How to Start a Sales Call (Without Getting Hung Up On)

You finally get someone to answer the phone.
You’ve got just a few seconds to make a good impression.
And then… you freeze.

We’ve all been there.

Whether you're a small business owner, freelancer, or marketing pro, knowing how to start a sales call is one of the most important skills you can learn. And it’s usually the difference between a polite “sure, tell me more” and a quick click.

The good news? Once you know the structure, it’s easier than you think.

☎️ Why the First 15 Seconds Matter Most

The start of a sales call sets the entire tone.

You don’t need to say anything fancy or force a pitch — in fact, the more casual, respectful, and confident you sound, the better your chances of getting a real conversation.

So what’s the goal when you first start a sales call?

✅ Build a little trust
✅ Sound like a real person
✅ Give them a reason to stay on the line
✅ Offer an easy out

🧠 What NOT to Say When Starting a Sales Call

Here are a few common mistakes beginners make that immediately cause people to hang up:

• “Is this a good time?” – sounds generic and scripted
• “I’m calling to talk to you about our amazing service” – way too salesy
• “Can I have a few minutes of your time?” – vague and doesn’t feel valuable
• Launching into a long monologue about your company

Remember: if it sounds like a cold call, people shut down. Your job is to sound like someone they might want to talk to — not someone trying to sell them something.

✅ How to Start a Sales Call the Right Way

Here’s a simple, high-converting structure to follow:

“Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] with [Your Company].
I know you’re probably busy, so I’ll keep this super quick.
I work with other local businesses like yours to help them [insert clear benefit — e.g., get more local customers].
Would it be okay if I called back Thursday morning to show you a few things we’ve done for others in your space?”

Why this works:

• You sound respectful, not aggressive
• You offer a clear benefit
• You ask for a scheduled call — not their time right now
• You give them an easy way to say yes

Even if they say no, they’ll appreciate your tone and professionalism — which keeps the door open for future outreach.

💬 What to Say If They Push Back

If they say “I’m not interested” or “I’m too busy,” you can respond with:

“Totally understand. I figured now wasn’t the best time. That’s why I was just hoping to schedule a quick call later — does Friday work better?”

This soft follow-up often turns a “no” into a “maybe.”

📥 Want the Exact Sales Call Script I Use?

If you’re tired of stumbling through sales calls or getting hung up on, I’ve got something that will help.

I created a simple cold calling script that walks you through exactly what to say — from the first hello to the scheduling ask.

It’s the same one I use to land calls with business owners every week, and it’s available for just $1.99.

👉 Download the Sales Call Script Here for $1.99

Whether you’re brand new to sales or just want to feel more confident on the phone, this script will help you sound polished, professional, and persuasive.

Need help customizing it for your niche? I’ve worked with landscapers, pet stores, web designers, and more — just reach out and I’ll point you in the right direction.

Want to go deeper? Check out my post on The Perfect Cold Call Template for Service-Based Businesses next.