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Objection Handling Guide

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GATEKEEPER

BLOCKED AT THE FRONT GATE

A receptionist or assistant tells you the person you need to reach is unavailable and won't connect you.

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GATEKEEPERTap to flip

Absolutely, I appreciate you protecting their time — that's your job and you're doing it well.

Rather than interrupt their day, could you point me to the best way to get a brief message in front of them?

I only need 30 seconds of context to land on their radar.

Would email or a voicemail drop work better for someone like them?

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WHY IT WORKS

Complimenting the gatekeeper's role builds rapport instead of creating friction. Offering multiple low-effort options makes it easy for them to help you without feeling like they're breaking protocol.

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TRUST

WANTS PROOF FROM OTHER BUYERS

The prospect wants to hear from real customers before they'll consider moving forward.

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TRUSTTap to flip

That tells me you're serious about making the right choice — I respect that.

We have case studies and verified reviews from companies in your space.

But let me ask you this — when you made your last major business decision, did you call strangers or did you rely on published results and data?

Let me pull up the results most relevant to your situation and walk through them together.

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WHY IT WORKS

Labeling their behavior as 'serious' validates them (Chris Voss technique). Redirecting to published proof respects their time while keeping momentum in the conversation.

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TRUST

DOESN'T TRUST SALESPEOPLE

The prospect openly expresses distrust toward salespeople based on past negative encounters.

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TRUSTTap to flip

It sounds like you've had some rough experiences with salespeople before.

I get it — nobody likes feeling pressured into something that doesn't fit.

Here's my approach: I'd rather lose a sale than push something that's wrong for you.

What would need to be true for this conversation to feel different from those past experiences?

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WHY IT WORKS

Leading with a label ('It sounds like...') demonstrates tactical empathy. Asking what would make it different hands them control, which is exactly what a distrustful person needs to feel safe.

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SHOPPING

COMPARING MULTIPLE VENDORS

The prospect says they want to evaluate several options before making any commitment.

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SHOPPINGTap to flip

Smart move — the best decisions come from good information.

To make sure you're comparing apples to apples, what are the three criteria that matter most to you?

If I can show you exactly how we stack up on those three things, would that save you some legwork?

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WHY IT WORKS

Asking for their top three criteria positions you as a consultant, not a competitor. It also anchors the comparison around factors where you can differentiate.

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Objection Handling Guide

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PRICE

SAYS YOUR PRICE IS TOO HIGH

The prospect tells you a competitor is offering a lower price for what they perceive as the same thing.

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PRICETap to flip

Price is important — I'd never dismiss that.

Help me understand: when you say it's too high, are you comparing it to a specific alternative, or does the number itself feel uncomfortable?

Because those are two very different conversations, and I want to make sure I'm addressing the right one.

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WHY IT WORKS

This isolates the objection (Gong.io Step 4). There's a big difference between 'cheaper exists' and 'I can't afford it.' Identifying which one you're dealing with prevents you from solving the wrong problem.

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TIMING

WANTS TO PUSH IT OFF

The prospect says they'd like to revisit this conversation at some unspecified future date.

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TIMINGTap to flip

Totally fair — timing matters.

Can I ask what changes between now and then?

Because if the need is real today, waiting usually just means the problem compounds.

What if we mapped out a start date that works with your calendar, so you're not scrambling later?

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WHY IT WORKS

The calibrated question 'What changes between now and then?' exposes that nothing will actually be different. Then offering a concrete start date gives them a path forward without pressure.

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Objection Handling Guide

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TIMING

SAYS THEY NEED MORE TIME

The prospect asks for additional time to think before making a decision.

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TIMINGTap to flip

I respect that — rushing into something never feels good.

When you say you need more time, is there a specific piece of information that would help you decide?

Or is it more that the decision itself feels weighty?

Either way, I'd love to help you get clarity right now if I can.

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WHY IT WORKS

Separating 'I need information' from 'I need emotional comfort' is critical. Most people who say they need time actually need one specific question answered. This surfaces it.

