”
- In looking at the key points we covered, our customized digital marketing services would increase lead gen by 25%, optimize your sales funnel, and deliver an 8X ROI—accomplishing exactly what you outlined as your goals. Does this summarize the value you would gain?”
When It Works Best
A summary close works well when:
- You’ve discussed multiple complex features, offerings, or options.
- You outlined an extensive value proposition.
- The prospect needs help connecting how you’ll meet their various needs.
- Significant time has passed since initially pitching your solution.
- The prospect responds well to data-driven rational appeals.
Avoid summary closes for impulse buyers or prospects focused solely on emotion/intangibles.
3. The Puppy Dog Close
The puppy dog close allows prospects to physically experience your product before committing. This shows firsthand how you solve their problems.
How to Use It
Offer free, no-obligation trials or samples to let prospects test drive the product:
- “Why don’t you install our software and use it for a few days in your office? You’ll get to see the improved speed and reporting features we discussed.”
- “I’ll send over a 10-pack of samples for your team to try. This will allow you to evaluate quality and flavor compared to your current supplier.”
To close after the trial period:
- “Now that you’ve had a chance to try our reporting dashboard, do you agree it provides the traffic analytics you need to make data-driven marketing decisions?”
Address any concerns that arise during the trial before revisiting your ask.
When It Works Best
The puppy dog close shines when:
- Prospects seem hesitant about intangible benefits.
- Your product/service lends itself to sampling.
- Prospects cite uncertainty over aspects like quality or functionality.
- The trial convinces users of the value from real-world experience.
Avoid it for large capital purchases or when free trials aren’t practical.
4. The Minor Point Close
With minor point closes, you gain gradual micro-commitments on details to build momentum towards the final close.
How to Use It
Get prospects to say “yes” early and often by confirming specifics:
- “This proposal aims to reduce production downtime by 10%, which you said was a priority. Does that sound right?”
- Your team generates nearly 5,000 sales leads per month currently. Does that match with your estimate?”
- “Based on your usage, the Professional plan at $1,500 monthly seems like the right fit. Does that pricing work with your budget?”
Once the prospect says “yes” to enough minor points, they’ll find it harder to say “no” to the overall proposal.
When It Works Best
Minor point closes help when:
- You need to gradually build consensus for a complex sale.
- Prospects are slow to warm up and engage.
- The deal involves multiple stages and approvers.
- Prospects fear high-pressure closing tactics.
Avoid them for simple, transactional sales with single approvers who can make quick decisions.
5. The Sharp Angle Close
The sharp angle close surprises prospects by conceding something they want but with a string attached.
How to Use It
When prospects demand a discount, concession or custom request, use it as leverage:
- “I’m willing to extend the free trial by two more weeks if you agree to the 3-year contract.”
- “I can add an extra 25 GB of storage if you sign off on this proposal today.”
Make the tied condition something that incentivizes faster commitment.
When It Works Best
Sharp angle closes turn demands in your favor, so use them when prospects:
- Negotiate assertively on pricing or custom requests.
- Have lots of decision makers/approvers involved.
- Seem eager for certain concessions.
- Need an extra nudge over the finish line.
Avoid them with passive prospects or when unable to tie requests to specific commitments.
6. The Alternative Close
Rather than a simple yes/no, the alternative close offers prospects a choice between two options.
How to Use It
Present two packages, pricing structures, feature sets or add-ons and have them select:
- “Would you prefer to pay hourly for services as needed, or lock in the discounted monthly retainer plan?”
- “For shipping, should I put you down for ground which takes 5 days but is cheaper, or 2-day air for faster delivery at a higher cost?”
- “Would you like me to add on the deluxe support package or essential package with more limited hours?”
Make both choices appealing but include upsells. Follow up by asking if they need any other options.
When It Works Best
Offer clear alternatives when:
- Prospects seem overwhelmed by too many choices.
- They don’t need your entire range of options.
