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Appropriate follow up for sensitive situation

by mrjosco
4 replies
So, I am hoping some wiser business folks can help me out here. This question may make me sound insensitive, but I am asking because I want to be sensitive to the situation, but I also realize that life goes on.

I sell mobile websites and had an in person appointment with a potential customer. This prospect showed a LOT of interest over the phone and was excited to schedule an in person meeting.

On the day of the meeting I showed up and his wife answered the door. That morning there had been a death in the family. Obviously, no time to think about trivial things like business matters. I simply expressed my condolences and let them be.

Now, I don't want to come off as a total jerk and just call to reschedule the appointment like nothing happened - but I also don't want to be overly involved in his personal life or sound weird addressing the issue.

What is the appropriate follow up. This guy still needs my services, once his life starts getting back to normal.
#follow #sensitive #situation
  • Profile picture of the author n_touch
    Death is something that we all deal with. I would give him 3-4 days for the funeral and viewing and all to take place. After that if he has not called, give him a call. Be empathetic if he is not ready to talk, and just explain that you understand and let him get back to you on his time table. Almost all business owners that I knew of that had a death to deal with also knew that their business needed them.
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  • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
    Just me...

    I would send flowers (if it was close in the family) or a card. Family deaths suck. There is no greater impression you can make on them than to reach out and express kindness.

    They will remember and appreciate you forever. Not only is the sale much more likely, they will respect you and tell others how great you are. Besides, when you hear of someone suffering a loss, expressing sympathy is the right thing to do.
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    • Profile picture of the author Aaron Doud
      Originally Posted by Dan McCoy View Post

      Just me...

      I would send flowers (if it was close in the family) or a card. Family deaths suck. There is no greater impression you can make on them than to reach out and express kindness.

      They will remember and appreciate you forever. Not only is the sale much more likely, they will respect you and tell others how great you are. Besides, when you hear of someone suffering a loss, expressing sympathy is the right thing to do.
      This here is great advice. Had this happen when selling RVs before and I would always send a card or flowers and follow up after a week or so to get back into the selling process.
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  • Profile picture of the author lotsofsnow
    Sure, you can send flowers or a card but it might come across as a little too much. I would simply give him a call next week.

    Briefly mention that you had an appointment but do understand that somebody in the family passed away and that it is completely understood that family matter are more important. Basically just express your understanding of the situation. Don't get too involved. You will quickly find out from him whether the death really touched him personally or whether it was somebody that belonged to his family but was not really close.

    If you just send flowers or a card blindly you might do more harm than help. Sometimes people pass away and live simply goes on and sometimes it is more delicate.

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