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DECISION MAKER

HAD A BAD EXPERIENCE WITH YOUR COMPANY

The prospect tells you they tried your company before and it didn't go well.

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DECISION MAKERTap to flip

Thank you for being upfront about that — most people wouldn't give us a second chance to even have this conversation.

What specifically went wrong last time?

I want to understand exactly where we dropped the ball.

And more importantly — what would a successful experience look like for you this time around?

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WHY IT WORKS

Thanking them for honesty reframes the conversation from complaint to collaboration. Asking what success looks like shifts focus from past pain to future possibility.

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DECISION MAKER

INSTANT BRUSH-OFF

The prospect shuts you down within the first few seconds of a cold outreach.

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DECISION MAKERTap to flip

Totally fair — you weren't expecting my call.

Before you go, one sentence: we help [type of company] achieve [specific outcome].

If that's even slightly relevant, I'll earn the next 60 seconds. If not, I'll thank you for your time and move on.

Fair?

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WHY IT WORKS

The Ledge ('Totally fair') buys you a beat. Offering a one-sentence pitch with a clear exit shows respect for their time and disarms the reflexive 'no.'

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TIMING

SAYS THE TIMING ISN'T RIGHT

The prospect acknowledges interest but insists now is not the right moment.

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TIMINGTap to flip

I hear you — and I don't want to force something that doesn't fit your timeline.

Out of curiosity, what would the 'right time' actually look like for you?

Because sometimes the best time to set things up is before you urgently need them.

Would it make sense to at least have a plan ready to activate when the timing clicks?

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WHY IT WORKS

Getting them to define 'the right time' often reveals that no perfect time exists. Suggesting preparation rather than commitment lowers the stakes.

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Objection Handling Guide

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DECISION MAKER

ASKS YOU TO JUST SEND AN EMAIL

The prospect deflects the conversation by requesting you send information via email instead.

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DECISION MAKERTap to flip

Happy to do that — what's the best address?

And since I know your inbox is a warzone, let me make sure I send you something worth opening.

What's the one thing that would make you actually read it instead of archiving it?

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WHY IT WORKS

Agreeing immediately removes tension. Then the follow-up question does double duty: it tells you what they care about AND keeps the conversation going naturally.

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Objection Handling Guide

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PRICE

WANTS A BETTER DEAL

The prospect asks if there's room to negotiate on price or get a discount.

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PRICETap to flip

I appreciate you asking — everyone wants to make sure they're getting fair value.

Our pricing is built to reflect the full scope of what you're getting, including [key differentiator].

Rather than adjusting the price, let me make sure you're crystal clear on the ROI — because that's what makes any price feel like a bargain.

What outcome would make this investment a no-brainer for you?

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WHY IT WORKS

Redirecting from price to ROI reframes the conversation. Asking what outcome would justify the cost lets them articulate the value themselves.

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TIMING

WANTS TO REVISIT NEXT QUARTER

The prospect pushes the decision to a future budget cycle or planning period.

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TIMINGTap to flip

Next quarter works — but let me ask you something.

If this solution was already in place today, would it be making you money or saving you headaches right now?

Every week you wait is a week of [specific benefit] you're leaving on the table.

What if we structured the start so it aligns with your next cycle but locks in today's terms?

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WHY IT WORKS

Quantifying the cost of delay makes waiting feel expensive. Offering to align the start date with their timeline removes the scheduling objection while creating urgency.

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PRICE

MONTHLY PAYMENT FEELS TOO HIGH

The prospect says the recurring monthly cost exceeds what they're comfortable paying.

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PRICETap to flip

I understand — monthly commitments add up fast.

Let me break this down differently. That monthly cost works out to roughly [daily amount] per day.

Is [daily amount] per day worth it for [primary benefit]?

If the value is there but the structure doesn't fit, let's explore what payment arrangement would work for you.

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WHY IT WORKS

Tom Hopkins' 'Reduction to the Ridiculous' technique breaks intimidating numbers into digestible daily costs. Then offering flexibility on structure shows you're solving their problem, not just defending your price.

