7 Ways to Say 'Thank You for Your Consideration' in an Email or Letter

"Thanks for your consideration." In sales, those words are a white flag. They signal a competitor has won the business, and it's time for you to pack it up and head home. But before you call it a day or ask them what you did wrong, consider these alternative follow-ups and the opportunities they present.

After all, you're in sales for a reason — and it's not because you give up easily. These seven ways to say, "Thank you for your consideration," help you identify your next move.

Thank You For Your Consideration

'Thank you for your consideration' is a way to tell contacts you appreciate their interest in your product or service. For example, if a prospect looks like they'll choose a competitor over your product, thanking them for their consideration helps a salesperson determine their next move (e.g., learn more about the prospect's decision, touch base at a later date, etc.)

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1. "Thank you for your time."

Depending on how far along the prospect got in the sales process, chances are they invested a good amount of time considering your offer. Even if they go with a competitor, acknowledging and thanking your contact for the time they spent learning about your product can be an impactful way to build relationships.

Though this prospect may not have purchased from you this time around, they will understand that you value and respect their time, leaving a positive impression that could lead to a sale at another time.

2. "Have you actually executed the contract yet?"

You'd be surprised how often a prospect will tell you they've chosen another vendor before actually signing a contract. And if no ink has been spilled, it's not a done deal. If they reply, "Well, the contract is with our legal department," or "We're just waiting on the final documents to be sent over," the deal isn't done.

Check with your manager and — when appropriate — throw a big discount at them. In this scenario, you've already lost the upper hand. Your prospect knows you're desperate, so trying to shortchange them on price or remain coy about what you can offer is futile. Offer them your biggest discount to try to jolt them into reconsidering your bid.

And be willing to walk away if your manager nixes a price cut. You've got better things to do than beg for business with nothing left to bargain with.

3. "Price and terms aside, which vendor had the best technology?"

Many salespeople use this time to ask, "Is there anything we could have done better?" or "Were there features we were missing that gave [Competitor] the upper hand?" Don't do this. What prospect — after working up the courage to tell you they're going with a competitor — is going to tell you your shortcomings?

Instead, ask, "I appreciate you letting me know. Can I ask, pricing and terms aside, which vendor had the best technology?" This gives you helpful, honest information, without putting your prospect on the spot. Hopefully, you're able to end the moment by having them say something positive about you.

And if they think the competitor's product is better, say, "I appreciate the opportunity to compete," and move on. When your prospect has done their due diligence and selected another vendor, you must honor that decision.

If you're looking for feedback on what you could have done differently or better, turn to current clients. They're invested in your product/service improving and are motivated to give you the hard feedback you need.

4. "Can I touch base in 12 weeks to see how the transition went?"

Another trap I see salespeople fall into is trying to re-engage with prospects six months after they've chosen another vendor. I question these reps' motive. Best case scenario: the prospect is unhappy but can't sign with another company due to their contract, which is likely at least one-year long.

It also sends the message you have enough free time to reconnect with closed-lost business. Why are you honoring dead deals instead of pursuing new ones? Think of it this way: if your ex gets married, you're not going to reach out six months after the wedding and ask if they're interested in pursuing things with you again. Apply that tenacity to new business instead.

What you can ask during the initial breakup conversation is, "Would it be alright for me to touch base in 12 weeks to see how the transition went?" Follow that up with, "If you tell me it went well, you won't hear from me again. If it didn't go well, I'd love another chance to win your business, when your contract is up."

This sets expectations you're not lurking in the corner waiting for them to need you again. Instead, it's straightforward and reinforces you care about their best interest and success.

5. "Thank you for the opportunity to earn your business."

If it doesn't look like a deal will move forward, sincerely thank the prospect for their time. Take it as an opportunity to let them know that you're there to help address any questions or issues in the future.

Just because you won't be working with them right now, doesn't mean they won't come back when the time is right. With this message, you further develop your position as a trusted advisor and end your correspondence on a good note.

6. "I appreciate your time and consideration."

No matter what direction you plan to take the conversation, letting your prospect know how much you appreciate their time and consideration is a respectful approach.

After letting your prospect know how much you appreciate their consideration, you can naturally pivot to ask what factors contributed to their decision to help you gain more clarity and refine your sales process for the future.

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Communication tips to use throughout your professional career.

• Communicate to your audience
• Write with clarity
• Craft effective message
• Improve word choice

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You're all set!

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7. "Hoping you’ll consider us for your business.”

If you want your prospect to consider your company for future deals, say so. Offer to discuss other products or services with them that may be a better fit.

If you lose a deal to another vendor, you've lost a full sales cycle. The only thing worse than putting three months into a dead deal is putting three months and one day into a dead deal. A new outreach call is better than nursing a lost opportunity. So, when in doubt, turn to these alternatives to "Thank you for your consideration," and move on to bigger and better things.

Looking for other ways to enliven your correspondence? Check out these "Hope You Are Doing Well" Alternatives, Nine Alternatives to Using "Dear Sir or Madam,"15 Alternatives to "As Per Our Conversation," and 12 Less Stilted Ways to Say "Thank You for Your Understanding."