Negative Reverse Selling: How to Get Straight Answers From Prospects

If you’re in sales, you’ve probably read about and tried several different sales methodologies. Today, we’ll cover negative reverse selling, a strategy that’s part of the Sandler Sales Methodology.

It might sound intimidating because of the name. However, the whole point is to either have your prospect convince you they should buy your product/service or get to the “no” quicker, so you don’t have to deal with prospects ghosting you like Boo from Mario.

In this post, we’ll review what this strategy entails, why it works, and how to use it. Let’s get started.

• What is negative reverse selling?
• Five Use Cases for Reverse Selling
• How to Use Reverse Selling
• How to Do Negative Reverse Selling: A Step-by-Step Guide

What is negative reverse selling?

In sales, you want to get the “no” as soon as possible so you can move on. Otherwise, your prospect might drag you along for weeks or months without giving a definitive answer. I call this “Hope Island,” and it usually sounds like:

• “Hey, can you call me back?”
• “Email me, and I’ll get back to you.”
• “Hey, follow up with me next week.”
• “Sorry, I had to cancel. I’ll get back to you with a better time.”

When I hear those phrases, I know I’m screwed. I don’t want to stay on Hope Island and keep calling even though they’re probably not interested. These phrases tell me it’s time to try negative reverse selling.

Negative reverse selling is a sales strategy that focuses on reverse psychology to get a prospect to either say “no” quicker or to sell your product/service to themselves. As the salesperson, you’ll respond to objections and “fluff” responses from a prospect by telling them that it sounds like this isn’t a priority for them and maybe now isn’t the right time to purchase.

Your prospect will either agree and say they aren’t interested, or they’ll defend themselves and your product/service, convincing them to close sooner.

A word of warning: It’s easy to misuse this technique in a way that makes you seem rude. Apply it selectively — and diplomatically — making sure you never use it with someone when there's no chance of positively progressing your deal.

How does negative reverse selling work?

While you might normally want to overcome an objection a prospect has, they’re often prepared to resist your sales tactics. With negative reverse selling, you’ll end up agreeing with your prospect and then employing reverse psychology to get them to convince themselves to buy your product.

Let’s use a quick example to see what this might look like in conversation.

Prospect: We want to see immediate results, and that’s our biggest concern.

Salesperson: I understand; that makes sense. This product is really for those looking to grow their business in the long term instead of using short-lived tactics for immediate results. This might not be the right fit for you. Is it fair for me to assume that’s the case?

Prospect: Well, we do want to grow in the long term, and we want to use tactics that will help us grow continuously.

Do you see how the prospect in this conversation tried to convince you that they are a good fit for your product/service? That’s the reverse psychology in negative reverse selling.

If a prospect doesn't respond by trying to convince you they’re a good fit, they’ll say something like, “You’re right. This isn’t a good fit,” which helps you get to a “no” quicker.

You want to call out your prospect’s lack of interest and get them to admit the answer is “No” without going too negative. Essentially, you’re getting them to realize they’re bluffing.

That’s it. This single framework saves countless hours. Adding in a phrase like “Is it fair for me to assume that’s the case?” gently pushes prospects to answer more honestly about their interest in your product.

Where did negative reverse selling come from?

Negative reverse selling is a tactic in the Sandler Selling System, developed to focus on having sales reps act more as a consultant rather than the “pushy used-car salesman” stereotype.

The whole idea behind the Sandler strategy is to concentrate on asking the right questions during the qualifying process instead of pushing a product on someone who doesn't need it.

Why does reverse selling work?

Reverse selling works because people resist being “sold” on something. They worry that they’re being lied to or swindled. With reverse selling, it’s apparent that the sales rep is not trying to do that. Instead, reps want to help the prospect solve their problem. It’s a more human approach to sales.

It pushes a prospect to talk more about their objections and work through them on whether this purchase is a priority. Plus, it helps them go over the “pros” of your product or service through reverse psychology. They discover the solution themselves.

For example, let’s say you tell a prospect, “It’s probably not a good idea right now,” or “I’m not sure you’re ready,” or even “I don’t think we have what you need.” Their response will be to defend themselves and argue why it’s a good idea, why they are ready to move forward, etc.