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DECISION MAKER

POLITE BUT FIRM DECLINE

The prospect says 'no thank you' early in the conversation without hearing your pitch.

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DECISION MAKERTap to flip

I appreciate the honesty — most people just ghost.

Since we've never connected before, you're saying no to something you haven't seen yet.

What if I could show you in under two minutes why companies like yours are paying attention to this?

Two minutes — and if it's not relevant, I'll be the first to say so.

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WHY IT WORKS

Pointing out they're declining something unknown creates cognitive dissonance. The two-minute time-box makes the ask feel tiny and risk-free.

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DECISION MAKER

REFLEXIVE COLD CALL REJECTION

The prospect's immediate reaction to a cold call is to shut it down before you can speak.

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DECISION MAKERTap to flip

I know — cold calls are the worst, right?

Here's why I'm calling anyway: [one-sentence value proposition].

I'm not asking you to buy anything today. I'm asking if this is worth a 10-minute conversation later this week.

What does your Thursday look like?

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WHY IT WORKS

Agreeing that cold calls are annoying (Grant Cardone's agree-first method) disarms them. Asking for a future meeting instead of an immediate commitment dramatically lowers resistance.

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PRICE

SAYS THEY CAN'T JUSTIFY THE COST

The prospect feels the investment is difficult to rationalize given their current situation.

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PRICETap to flip

That's a real concern — nobody wants to make a decision they can't defend.

Who would you need to justify this to? Yourself, a partner, a board?

Because I can help you build the business case right now.

What metrics or outcomes would make this an easy 'yes' for that audience?

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WHY IT WORKS

Identifying who they need to justify it to reveals the real decision-maker. Offering to build the business case together positions you as an ally, not an adversary.

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PRICE

BUDGET IS MAXED OUT

The prospect says they've already allocated their budget and there's nothing left for this.

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PRICETap to flip

Budget constraints are real — I'm not going to pretend otherwise.

If budget weren't a factor, is this something you'd move on?

Then the question isn't whether this has value — it's how we make it fit.

Would it help to explore a phased approach, or is there a different budget line this could fall under?

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WHY IT WORKS

Separating the value question from the budget question (Jeb Blount's approach) prevents you from losing a deal that's actually wanted. Creative structuring often unlocks hidden budget.

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Objection Handling Guide

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TIMING

TOO BUSY FOR A MEETING

The prospect says their schedule is packed and they can't carve out time for a conversation.

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TIMINGTap to flip

You're clearly in demand — I won't pretend otherwise.

What if we did a focused 15-minute call instead of a full meeting?

I'll come prepared with three specific insights relevant to your business, and you decide if it's worth going deeper.

Would early morning or end of day work better for a quick slot?

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WHY IT WORKS

Acknowledging their busy schedule validates them. Offering a micro-commitment (15 minutes) with a clear deliverable (3 insights) makes the ask feel valuable rather than burdensome.

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COMPETITOR

HAPPY WITH THEIR CURRENT PROVIDER

The prospect says they already have a solution in place and they're satisfied with it.

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COMPETITORTap to flip

That's great — it means you already understand the value of what we do.

I'm curious: what do you like most about your current setup?

And if you could wave a magic wand and improve one thing about it, what would that be?

That one thing is usually where we add the most value for companies like yours.

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WHY IT WORKS

Jeb Blount's principle: asking what they like about their current vendor often leads them to mention negatives naturally (negativity bias). The 'magic wand' question surfaces pain they've accepted as normal.

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DECISION MAKER

NEEDS TO DISCUSS WITH THEIR PARTNER

The prospect says they need to run this by their spouse or business partner before committing.

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DECISION MAKERTap to flip

That makes complete sense — important decisions deserve input from everyone involved.

Based on everything we've discussed, how do you personally feel about it?

And what questions do you think your partner will have?

Let me help you prepare solid answers so the conversation goes smoothly — or I'm happy to join a call with both of you.

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WHY IT WORKS

Getting their personal opinion first reveals their level of buy-in. Preparing them for their partner's questions turns them into an advocate. Offering a joint call keeps you in the loop.

