How to respond to 'I'm not the decision maker'
Your prospect explains that someone else must approve a purchase.
What they might say
- “I'd need my manager to sign off.”
- “I'm just researching options.”
- “Our finance team makes the final call.”
What's usually behind it
Your contact may influence the choice without owning the budget or approval. You need to understand their role and the buying process without making them feel sidelined.
What you can say
- Thanks, that's helpful context.
- I want to make this useful for your part in the process.
- How does a purchase like this get approved on your team?
Try not to
- Asking to bypass your contact.
- Assuming they have no influence.
How Earshot helps in the moment
Earshot listens live, shows one short card with a suggested line to explore the approval process, and nudges you on pace.
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