Sales Tip: Ask for the order

March 5, 2025

To make the sale, you have to know two things: when to speak and when to shut up.

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Closing a deal should be easy for you and feel easy for the prospect. Nobody enjoys the car salesperson pushing hard for the deal right now or the time-share person warning that the price could go up at any time.

Most times a simple yes-yes question does the trick.

Would you like both the screwdriver and nutdriver set today?
I have a new one on the truck, should I get it for you?
Which color will your new storage system be, red or green?

Also, not to be rude, but when you ask for the order, shut up! Give your prospect time to think, time to process your offer, and time to say yes. And for goodness sake, don’t get nervous, break the silence, and offer some discount for them to go with it now. In most cases, they were going to say yes and you just gave up 5-10 percent of your revenue for nothing. The first one to speak loses.

About the Author

Alan Sipe | President, Toolbox Sales and Consulting

Alan W. Sipe has spent the last 42 years in the basic hand tool industry including positions as President of KNIPEX Tools North America, Sr. VP Sales and Marketing at Klein Tools, Manager Special Markets at Stanley Tools and sales management at toolbox manufacturer Waterloo Industries. Currently Sipe is the owner of Toolbox Sales and Consulting specializing in sales strategy, structure, development and training. Sipe can be reached at [email protected] or 847-910-1063. Connect with Sipe on LinkedIn.