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DECISION MAKER

NOT THE FINAL DECISION-MAKER

The prospect reveals that someone else has the authority to approve this purchase.

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DECISION MAKERTap to flip

Thanks for letting me know — that's actually really helpful.

Apart from yourself, who else weighs in on decisions like this?

What does their approval process typically look like?

Would it make sense to bring them into our next conversation so everyone hears the same information at the same time?

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WHY IT WORKS

Asking about the approval process (Jeb Blount's indirect approach) maps the buying committee without making them feel unimportant. A joint meeting prevents the telephone game from killing your deal.

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Objection Handling Guide

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PRICE

FOUND A CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE

The prospect tells you they received a lower quote from a competing vendor.

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PRICETap to flip

I'm glad you're doing your due diligence — that's smart.

Can I ask: does their quote include [key differentiator 1] and [key differentiator 2]?

Because in my experience, the gap between two quotes usually comes down to what's included versus what's extra.

Would it be helpful to do a side-by-side so you can see exactly where the difference lies?

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WHY IT WORKS

Most lower quotes exclude things your price includes. Offering a transparent comparison positions you as confident and honest rather than defensive about your pricing.

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PRICE

THINKS IT'S NOT WORTH THE MONEY

The prospect doesn't see enough value to justify what you're charging.

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PRICETap to flip

That's fair — and I'd never want you to pay for something that doesn't deliver.

It sounds like there might be a gap between what you think this does and what it actually delivers.

Can I walk you through the three specific outcomes our clients typically see in the first 90 days?

If those outcomes aren't relevant to you, I'll be the first to say this isn't a fit.

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WHY IT WORKS

Labeling the gap between perception and reality opens the door to re-educate without being condescending. Offering to disqualify yourself builds massive trust.

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OBJECTION

FEELING UNSURE ABOUT IT

The prospect expresses vague hesitation without identifying a specific concern.

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I can tell something's holding you back — and that's okay.

When you say you're not sure, is it the product itself, the price, the timing, or something about working with us?

Narrowing it down helps me either address it or tell you honestly that your hesitation is justified.

Which one feels closest?

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WHY IT WORKS

Gong.io's isolation technique: vague objections hide real concerns. Giving them four categories to choose from makes it easy to pinpoint the actual blocker without putting them on the spot.

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COMPETITOR

LOCKED INTO A CONTRACT

The prospect says they're bound by an existing agreement with another provider.

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Contracts are real — I'm not going to ask you to break one.

When does your current agreement come up for renewal?

What if we used the time between now and then to build a transition plan, so when that date hits, you're ready to move without missing a beat?

That way you're making a proactive choice, not a reactive one.

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WHY IT WORKS

Respecting the contract builds trust. Positioning the waiting period as planning time keeps the deal alive and creates a future commitment without pressure.

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COMPETITOR

LOYAL TO THEIR CURRENT REP

The prospect has a strong personal relationship with their existing salesperson or account manager.

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That says a lot about you — loyalty is rare in business.

I'm not here to replace a relationship. I'm here to make sure you have the best information available.

If your current rep is truly delivering the best solution, this conversation only confirms that.

But if there's a gap you haven't explored, wouldn't you want to know?

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WHY IT WORKS

Complimenting their loyalty validates their character. Framing your conversation as a confirmation rather than a replacement removes the guilt of 'cheating' on their current rep.

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OBJECTION

NEEDS TO DO MORE RESEARCH

The prospect says they want to investigate further before having a deeper conversation.

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OBJECTIONTap to flip

Research is smart — I'd do the same thing.

What specific areas are you looking to dig into?

I might be able to save you a few hours by pointing you to the most relevant information directly.

And if you find something that concerns you, bring it back to me — I'd rather address it head-on than have it linger.

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WHY IT WORKS

Offering to guide their research positions you as a resource, not an obstacle. Inviting them to bring concerns back keeps the door open and demonstrates confidence in your product.

