Script library: by scenario
Fifteen common cold call objections with word-for-word responses, and the three-step structure behind every answer. Every line is ready to use: replace each {{placeholder}}, read it aloud a few times, then make it sound like you.
Quick answer
Every objection response in this library follows the same three steps. Acknowledge what they said, so they feel heard rather than handled. Ask one question that tests whether it's a real reason or a reflex. Then offer a smaller next step, or thank them and go. The industry scripts in this library each include five objections specific to that market; this page covers the universal ones.
Never argue, and never use an objection response on someone who has asked not to be called. 'Take me off your list' is not an objection. It's an instruction, and it's actioned immediately.
Six parts, in the order buyers expect them. The note under each part explains why it is written that way.
That's fair. / Makes sense. / I hear that a lot, and usually for good reason.
Why it works: Short and genuine. It lowers the tension so the next question gets a real answer.
Can I ask, is that because {{reason_a}}, or more {{reason_b}}?
Why it works: A choice of two reasons is easier to answer than an open question, and it tells you whether to continue.
Understood. Would it be worth {{smaller_step}}, and you can decide from there?
Why it works: Offer something smaller than a meeting: a one-page summary, a callback at a better time or a single question.
Thanks for being straight with me. I'll make a note and won't chase you. Would it be okay to check in {{timeframe}}?
Why it works: Respecting a real no keeps the door open. Ask permission for one future touch.
Based on that, would {{day_time_1}} or {{day_time_2}} work for 20 minutes?
Why it works: Only if step 2 surfaced a reason to continue. Don't force it.
CRM note: objection {{objection_type}}, real or reflex, next step, date.
Why it works: Logging objections by type shows which ones your script should handle earlier in the call.
Swap one of these in for the opener above when the situation fits.
Hi {{first_name}}, {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. You're probably going to tell me you're happy with {{incumbent_type}}, and that's fine. I'm calling to ask one question about it.
When to use it: Use when one objection comes up on almost every call. Naming it first removes its force.
Hi {{first_name}}, it's {{your_name}} at {{your_company}}. This is a cold call. Can I take 30 seconds, and if it's not relevant you can hang up on me?
When to use it: Use to reduce reflex objections at the start of the call.
For when reception or an assistant answers. Be honest about who you are and ask for help.
More gatekeeper scriptsGatekeeper objection: 'They're not interested.' Response: Thanks. Could I ask who'd normally look after {{topic}}? I'd rather check with the right person than assume.
Acknowledge, ask one question, then offer a smaller step or let them go.
All objection responsesThat's fair, I did call out of the blue. Is it that {{topic}} isn't a priority, or that you've already got it covered?
Why: Separates timing from fit. Either answer tells you what to do next.
Happy to. So it's not a generic one, what should it focus on: {{option_a}} or {{option_b}}?
Why: If they choose, they're interested. If they won't, it was a polite exit.
Good to hear. If you could change one thing about it, what would it be?
Why: Satisfied buyers usually still have one gap.
No problem. Is it a bad moment, or a bad month? I can call back {{day_time_1}}.
Why: Separates a busy moment from a brush off and books the callback.
Understood. Most people I speak with don't have it set aside yet. When does planning for next year start?
Why: Budget is timing. Capture the date.
Acknowledge, ask one question, then offer a smaller step or let them go. Adjust the wording to your market.
The reflex objection
That's fair, I did call out of the blue. Is it that {{topic}} isn't a priority, or that you've already got it covered?
Polite exit
Happy to. What should it focus on so it's worth reading: {{option_a}} or {{option_b}}?
Incumbent
Good to hear. If you could change one thing about it, what would it be?
Timing
No problem. Bad moment or bad month? I can call back {{day_time_1}}.
Money
Understood. When does planning for next year start? I'd rather be useful before then than chase you now.
Price, often before they know the price
That's a fair concern. Compared with what? If I knew what you pay now for {{topic}}, I could tell you honestly whether we'd save you anything.
Internal team
Makes sense. Is the team stretched, or do they have capacity to spare?
Deferral
Will do. What changes in six months, so I know what to ask about when I call?
Wrong contact
Thanks for telling me. Who would be? Would you mind if I mentioned you pointed me their way?
Data source
It's listed as your business number on {{source}}. If you'd prefer I didn't call it, I'll remove it now.
Direct question
Yes, it is. I'm checking whether {{topic}} is relevant to you before taking any more of your time.
Past failure
What happened last time? I'd rather know, so I can tell you honestly whether this would be any different.
Contract
Understood. When does it end? I'll check in a few months beforehand, rather than now.
Buying signal
Sure. It depends on {{pricing_factor}}. Two quick questions and I'll give you a real number rather than a range.
Removal request, not an objection
Of course. I'll remove you now, and you won't hear from us again. Sorry for the interruption.
Under 30 seconds. Skip voicemail on the first attempt and pair it with an email the same day.
12 more voicemail scriptsHi {{first_name}}, it's {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. When we spoke you mentioned {{objection_summary}}. I've put together a short note on exactly that, and I'll email it now. No need to call back. My number is {{phone}} if it's useful.
Send it the same day as the call or voicemail. It identifies you and includes a working unsubscribe.
Subject: On {{objection_summary}}
Nousu's published cadence figures show why handling early objections well matters: most meetings come later in the sequence.
Australian cold calling statistics| Measure | Published figure or what to track |
|---|---|
| Meetings booked on the first attempt | 13% |
| Meetings booked on the fourth attempt or later | 58% |
| Pipeline forfeited by stopping after two attempts | 72% |
| Decision-maker conversations that book a meeting | 22% |
From Nousu's Australian cold calling statistics, 218,000+ dials. An objection on attempt one is rarely the final answer, so a respectful response keeps the next attempt possible.
To see how many dials your own meeting target needs, use the meetings per dial calculator.
General information only, not legal advice.
Australian cold calling lawsThis script is a starting point. The free cold call script generator builds a version around your offer, buyer and market, with your own objection responses, voicemails and follow-up emails. It runs in your browser and nothing you type is stored or sent.
FAQ
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