- Price objections arise that options could potentially alleviate.
- Prospects want guidance narrowing selections.
Avoid it when prospects desire a fully customized or negotiable solution.
7. The Now-or-Never Close
This close generates urgency by emphasizing expiring promotions, scarce inventory or other limited-time offers.
How to Use It
Highlight fleeting windows of opportunity:
- “I can offer a 10% discount, but just until the end of this quarter.”
- “We only have 5 units left at this price before it jumps 15%.”
- “If you start in the next 30 days, you get your first 2 months free.”
Point out deadline reminders leading up to close: “Just a heads up—there’s only 1 week left before this early-adopter pricing ends.”
When It Works Best
Now-or-never closes motivate undecided prospects when:
- You truly have limited-time promotions or offers in play.
- Prospects are on the fence and need extra urgency.
- Competitors can’t match your discounted pricing.
- Close rates data shows timed offers convert better.
Avoid falsely creating fake urgency or scarcity—this erodes trust.
8. The Minor Point Close
The minor point close involves securing small commitments sequentially to build towards the final close.
How to Use It
Gain gradual “yeses” on details through confirmation:
- “You need analytics dashboards for 10 regional managers, correct?”
- “And each location serves an average of 3,500 customers per month?”
- “Ok, and your monthly budget for software is $2,500 – does that still sound right?”
Each affirmative keeps momentum flowing while removing chances to say “no.”
When It Works Best
Minor point closes help when you must:
- Walk cautious prospects through multiple buying stages.
- Keep deals moving that involve multiple decision makers.
- Ease prospects slowly into big commitments.
- Assess if you have the full picture from discovery.
Avoid for simple, low-consideration purchases with fast decision makers.
9. The Trial Close
The trial close asks if prospects would proceed given certain hypothetical conditions. This reveals their mindset without full commitment pressure.
How to Use It
Pose “what if” scenarios to test their willingness to move forward:
- “If I could get the monthly fee down to your ideal $1,000 range, would you be ready to sign off?”
- “What if I could guarantee an extra month of services at no charge—would you be willing to move ahead if so?”
- “Assuming we customized the product features for your needs, does buying seem like the right next step?”
Gauge reactions to these trial balloons before re-addressing concerns and advancing the close.
When It Works Best
Trial closes help you read prospects when:
- You need a temperature check on current willingness to proceed.
- Prospects play coy about sharing their real positions.
- You want to confirm you have addressed all their objections.
- You feel close but want to test their readiness first.
Avoid overusing them—too many hypotheticals can frustrate decisive prospects.
10. The Objection Close
This technique pre-emptively asks for objections to open the door for you to address them.
How to Use It
Directly asking for objections makes prospects comfortable sharing true concerns:
- What issues would need to be resolved for us to earn your business?
- “Is there anything else preventing you from moving forward today?”
- “I want to make sure I address any pain points you have—so in your view, what are the potential roadblocks?”
Address concerns constructively. Never dismiss objections as invalid or unimportant.
When It Works Best
Objection closes help when prospects:
- Actively resist closing but won’t voice their hesitation.
- Need reassurance you can resolve their unspoken barriers.
- Want to feel heard before committing.
- Have complex decision protocols requiring consensus.
Avoid this technique when prospects readily state objections that you then address.
11. The Columbo Close
Named after the TV detective famous for turning back to say “just one more thing,” this close tacks on an unexpected compelling point at the last minute.
How to Use It
Wait until a prospect seems ready to exit the discussion, then interject:
- “I’m glad I also thought to mention our 100% satisfaction guarantee…”
- “Oh, let me also point out that we have a faster 4-hour SLAs for support requests…”
- “By the way, I just want to highlight that all our services are fully customizable…”
This surprise play captures disengaged prospects’ attention so they hear one more valuable detail.
When It Works Best
Columbo closes recapture prospects when:
- Important points got buried or forgotten until the end.
- You read waning enthusiasm from prospects as the interaction drags.