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TRUST

WORRIED ABOUT IMPLEMENTATION

The prospect is concerned about the difficulty or disruption of getting started.

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TRUSTTap to flip

That's one of the most common concerns we hear — and honestly, it's a smart one to raise.

Our onboarding is designed to be low-friction. Here's what it actually looks like: [brief 3-step overview].

Most clients are up and running within [timeframe].

What part of the implementation concerns you most? Let me address that specifically.

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WHY IT WORKS

Normalizing the concern ('most common') removes shame. A concrete 3-step overview replaces fear of the unknown with a clear picture. Asking for the specific worry prevents you from over-explaining.

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TRUST

COMPANY IS TOO SMALL OR NEW

The prospect questions whether your company has the size, stability, or track record to deliver.

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TRUSTTap to flip

I understand that concern — you want to know your investment is safe.

Here's what our size actually means for you: faster response times, direct access to decision-makers, and a team that treats your account like it matters — because it does.

We're serving [X] clients right now with a [retention rate / satisfaction metric].

Would connecting you with a current client in a similar situation help put your mind at ease?

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WHY IT WORKS

Reframing small as an advantage (speed, access, attention) turns the objection into a selling point. Offering a reference call demonstrates confidence.

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SHOPPING

WANTS TO THINK IT OVER

The prospect asks for time to consider before giving you an answer.

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Of course — I'd never want you to feel rushed.

Just so I can be helpful: what's the main thing you'll be weighing?

Is it the fit, the cost, or something else entirely?

If I can clarify that one thing right now, it might save you from going back and forth in your head all week.

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WHY IT WORKS

Asking what they'll be weighing surfaces the hidden objection. Most 'think it over' responses mask a single unresolved concern. Addressing it now prevents the deal from dying in limbo.

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SHOPPING

SAYS THEY'LL GET BACK TO YOU

The prospect ends the conversation with a vague promise to follow up later.

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Sounds good — I'll hold you to that.

To make sure this doesn't fall through the cracks for either of us, can we put a specific date on the calendar?

Even a 10-minute check-in works.

What day next week looks open for you?

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WHY IT WORKS

Jeb Blount's rule: never leave without a firm next step. Asking for a specific date converts a vague promise into a real commitment. The casual tone ('hold you to that') keeps it light.

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OBJECTION

SAYS THEY DON'T NEED IT

The prospect flatly states they have no use for what you're offering.

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That's possible — and if that's truly the case, I'll respect it.

But let me ask: are you saying you don't have [the problem this solves], or that you're handling it a different way?

Because most of our clients didn't think they needed this either — until they saw what they were leaving on the table.

Would a quick look at the numbers change anything?

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WHY IT WORKS

Distinguishing between 'no problem exists' and 'solving it differently' reveals whether they're uninformed or genuinely not a fit. The social proof ('most clients didn't think they needed it') plants a seed of curiosity.

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OBJECTION

HAD A BAD EXPERIENCE WITH SIMILAR PRODUCTS

The prospect was burned by a competitor's product and now distrusts the entire category.

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OBJECTIONTap to flip

That's frustrating — and I'm sorry that happened.

What specifically went wrong with that experience?

I ask because the reason most of those solutions fail is [common industry pitfall], and that's exactly the problem we were built to solve.

Would you be open to seeing how our approach is fundamentally different?

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WHY IT WORKS

Empathizing with their pain creates connection. Asking what went wrong lets you differentiate without badmouthing competitors. Positioning your solution as the antidote to their specific pain is powerful.

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GATEKEEPER

TOLD TO CALL BACK LATER

The gatekeeper or prospect tells you to try again at a different time without committing to when.

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Happy to do that — I want to catch them at a good time.

Is there a specific day and time that tends to work best for them?

And who should I ask for when I call back?

I'll put it on my calendar right now so I don't bother you twice.

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WHY IT WORKS

Asking for a specific time converts a brush-off into a scheduled callback. Getting a name to ask for gives you a warmer re-entry. Promising not to bother them again builds goodwill.