And, of course, if their answer is actually “no,” it’s better for you to know sooner than later so you can move on to other deals.

Five Use Cases for Reverse Selling: Negative Reverse Selling Examples

Now, let’s review some situations when you can use reverse selling as a sales rep.

1. Deal-Breaker

Prospect: We need your product/service to help us with every aspect of marketing for a lower cost, not just advertisements. That’s a deal-breaker for us.

Salesperson: I understand. Typically, when needs and budget don’t align, it means you might not be ready to make the jump to our type of product. Is it fair for me to assume that’s the case here?

Prospect: Well, no. We are ready for the full product now, so maybe our budget isn’t realistic.

Why negative reverse selling works in this scenario: This strategy will work when a prospect presents a deal-breaker because they’re usually trying to see what they can get away with in terms of negotiation. However, this flips the script and is the opposite of what the prospect expects to hear.

What we like: In this scenario, we like how the salesperson doesn’t say what’s expected. By causing that break in the conversation, the prospect has to really think about whether they’re serious about buying your product/service. And usually, they end up trying to convince you why they’re ready to make a purchase now.

2. Dragging Their Feet

Prospect: Can you email me, and I’ll get back to you? And maybe follow up next week as well?

Salesperson: I can do that. But usually, when this happens, we’ll play phone tag, and it’s not the right time for you to purchase. Should I assume that’s the case here?

Prospect: You’re right. We’re just not ready to make this decision yet.

Why negative reverse selling works in this scenario: In this case, negative reverse selling works because you get to that “no” a lot quicker than when you have to reach out continuously to a prospect that most likely won’t purchase.

What we like: Here, we like that the salesperson cuts the BS and saves time when a prospect isn’t serious about buying your product/service. It’s helpful to get to the “no” as quickly as possible so you don’t waste your time trying to sell to someone who isn’t ready.

3. Objections to price, timeline, or delivery

Prospect: We need your product/service to deliver results quicker than promised.

Salesperson: I understand. Typically, when timeline and short-term tactics are prioritized for a client, it means you might not be ready to make the jump to our type of product. Is it fair for me to assume that’s the case here?

Prospect: Well, no. We want results, and we’re willing to use long-term tactics to get there.

Why negative reverse selling works in this scenario: When a prospect has an objection to price, timeline, or delivery, this strategy works because it puts you in the consultant chair, which is the entire basis of the Sandler sales methodology. It shows that you’re trying to help a client figure out what’s right for them, and they’ll work through their objections themselves.

What we like: This approach during an objections conversation can help educate a client on what expectations are realistic and will work for them.

4. Canceling and rescheduling

Prospect: Sorry, I have to cancel our meeting again, but I’ll get back to you with a better time.

Salesperson: Okay, [client name]. I understand things happen, but typically when a client needs to reschedule a meeting several times, it means now isn’t the right time. Can I assume that’s the case here?

Prospect: No, we’ve just had a lot going on. Let me get you in contact with someone else on our team who has more time to meet.

Why negative reverse selling works in this scenario: This will help a client either say that they aren’t ready to make a purchase or maybe put you in contact with someone who won’t reschedule and has more time to meet with you.

What we like: Similar to the dragging their feet example, we like how this approach to someone canceling and rescheduling a demo meeting or consultation cuts the excuses. Do they even have time for this conversation? If not, maybe there’s someone else you can talk to.

5. We’ll think about it…

Prospect: Alright, this was a lot of great information. We’ll think about it and get back in touch.

Salesperson: Okay, [client name]. Typically, when I hear “we’ll think about it,” it means that a client isn’t interested in our product/service. Can I assume that’s the case here?

Prospect: Yes, you’re right. We aren’t going to make a purchase.

Why negative reverse selling works in this scenario: This scenario helps you get to that “no” as quickly as possible. As the sales rep, you can tell when a “We’ll think about it” is serious or isn’t. Use negative reverse selling if you know they aren’t interested and save yourself some time.

