When a prospect utters those five dreaded words—”I don’t have time now”—most salespeople feel their opportunity slipping away.
Yet this common objection rarely represents the literal truth. In most cases, “I don’t have time” is simply polite-speak for “you’re not a priority right now”.
If prospects were genuinely too busy, they’d likely hang up immediately or ignore your call altogether.
Instead, this response often masks deeper concerns: lack of perceived value, fear of commitment, or previous negative experiences with salespeople.
Understanding this reality transforms how we approach this objection.
The real challenge isn’t about squeezing into their schedule—it’s about demonstrating enough value that they make time for you.
Let’s explore how to turn these apparent brushoffs into meaningful conversations.