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GATEKEEPER

ASKED TO LEAVE A VOICEMAIL

You're directed to voicemail instead of getting a live conversation.

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I'll leave a message — but voicemails are easy to miss.

Is there a better way to get on their radar? Maybe a direct email or a time I could catch them live?

I promise to keep it brief — under 30 seconds.

What would you recommend?

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WHY IT WORKS

Acknowledging voicemail's limitations shows self-awareness. Asking the gatekeeper for advice makes them your ally. People love giving recommendations — it makes them feel valued.

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TRUST

QUESTIONS YOUR EXPERTISE

The prospect doubts whether you or your company truly understand their industry or challenges.

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TRUSTTap to flip

That's a fair question — you should know who you're working with.

We've worked with [X] companies in your space, including [relevant example].

But rather than me listing credentials, let me demonstrate it: based on what I know about your industry, your top three challenges are probably [A], [B], and [C].

How close am I?

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WHY IT WORKS

Demonstrating knowledge is infinitely more powerful than claiming it. If your three guesses are accurate, you've just proven your expertise in real-time. If they correct you, you've learned something valuable.

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TRUST

WORRIED ABOUT DATA SECURITY

The prospect has concerns about how their data will be handled, stored, or protected.

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Data security should be a dealbreaker — I'm glad you're asking.

Here's exactly how we handle it: [brief security overview — encryption, compliance, certifications].

We can also provide our security documentation and compliance reports for your IT team to review.

What specific security requirements does your organization need us to meet?

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WHY IT WORKS

Treating security as a legitimate dealbreaker validates their concern rather than minimizing it. Offering documentation proactively shows transparency. Asking for their specific requirements shows you'll meet them where they are.

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COMPETITOR

SAYS YOUR COMPETITOR IS BETTER

The prospect directly tells you they believe a competitor's product is superior to yours.

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They're a solid company — I won't pretend otherwise.

What specifically do you feel they do better?

Because there are areas where we genuinely outperform them, and areas where they might be a better fit.

I'd rather help you make the right choice — even if it's not us — than oversell and under-deliver.

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WHY IT WORKS

Acknowledging the competitor's strengths is disarming and builds trust. Offering honest comparison rather than defensive selling is so rare that it actually makes prospects lean toward you.

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COMPETITOR

ALREADY EVALUATING A COMPETITOR

The prospect is actively in discussions or a trial with a competing vendor.

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Good — that means you're actively solving this problem, which tells me it's a priority.

How far along are you in that evaluation?

Before you finalize anything, it might be worth 15 minutes to see a different approach.

At worst, it validates your current choice. At best, it saves you from buyer's remorse.

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WHY IT WORKS

Framing their competitor evaluation as validation of the problem's importance is clever. The 'validates your choice or prevents regret' positioning makes saying yes feel like the smart move either way.

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OBJECTION

SAYS IT'S TOO COMPLICATED

The prospect feels your product or process is more complex than they want to deal with.

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If it feels complicated, that's on us — not you.

Which part specifically feels overwhelming?

Because what you're seeing is the full picture. Most clients only use [2-3 core features] to get [primary result].

Would it help if I showed you just the essentials — the 20% that delivers 80% of the value?

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WHY IT WORKS

Taking ownership of the complexity perception is disarming. The 80/20 reframe makes the product feel approachable. Asking which part feels overwhelming prevents you from over-simplifying the wrong thing.

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Objection Handling Guide

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OBJECTION

WORRIED ABOUT CHANGE MANAGEMENT

The prospect is concerned about getting their team to adopt a new tool or process.

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Change management is where most implementations succeed or fail — you're right to think about it.

Here's what we've seen work: start with a small pilot group of your most open-minded team members.

Once they see results, they become your internal champions.

We also provide [training/onboarding support] to make the transition smooth.

What does your team's appetite for change look like right now?

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WHY IT WORKS

Validating that change management matters shows sophistication. The pilot group strategy is a proven micro-commitment approach (Jeb Blount) that reduces perceived risk dramatically.

