For international traders, it is a common problem that customers suddenly go silent after receiving a quotation. A survey shows that about 30% of customers do not respond immediately after receiving a quotation. There may be several reasons for this:
Price concerns: 40% of the time, customers may find that the price is higher than their budget or the market average. They may compare your quote with other quotes to find the best price.
Decision-making process: Many companies’ purchasing decisions involve multiple stakeholders. It may take some time for them to reach a consensus.
Competitor temptation: In 25% of cases, your competitors may be offering more attractive terms, such as better payment terms, faster delivery, or additional services.
External factors: Clients may be facing their own business challenges, such as cash flow issues, or they may be distracted by other pressing matters.
Send a polite and concise follow-up email. For example:
"Dear [customer name], I hope you find this email well. I recently sent you a quote for [product name]. I just wanted to ask if you have any questions or need any more information. I look forward to hearing from you." This shows your attentiveness and professionalism.
If there’s still no response, you can add more value in your follow-up. Mention a unique selling point of your product or service that you haven’t highlighted before. For example: “As a reminder, our [product name] comes with a [X year] warranty, which is longer than most of our competitors’ warranties. This can give you long-term peace of mind.”
If a few weeks have passed without a response, you can try a more personal approach. Reference any past conversations or industry news related to the customer’s business. For example: “I noticed [industry-related trend] in a recent industry report. Our [product name] can effectively solve this problem. Are you still interested in exploring solutions?”
Condition | Template phrases |
---|---|
Initial follow-up | "I'm just following up on the offer I sent you. Do you have any initial thoughts?" |
Solving the price problem | I know price is important. However, our product offers [unique feature] and can save you [X]% in the long run. |
Overcoming competition | I know you may be considering other options. But our [product/service] has [competitive advantage] that no other company can match. |
To ensure a successful customer reactivation process, avoid the following mistakes:
Being too aggressive: An aggressive follow-up can be stressful for the client and may even put them off. Maintain a friendly and professional tone.
Ignoring customer preferences: Make sure your communication channel and frequency match your customers’ preferences. Some customers prefer email, while others may prefer phone calls.
Not providing enough value: Each follow-up should provide the customer with something new or valuable, such as updated product information or industry insights.
Ready to turn those silent customers into active buyers? Implement these strategies today and reinvigorate your customer relationships!