- Prospects seem ready to end the conversation.
- One last vital emotional selling point could turn the tide.
Avoid them if prospects are already highly attentive and engaged.
12. The Silent Close
With the silent close, you ask for the sale then remain quiet, compelling prospects to fill the uneasy silence by responding.
How to Use It
Make your closing ask, pause and wait silently while maintaining comfortable eye contact:
- “So are you ready to get started with this policy at the quoted monthly rate?” [Silence…]
- “Can I get your go-ahead on this proposal so we can kickoff the project?” [Silence…]
Many people instinctively fill awkward gaps in conversation. Use this to your advantage.
When It Works Best
Silent closes induce responses when:
- You have asked questions or asked for a sale multiple times already.
- Prospects give vague, noncommittal responses.
- Your patience and restraint builds trust.
- Prospects have clear body language signals they are ready to proceed.
Avoid overusing it—extended awkward pauses can also drive prospects away.
Mastering a diverse mix of closing techniques empowers you to effectively sell to anyone. With a varied toolbox, you can adapt your approach to prospects’ unique personalities and the distinct sales scenarios you encounter.
How to Choose the Right Closing Technique
With so many sales closing techniques to choose from, how do you select the right one for each selling scenario? Here are three factors to consider:
Match It to Your Prospect’s Personality
The most important criteria is your prospect’s unique personality and communication style. Certain closing techniques will click naturally with them while others may miss the mark entirely.
Analyze prospects early on during discovery conversations to learn:
- Are they detail-focused and methodical, or more fast-paced and intuitive?
- Do they prefer to control the discussion and sales timeline, or have you drive it?
- Does building quick rapport come easy for them, or do they prefer more formal interactions?
- Are they upbeat spokespeople who think out loud, or reserved and introspective?
Then match your closing approach accordingly:
- Minor point closes work well for analytical prospects who appreciate nibbling through details.
- Assumptive closes pair better with decisive personalities who value confidence and directness.
- The Columbo close can re-engage talkative prospects who meander off course easily.
- Cautious introspective types often respond better to softer trial closes rather than hard closes.
Resist the urge to use a “one size fits all” technique just because it’s in your comfort zone. Truly adapting to each prospect will improve your close rate.
Consider Your Industry and Product
Certain closing techniques also tend to work better for specific industries, product types, and use cases.
For considered purchases with long, complex sales cycles—think enterprise software, manufacturing equipment, etc.—you may need a gradual minor point close over multiple conversations.
Meanwhile, high ticket consumer items like cars that prospects don’t buy often are perfect for puppy dog closes where they test drive the product.
But for a modestly priced ecommerce purchase with a quick sales cycle, now-or-never urgency closes can successfully nudge prospects off the fence.
Transactional commodity products—office supplies, small accessories, etc.—typically have minimal sales resistance, so you can use simple assumptive closes.
Consider which closes gain the highest conversion rates from your past deal data. Then emphasize those techniques more moving forward.
Know Your Own Strengths
Every salesperson has closes they excel at and feel comfortable driving. For example, some reps:
- Have a gift of gab that lends itself to Columbo closes.
- Exude a trustworthy vibe that makes assurances in assumptive closes more credible.
- Are skilled negotiators able to turn demands around with sharp angle closes.
When you play to your innate strengths, it radiates authenticity that prospects pick up on. Confidently honing 2-3 pet closes that highlight your attributes works better than forcing unfamiliar techniques.
That said, don’t rely too much on your “A game” closes. Using them sparingly retains the surprise factor. Forcing prospects outside their comfort zones also builds your versatility.
With the right balance of playing to your strengths while expanding your range, your closing skills will evolve exponentially.
In sales, few things are one size fits all. Treat each prospect as an individual and adapt your closing technique accordingly, while also factoring in your product differences and personal style. Sharpening your ability to choose strategically among many closes is what separates good from great closers.
