Automotive – Referral sales script: How to respond when person says, “I don’t know if anyone is shopping for a car right now.”

1 minutes to read Updated March 23, 2026
How to respond to referral objection

When you ask for a referral, some people may say they do not know anyone shopping for a car right now. That is a common response because people often think a referral only counts if someone is ready to buy today.

In reality, the goal is to get your name and contact information into more circles so you become known by more people. That's how you become the person people call later when they need a car.

Sales script

CUSTOMER“I don’t know if anyone is shopping for a car right now.”
YOU“That’s okay. Even if they are not shopping for a car right now, they can save my contact information for later. I just want them to know who I am.

Maybe 6 to 12 months from now, they’ll need help, and they’ll know who to call.

I’m also happy to be their car expert if they ever want a second opinion on the quotes or financing they’re getting from another dealership.

I’ll make sure they are protected.”

Why this works: Ryan Serhant, a real estate mogul whose met over 100 billionaires, revealed that he tries to meet between five and 15 new people every day, and his contact list is actually “contact currency”—a network built on relationships, not just transactions. Building relationships is his “number one job.”

7 more common referral objections

  1. "Call them and tell them I sent you" (See what to say)
  2. “I can’t think of anyone off the top of my head.” (See what to say)
  3. “Sure, I’ll do it when I get home.” (See what to say)
  4. "I don’t want to annoy my friends." (See what to say)
  5. "What if my friend has a bad experience?" (See what to say)
  6. “I don’t want to sync my contacts. I don’t want people getting spammed.” (See what to say)
  7. “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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