What we like: This approach will save time and is up to the discretion of the salesperson to determine if a prospect is actually interested.

Now, let’s learn how to use reverse selling and handle negative responses.

How to Use Reverse Selling

Negative reverse selling isn’t a tactic to use all the time, but there are situations where this type of reverse psychology will work. It’s important to keep it in your back pocket should the situation arise.

Reverse selling works because you push back on a prospect's fluffy response and ask for a specific answer. From there, you can agree to touch base in six months or when the client is ready. Either way, you can move on to other deals, and your prospect can return to their work without worrying about the next time you’ll call.

Handling Negative Responses

If you use this approach, be ready for a few prospects to get angry. They still don’t want to tell you no, so some prospects will lash out. Here’s an example:

Prospect Sam: I’m headed into a meeting; can you give me a call next week?

Salesperson: Sam, I’ve tried to connect a few times now. Typically, when this happens, it means this is a low priority for you at the moment. Is it fair for me to assume that’s the case?

Prospect Sam: Well, if you don’t want to talk to me, then I’d rather not do business with you.

Salesperson: Hey Sam, my apologies. I do want to talk, but I feel like I’m driving you crazy here with all these voicemails and missed calls. I’d hate to keep bothering you if it’s not necessary. It might be best if you reach out when it’s a better time.

This last line is important. You must be clear that you’re keeping the conversation positive and centered around your prospect’s well-being.

It should never feel like you’re taking revenge on an uninterested prospect by saying, “You always say you’ll call me back, Sam,” which turns the conversation into an accusation and, sometimes, an argument.

By keeping things constructive, you’ve put the negativity on yourself instead of on the prospect. It’s important to stay professional and remember you’re speaking to your prospect in a way they’re not used to hearing from salespeople.

In the conversation above, you can leave Sam your contact information and reiterate that you’d love to open the conversation when it’s their priority. This way, you’re no longer caught in the hamster wheel of calling and hoping Sam suddenly becomes interested.

We’ve discussed when to use negative reverse selling and various use cases, but how can you implement this strategy? Below, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide on incorporating this strategy into your sales calls.

How to Do Negative Reverse Selling

1. Know when you want to use it and practice.

The first step is to know what situations you want to use the strategy for. Will you implement it on deal breakers or objection conversations, or both? Then, you should practice with your colleagues to ensure you have the right cadence.

It isn’t easy to tell a prospect that you don’t think your product is a good idea, and it could have negative results. That’s why you’ll want to practice incorporating this strategy and know when you want to use it.

And get comfortable using it in your target situation before applying it to other objections or roadblocks. Before you know it, you’ll use it instinctively when faced with one of those fluffy “maybe” answers.

2. Begin with an empathetic, softener statement of understanding.

Once you’ve decided that you’re going to use this strategy, it’s time to begin writing your script. You’ll want to start with an empathetic softener statement of understanding.

Did you notice how, in all our examples, we began with “I understand” or “That makes sense”? That helps the prospect feel understood and listened to. Then, that’s when you’ll jump into the negative statement.

3. Get to the negative statement that this might not be right.

After a soft opening, say why you think this time might not be right for the prospect or ask for specific clarification to see if they’re actually interested.

4. Listen to how they respond and have quick responses prepared.

Your prospect can have many responses, so have your script prepared. What will you say when they try to convince themselves to purchase your product? Or what will you say if they say they aren’t interested? Or how can you respond if they have a negative reaction and are upset by your statement?

It’s important to be prepared for any type of reaction from your prospect.

Implementing Negative Reverse Selling

When reps are trained on how to use this approach, it’s important to stress that you should use it delicately. It’s not a catch-all tactic or one you should build your sales strategy around. It should only be applied when nothing else works.

Pick the one situation you keep getting stuck on. If you repeatedly have prospects who schedule a meeting, cancel, push it back two weeks, and cancel again, implement the negative reverse approach there.

As salespeople, sometimes we have to force the hard conversations and save both sides valuable time. Use the negative reverse strategy, and turn "Maybe" into "Yes" or "No" before two-week follow-up calls eat away at your calendar and quota.