Use Closing Techniques Ethically and Effectively
Mastering various sales closing tactics is only worthwhile if you use them properly. Here are tips for deploying your closing skills in an ethical, solutions-focused manner:
Avoid Manipulation or Pressure
It can be tempting to over-rely on urgency closes, false scarcity claims, and other high-pressure tactics. But unethical closes ultimately damage your brand and sales success.
If prospects sense manipulation, they resent you for not respecting them as intelligent people. Your short-term gain leads to long-term losses in credibility and referrals.
Unethical closing also conflicts with forming consultative partnerships that uncover mutual fit. If you steer prospects into mismatched solutions just to hit your quota, they will have buyer’s remorse.
The most sustainable success comes from developing ethical closes that create win-win outcomes, not fleeting hard sells.
Be Authentic and Solutions-Focused
Build closes around why your offering is truly the best fit, not far-fetched claims. Come from a place of caring about the prospect’s needs, not just making a commission.
Being authentic earns trust and makes your expertise more convincing:
- Share real case studies and testimonials as third-party proof points.
- Have frank conversations about ideal use cases beyond your own product.
- If a competitor or lower-priced alternative may suit them better, say so.
- Advise prospects to approach freemium trial periods with an objective eye.
These good faith gestures demonstrate your focus is on the value received, not just extracting a sale at any cost. Your closes will carry more weight.
Keep Improving Your Approach
No salesperson starts out flawless with closing techniques. Expect mistakes and misfires. The key is analyzing them to improve.
When a close goes awry:
- Resist blaming the prospect—look inward at how you misapplied a tactic.
- Study prospects’ reactions to identify what made them recoil or disengage.
- Roleplay alternative closes that could better convince each prospect type.
- Adjust your language and techniques to eliminate pressure points.
- Watch tapes of your closes to refine timing, transitions, and tone.
With rigorous self-evaluation and experimentation, you’ll constantly evolve stronger closes while removing ethical pitfalls.
While an expanding closing toolkit empowers you to seal more deals, remember that long-term sales success depends on providing value, not pressuring prospects. Avoid unethical manipulation, focus on fit, and keep refining your approach. With the right mindset, your closing skills will drive sustainable growth for your business and customers alike.
Closing Thoughts
Mastering sales closing techniques takes dedication, but doing so can truly accelerate your deal flow. Here are some final tips to refine your approach:
The Importance of Practice and Feedback
Closing is a skill you hone over time, not something you’ll perfect overnight. Be patient with yourself as you expand your range.
Practice new closes extensively via roleplaying before using them with prospects. Record yourself and review where your delivery feels clunky.
Ask mentors and managers to observe your practice sessions and provide feedback. Welcome constructive criticism.
Pay attention to minor reactions and body language from prospects when attempting different closes. Note what elicits positive or negative responses.
Track data on which closes convert best by industry, deal size, prospect persona, product, etc. Double down on what moves the revenue needle.
Refine the language in your closes to become more succinct and impactful over time.
With continual practice and feedback, your closing skills will snowball faster than trying to wing it.
Focus on Providing Value
At its core, closing sales is about creating value for prospects. If you solve meaningful problems for them, the deal will follow.
Lead with empathy and emotional intelligence. Align on pains they want to alleviate before even proposing solutions.
Take time to fully understand the impacts of those challenges on the prospect’s role, company, and industry.
Do your homework to target viable prospects where you can make the biggest difference. Spreading yourself too thin helps no one.
Educate yourself on prospects’ businesses to demonstrate your commitment and promptly grasp their needs.
Approach sales conversations through the lens of what you can give, not get. If your product isn’t the right fit, be transparent.
This consultative mindset will shine through in every stage of discussion, especially your closes.
Have the Confidence to Ask for the Sale
As intimidating as it seems, asking for the sale is the only way deals happen. Have courage to start the conversation.
Once you fully understand prospects’ needs and how you help, boldly ask for their business. Clarity builds conviction.