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Objection Handling Guide

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SHOPPING

WANTS A FREE TRIAL FIRST

The prospect insists on trying the product for free before making any financial commitment.

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I love that you want to experience it firsthand — that tells me you're serious.

We offer [trial/demo option] so you can see the value before committing.

Here's what I'd suggest: let's set clear success criteria upfront, so at the end of the trial, you'll know exactly whether this is right for you.

What would 'success' look like in a trial for you?

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WHY IT WORKS

Setting success criteria before the trial prevents 'tire-kicking.' When they define what success looks like, they've essentially told you what will make them buy. Now you just need to deliver it.

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Objection Handling Guide

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SHOPPING

NEEDS TO SEE IT IN ACTION

The prospect won't commit without a live demonstration of the product working.

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Absolutely — seeing is believing.

Let's schedule a demo tailored to your specific use case, not a generic walkthrough.

To make it worth your time, what are the top two things you'd need to see working to feel confident?

I'll build the demo around exactly those scenarios.

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WHY IT WORKS

A customized demo is infinitely more persuasive than a canned one. Asking what they need to see gives you the roadmap to close them during the demo itself.

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Objection Handling Guide

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GATEKEEPER

TOLD THE DECISION-MAKER IS IN A MEETING

The gatekeeper says the person you need is currently unavailable due to a meeting.

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No problem — I know how packed their days can be.

When do they typically have a window between meetings?

I'd love to catch them for just two minutes — or I can send a brief note for them to review.

What works better for someone with their schedule?

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WHY IT WORKS

Asking about their typical schedule pattern gets you insider intelligence. Offering both a call and a written option gives the gatekeeper an easy way to help you without overstepping.

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OBJECTION

SAYS THEY NEED TO TALK TO THEIR TEAM

The prospect wants to consult with colleagues before moving forward.

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That's smart — getting team input leads to better decisions.

What questions do you think they'll have?

I can put together a one-page summary that addresses those points, so you're not playing telephone.

Or better yet — would it help if I joined a brief call with your team to answer questions directly?

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WHY IT WORKS

Preparing materials for the internal conversation keeps your messaging intact. Offering to join the team call prevents distortion and shows confidence in your product standing up to scrutiny.

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Objection Handling Guide

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PRICE

ASKS WHY COMPETITORS CHARGE LESS

The prospect directly challenges your pricing by citing lower-priced alternatives.

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Great question — and it deserves an honest answer.

Lower-priced options usually mean one of three things: less support, fewer features, or hidden costs that show up later.

Which of those trade-offs are you comfortable making?

Because our price includes [specific inclusions], and our clients tell us the total cost of ownership is actually lower over time.

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WHY IT WORKS

Framing the price gap as a trade-off question puts the burden of proof on the cheaper option. 'Total cost of ownership' reframes the comparison from upfront price to long-term value.

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Objection Handling Guide

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TRUST

CONCERNED ABOUT LONG-TERM SUPPORT

The prospect worries about what happens after the sale — ongoing support, updates, and reliability.

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Post-sale support is where a lot of companies drop the ball — so I'm glad you're asking before you buy.

Here's what our support looks like: [specific support details — response times, channels, dedicated rep].

Our client retention rate is [X%], which tells you people stick around because the support is real.

What level of ongoing support would you need to feel completely comfortable?

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WHY IT WORKS

Acknowledging that many companies fail at support differentiates you immediately. Retention rate is the most credible proof of support quality. Asking what they need lets you tailor the commitment.

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OBJECTION

THE SILENT PROSPECT

The prospect goes quiet — no response to emails, calls, or messages after initial interest.

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I know silence usually means one of three things: you're busy, you've decided to go another direction, or something changed on your end.

Any of those is completely fine — I just don't want to keep following up if it's not helpful.

A quick 'yes, still interested' or 'no, we've moved on' would help me respect your time.

Either way, no hard feelings.

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WHY IT WORKS

The 'three reasons' framework gives them an easy out without shame. Explicitly giving permission to say no is counterintuitive but incredibly effective — it often re-engages people who were avoiding you out of guilt.

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