Asking budget during first meeting

Question

Simple question do you ask in the beginning or the end of a sales meeting? To pre face that I think we would all ask budget in the meeting I'm asking specifically if you ask in the begging of a meeting or the end.

I've been in practice of doing it at the end always and never been a issue for me. I will always walk away with a defined budget by the end. In my experience when I have asked in the beginning wether the budget is in line or not to what I'm selling we still end up having the meeting to see if its a value fit. I have never had to cut a meeting short because their budget didn't fit. ive also had where people who find value in the product tend to strech the budget given a good roi anyways so I never really thought there to be a difference.

I was given feedback today that I should ask in the beginning. I don't mind doing either but I'm just curious what your process looks like and what others think would be more effective. I'm always open to trying new things.

Accepted Answer

"Is this a budgeted initiative?" is one way I've asked during an early part of the call. If they waffle, or give my favorite "we needed this yesterday, management knows how important it is" non-answer, that's a key indicator that you don't have a budgeted initiative or an established compelling event (yet).

Answer

I've done it both ways. When it was the beginning it was a relatively niche piece of software with a high price compared to similar software without the level of integration.

Answer

It depends, if the first meeting is a true disco that I set on a cold call I typically don't on the first meeting. However, if its a RFP or an Inbound where they come to us, then I discuss budget on the first call.

Answer

Depends who you are talking with or you have been asked for. I try to talk budget at the end. I have experienced even if something doesn’t fit a budget, if the product adds real value, prospects at least make an attempt to convince the decision makers.

Answer

I would always ask at the end. it is pretty common for groups to find budget if the value is there.

Answer

Depends. I usually ask at the end, unless they give some volume or timing numbers at the beginning

Answer

I have done both, it honestly depends on who I am talking to.

Answer

You need to ask about budget but it needs to be worked into the conversation naturally, or else it turns into a awkward conversation.

YesitsmetheTopG

Asking budget during first meeting

13 comments

YesitsmetheTopG

Asking budget during first meeting

13 comments

Related posts

Sending questions over to prospect prior to scheduled meeting

How to ask for an in person meeting today (May 2021)?

First introduction meeting with prospect