When people say "I can't afford it"

Mom from Texas · #1 (**permalink**) 07-10-2006, 09:56 PM

I get frustrated sometimes with people who know that they need a change in their lifestyle because they are not healthy or do not have energy or they do not get a restful nights sleep etc. but they are not willing to try something that I know will help them. They say they can't afford it but yet they often go out to eat (processed junk food of course) and they have lots of shoes, purses, makeup, nice car etc. I just don't understand why their health is not a priority. When they tell me they can't afford it, I usually tell them that if they eat breakfast, lunch or dinner daily then they can afford it and they should say instead that they choose not to spend their money that way. Then I wish them well. I know that at least I tried to help them and if they do not want my help, that's okay.

Whoa, I feel better already.

Thanks!

Mommyland · #2 (**permalink**) 07-11-2006, 03:32 AM

It drives me nuts too. More then anything else I think. I just dont get it. I would rather here Im not interested vs I cant afford it. Or I dont like that product or I think youfull of crud. Why can people just be honest.

CherOnyx24 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-11-2006, 06:33 AM

I think this kind of goes with anything. I see my sister buy lots of things she doesnt need but she cant afford to get new tires on her car to keep her safe. Anyway people just have priorities about what they want to spend their money on.

IsaWAHM · #4 (**permalink**) 07-11-2006, 07:01 AM

I know what you mean. My sister is in excess of 100 lbs overweight. She is seeing weightloss success from many members in our family, but still resists...her excuse, of course, is "I can't afford it". Yet, as you guessed, she spends money on everything else (vacations, food, Walmart).

It's obvious to me that her "I can't afford it" is not her real excuse, but it's the easier one for her to say. It's harder for her to say "I'm scared; what if it doesn't work for me; I will continue to be the failure that I already am" (Of course, she never actually said that, but I bet that's where her mind is).

In most cases, it's just an easy excuse. The prospect is not ready for it yet.

Heike · #5 (**permalink**) 07-21-2006, 10:39 AM

Often, people are not willing to make a change until they are scared into it. They are too comfortable, and don't see the necessity.

Learn where their weak points are: ie. Weight, insomnia, stress...and build the benefits of your product around that.

Greetings
Heike

Angie Hewerdine · #6 (**permalink**) 07-21-2006, 01:30 PM

"I can't afford it" is usually a relatively safe answer for most people, since to most people, money is the biggest obstacle they seem to face. Whether or not they can actually pay is not the issue. It's an easy way to get out of something they really don't want in the first place.

If someone REALLY wants something, they will find a way to pay for it no matter how much it costs. Money has nothing to do with it. It's all about desire. I focus my energy on connecting with people who have a strong desire to change their lives. If the desire is there, the money always follows.

www.TheTimeForChange.com

Beanie · #7 (**permalink**) 07-23-2006, 02:30 PM

when i have people say they can't afford it, if it is a start up kit, a product or an advertising banner, i say, okay then, to prove to you it will work, i will give it to you at cost this time to get you started. i show them that what i have to offer costs as much as X number of cases of soda, then they see that it really is worth the money up front and in the long run will acutally save them money.

diamond42377 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-24-2006, 08:57 AM

I agree that where there is a will there is a way. But the way doesn't always come right away. I would understand if the statement was "I don't have the money right now". I can understand that statement.

For example, right now I wish I could get a certain product that is over $300 for weight loss. Me and my family honestly can't afford that right now. I recently lost my main source of income and am slowly beginning a new one. My spouse is disabled on a fixed income and dialysis. I have a preschooler and just had another baby (right before the company I was working for relocated to overseas) I was assured I would have my job and only took 2 weeks off. I worked almost a month after that and then the announcement was made that in 2 weeks they would be closing all domestic divisions to go overseas where labor is cheaper. So I am now working contracts and supplementing with unemployment and small amount of food stamps (we don't get much because I do still have some income)

Being bogged down with buying food, diapers, etc. Also paying rent, these skyrocketing light bills and household upkeep I am basically broke at the end of each month. Realistically I don't have the money and my family has to eat. I am a frugal person and use coupons and do a lot of other cost-cutting things. So I have a positive outlook that I will earn the money and be able to get it by September (unless I win a sweepstakes then it will be sooner)

I know that is not everyone's reason, but some people aren't lying when they say they can't afford it right now. And in that case, they should not have shown interest until they had the money. I am not contacting a distributor YET because I do not want to waste my time or thiers.

imafishtank · #9 (**permalink**) 07-24-2006, 11:16 AM

Unfortunately, I'm usually an "I can't afford it" person, but that's because we don't have a lot of money- and that includes the "extras" I see what you mean about being frustrated when they choose to spend their money on stupid stuff, but some of us honestly, can barely afford the necessities. I'm not flaming, I promise. I totally see where you get frustrated. Just remember that there are some who really can't.

Beanie · #10 (**permalink**) 07-24-2006, 11:29 AM

on that note, yes, there are people that truly can not afford it. i am living there in that neighborhood right now. (ask me about house foreclosures and repo of cars)
if i am looking at a product and find out the price is way beyond by budget, i just say, well, that is way over my budget, i will have to save it up and get back to you when i have the money. since i don't do credit cards, i don't have plastic to throw it onto either.

i think too it depends on what the way the product is presented. if i was to present a catalog to every one i met on a store or at church or kids play date i went on, then ya, i would get the 'i can't afford' it line. partially becuase these people probably are not as excited about the product as i am, or because i came on too strong and turned them off. some people are well meaning in thier approach, but thier aggressiveness is a huge turn off to people to buy thier products.

.02