Automotive – Referral sales script: How to respond when person says, “Call them and tell them I sent you”.
1 minutes to read
Updated March 23, 2026
When you ask a person for a referral, they may give you names of people to contact rather than make a warm introduction. That is normal. It is NOT a rejection. Here is what to say next.
Sales script
| YOU | Asked for an introduction |
| CUSTOMER | “Sure, let me give you a couple of names. You can call them and tell them I sent you.” |
| YOU | Do not stop at names. Ask for an introduction again. “Thank you so much, but if I call them without an introduction from you, I only have about a 50% chance of meeting them. If I made it really easy, would you feel comfortable introducing me to those 3 people? I’ll take care of your friends like they’re family, and I’ll look out for them.” |
| CUSTOMER | Sure, how? |
| YOU | [Transition to "STEP 2: Help them download your dealership referral app".] |
7 more common referral objections
- “I can’t think of anyone off the top of my head.” (See what to say)
- “I don’t know if anyone is shopping for a car right now." (See what to say)
- “Sure, I’ll do it when I get home.” (See what to say)
- "I don’t want to annoy my friends." (See what to say)
- "What if my friend has a bad experience?" (See what to say)
- “I don’t want to sync my contacts. I don’t want people getting spammed.” (See what to say)
- “I don’t really like giving referrals. I’d rather wait until someone asks me for a recommendation or advice.” (See what to say)
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