How to Turn Down a Business Advertising Opportunity

You may need to cancel advertising if it is not working for your business.

Turning down any opportunity for advertising in your business can be difficult. But recognizing your business needs and sticking to that agenda may make it necessary to turn your back on certain business advertising opportunities. The best way to handle the rejection is with honesty by telling advertisers why they are not a good fit with your company. You do not want to burn bridges during the let down, since you never know if there will be an opportunity to work together in the future.

Instructions

1. Come up with the reason you need to turn down the opportunity before you contact the advertiser. This is best because you can fully explain why you are not accepting the opportunity rather than just flat out rejecting it. By doing this, you can also also show the advertiser why its services are not a good fit for your company. The advertiser may offer other options once they hear your situation.

2. Contact the agency by telephone or email. Explain to the person in charge of advertising that you no longer wish to use the services. Briefly explain your reasons, and thank them for their time. It is best to keep the conversation light. Do not attack the company, even if you are turning down the opportunity due to unsatisfactorily performance.

3. Follow up your initial contact with a written, dated and printed statement that confirms your cancellation of advertising. Include the name of the person you spoke with and when you made the cancellation.

4. Print two copies of the letter. Keep one for yourself, and mail the other with a "signature required" request, which you can have done at any United States postal office. This confirms that the advertiser has received your letter.

References

• Business Know How: When To Say No In Business