How to respond to "we already use a competitor"
When a prospect already uses a competitor, criticising that tool makes them defend it. This reply does the opposite: it agrees the competitor is a reasonable choice, asks about one specific gap where you're genuinely stronger, and offers to stay in touch for when the contract comes up. It also suggests an easy switch, since switching cost is usually the real barrier.
;sl-obj-rival;sl-obj-rival in any app.Variations
The same message for a different channel or tone. Copy the one that fits.
When the real barrier is the effort of moving, and you have a genuine migration path.
For LinkedIn or chat.
When to use it
- The prospect tells you they already have a tool that does this.
- You know one specific area where you're genuinely stronger.
- You can offer a real migration path or import.
What to avoid
- Don't criticise the competitor. It puts the prospect on the defensive.
- Don't claim a gap you aren't sure about. They'll check.
- Don't send a comparison chart unless they ask for it.
The fields in this template
Retext fills these in when the snippet expands. In plain text they become [brackets] to replace by hand.
- First name
{fill:First name} - The prospect's first name.
- Competitor
{fill:Competitor} - The tool they use now.
- Gap you solve
{fill:Gap you solve} - One concrete area where you're stronger, e.g. "sharing replies across a team".
- Cursor
{cursor} - Where your cursor lands after the snippet expands, so you can start typing the personal part straight away.
- ;sig-work
{snippet:sig-work} - Pulls in your ;sig-work snippet, so a change to that snippet updates every reply that uses it. Create a snippet with that trigger first (any template in the email signatures pack works), or the field stays as typed.
- Similar customer
{fill:Similar customer} - A customer who switched and can be named.
- Migration time
{fill:Migration time} - How long their move took, e.g. "an afternoon".
Tips
- •Asking when the contract renews gives you a natural date to follow up.
- •If your product imports from the competitor, say so. Retext itself imports from TextExpander, Espanso, Raycast and Alfred for the same reason: switching cost is the real objection.
- •Pick {fill:Gap you solve} from what similar customers told you when they switched.
Works in Gmail, Outlook, LinkedIn, HubSpot and every other app
Retext types the snippet wherever your cursor is. To use a different version in one app, give it the same trigger and limit it to that app with per-app snippets. They go by app, not website, so every tab in your browser counts as one app.
Keep one competitor reply per major competitor in the team pack, each with the gap that's actually true. Admins can update them in the app when either product changes.
See Retext for TeamsQuestions
How do I respond when a prospect is happy with a competitor?
Respect the choice, then ask about one specific area where you're genuinely stronger. If that's not a problem for them, ask when their contract renews and check back then.
Should I criticise a competitor in a sales email?
No. It makes the prospect defend the decision they already made. Ask questions instead and let them name the gaps.
Related templates
Objection: too expensive
;sl-obj-priceSales
Hi [First name], Thanks for being straight about the price. So I can respond properly: is it high compared to another op…
Objection: bad timing
;sl-obj-timingSales
Hi [First name], Understood, timing matters. Can I ask what would need to happen for this to be the right time? A budget…
Renewal reminder
;sl-renewalSales
Hi [First name], A heads-up that [Company]'s [Product] plan renews on [Renewal date] for [Price]. This year your team [W…
Type ;sl-obj-rival, get the whole reply
Retext expands your snippets in every Mac app and fills in names, dates and order numbers for you.
Free to start. No account required on the Mac.