How to handle: "I need to talk to my spouse."
Either it's true (and you should've qualified earlier), or it's a stall.
What they're really saying
Either it's true (and you should've qualified earlier), or it's a stall.
Common variants you'll hear
- "My partner has to be in on this"
- "My wife/husband makes these calls"
- "We decide together"
Three rebuttals — weak, strong, and elite
Same objection, three skill levels. Read all three, then drill the elite version until it falls out of your mouth.
Weak rebuttal
"Sure, talk to them and let me know what you decide."
Why it works: No qualifying. No commitment. They'll never call back.
Strong rebuttal
"Smart, I always recommend big decisions get made together. Quick question — when you talk to them, what do you think their first concern will be? Let's make sure I give you everything you need to answer it, so you're not stuck in the middle."
Why it works: Qualifies the partner's role and pre-handles the conversation.
Elite rebuttal
"Totally respect that. Two paths here: option one, we get them on a quick three-way call right now — five minutes, I answer their questions directly, you don't have to play telephone. Option two, you go talk to them tonight — but be honest with me, if it was just up to you, would you be in? … Okay good. So really we're not waiting for a decision, we're waiting for a conversation. Let's make that conversation as easy as possible."
Why it works: Either gets the spouse on the phone now or exposes the stall with grace.
Follow-up questions
- If it was 100% your call, would you do it?
- What do you think their main concern will be?
- Are they available right now for a five-minute call?
Bridge back to the close
"Let's get them on for two minutes — that way they hear it from the source, you don't have to repeat anything, and you're not the one selling them on it tonight. Worst case, they say no and we part friends."