Handling Counter-Proposals

When you send a payment plan, customers can propose alternative schedules. Here's how to handle them.

What Are Counter-Proposals?

A counter-proposal is when your customer suggests:

• Different payment amounts
• Alternative due dates
• A different number of payments
• A modified schedule that works better for them

When You Receive a Counter-Proposal

You'll get an email notification with:

• What they proposed
• How it differs from your original plan
• Why they're suggesting changes (if they explained)

Reviewing Proposals

1. Go to your dashboard
2. View the plan with Pending Proposal status
3. Compare their proposal to your original
4. Consider:
   • Is the total amount correct?
   • Are the dates reasonable?
   • Will this still work for your business?

Your Options

Accept the Proposal

• Their plan becomes the active plan
• Both parties receive confirmation
• Check-ins begin on their schedule

Decline and Counter

• Explain why their proposal doesn't work
• Suggest a middle ground
• Propose an alternative

Decline Entirely

• If the proposal is unreasonable
• Explain your reasoning
• Customer can try again or accept original

Common Counter-Proposal Scenarios

"Can I pay on the 1st instead of the 15th?"

Usually accept: It's just a date change, same amounts

"Can I split it over 8 months instead of 6?"

Consider carefully: Longer terms mean longer exposure, but more manageable for them

"Can I pay $25/month for 24 months on a $900 debt?"

Probably decline: Too long, too low. Counter with something in between.

Best Practices

Be Open: If their proposal is reasonable and the total is right, accept it

Communicate: Always explain your reasoning for accepting or declining

Find Middle Ground: If you can't accept their proposal, suggest an alternative

Be Prompt: Respond within 24-48 hours when possible

The Goal

Counter-proposals are a good sign - they show engagement and willingness to pay. Work together to find something that works for both parties.

Most counter-proposals are reasonable adjustments based on payday schedules or monthly cash flow. Being flexible here often leads to successful completion.