If you receive pushback after asking, stay composed. Consider it a starting point to better understand hesitations.
Ask follow-up questions, seek consensus on your solution’s value, and revisit asking for the sale from a place of empathy.
The more often you put yourself out there, the less daunting it becomes over time. Rejection is part of the process.
With the right mindset of service, preparation and persistence, your closing skills will elevate your sales to new heights.
Closing deals is challenging, but incredibly rewarding work. Stick with it!
Summary
Closing sales deals is both an art and a science. Mastering a diverse range of closing techniques empowers you to seal the deal with nearly any prospect when used strategically.
Some key lessons to learn:
- Closing begins long before you ask for the sale. Set yourself up for success by thoroughly qualifying prospects, demonstrating value, and establishing rapport early on.
- Study your prospects’ personalities, industries, and product types to determine the best closing approaches for each scenario. No one tactic works everywhere.
- Expand your closing repertoire over time. Certain techniques like assumptive and puppy dog closes may become staples, but regularly practice new tactics too.
- Play to your innate strengths as a closer, while also challenging yourself to grow your versatility for different prospect types.
- Keep refining your delivery and language through constant roleplaying, feedback, and tracking close rates data. Precision matters.
- Avoid unethical manipulation or false pressure tactics. Take a consultative approach focused on fit and mutual benefit.
- Have patience through trial and error. Not every close will succeed. Analyze why and adjust appropriately moving forward.
- Closing confidence comes through preparation. Thoroughly understand prospects’ needs and how you provide the best solution.
- Ask for the sale directly and boldly. Prospects won’t know you want their business otherwise. Expect some initial pushback.
- Stay composed when handling objections. Use them as opportunities to further prove value and build consensus.
Equipped with these lessons, you now have a roadmap to master the art of closing. As you sharpen your skills, your deal volume and client success will reach new heights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a sales close?
A: Closing a sale refers to the final steps of securing a prospect’s agreement and commitment to make a purchase. This involves directly asking for their business, overcoming any objections, and obtaining a concrete commitment through paperwork, payment, etc.
Q: When should you try to close a sale?
A: Look for buying signals like the prospect envisioning using your product, asking about next steps, or requesting proposals. This indicates they are nearing a decision. Briefly summarize the value before asking for the business.
Q: What are some good closing questions?
A: “Are you ready to get started?” “Shall we move forward with purchasing?” “What’s our next step for finalizing this deal?” Direct questions that clearly ask for commitment.
Q: How do you close a tough sale?
A: With stubborn prospects, use an assumptive close to project confidence, or a minor point close to get gradual micro-commitments. Trial closes also help gauge willingness.
Q: What is the most important part of closing?
A: Discovery. Thoroughly understanding prospects’ needs and how you uniquely solve them is 90% of closing a deal. The close itself is just verbalizing what you learned.
Q: Do closing techniques actually work?
A: Yes, when applied correctly to the right prospects. Tactics like the puppy dog close have proven results. But no single close works universally for every prospect. Adapt your approach.
Q: What closes should beginners focus on?
A: Beginners do well starting with relatively easy closes like the assumptive, summary, and minor point closes. As you gain experience, incorporate more advanced tactics.
Q: How many closes should you attempt before moving on?
A: Try asking for the sale 2-3 different ways such as an assumptive close, then a summary close. If you still get resistance after 3 closes, it may be time to walk away.
Q: Is it unethical to use scarcity closes?
A: It depends. If you genuinely have limited inventory or availability, it’s reasonable to highlight this. But false scarcity claims only work short-term and erode trust.
Q: How do you regain control if a prospect dominates the close?
A: Let them finish, then tactfully re-direct the conversation. Say something like “You raise fair concerns. Can I clarify a few points?” and shift momentum back.
Q: What do you do if a prospect says “No” when you ask for the sale?
A: Say “Fair enough, I understand” to affirm their position. Then ask probing questions to understand why they aren’t ready to move forward yet. See if you can address concerns.