Why More than 40% of B2B Deals End in “No Decision”

In B2B sales, the dreaded “no decision” is worse than losing to the competition. If you’ve ever spent months nurturing a lead only for them to disappear without making a decision, you’re not alone. 

In fact, a Harvard Business Review study of over 2.5 million sales conversations revealed that 40% to 60% of B2B deals end in no decision. That’s a staggering amount of potential revenue slipping away.

So, what’s going on here?

The real reason behind “no decision”

B2B buyers are more likely to freeze up because they’re scared of making a mistake rather than just sticking with what they know. While people do like to keep things the same, their bigger issue is a fear of taking action and getting it wrong.

So, when sales don’t happen, it’s more often because customers are too nervous to make a choice, not because they’re completely happy with what they already have. It’s not about missing out on something better—they just don’t want to mess up.

The research shows that the three main drivers of customer indecision are difficulty in choosing the right option, feeling they don’t have enough information, and uncertainty about whether the purchase will deliver the expected benefits.

Let’s look at these in further detail.

1. Valuation problems

Customers struggle to pick between different packages or service levels. When overwhelmed, they shut down.

2. Outcome uncertainty

Buyers worry the product or service won’t deliver as promised. They’re anxious about making a poor investment and get stuck in fear.

3. Option overload

Too many options lead to analysis paralysis. The more choices, the more research they think they need. Momentum stalls, and the deal dies.

Now that we know what’s driving indecision, how do we fix it?

How to combat customer indecision

1. Be prescriptive

One of the biggest mistakes salespeople make is offering too many choices. While it might seem counterintuitive, customers don’t want endless options—they want guidance. When buyers are indecisive, they aren’t looking for more information; they need a clear path forward.

What to do: Take on the role of an advisor, not just a vendor. Instead of asking your prospect what they want, flip the script and tell them what they should do based on your expertise. Recommend specific solutions that fit their situation and focus on the easiest, most practical option. The key is to remove complexity, not add to it.

Real-world tip: Think of it like ordering at a restaurant. When faced with a massive menu, how often do you ask the waiter, “What do you recommend?” Your prospect is doing the same thing.

2. Help them understand: “why you over the competition?”

When customers are stuck in indecision, they’re not just wondering if your solution works—they want to be sure they’re picking the best option for their needs. They want to be able to report back to the boss that they’ve done their homework, they understand the options, and that they're helping the company make the best choice.

This is where positioning becomes critical. 

It’s not enough to list features; you need to position your offering in a way that highlights why you’re the most suitable choice compared to the competition.

What to do: Use strong positioning to focus on who you serve best. Understand the markets and customers where you consistently win, and tailor your message to show that for their specific needs, your solution isn’t just a good option—it’s the best one. 

Positioning is about clarity—making it obvious that you are uniquely suited to solve their problems in ways competitors can’t match. This gives your prospect confidence that they’ve done their homework and are making the smartest, most informed decision.

Real-world tip: Think about it like shopping for a new watch. If you told the salesperson you needed a simple watch for hiking, and they responded, “Honestly, our models are too technical for what you’re doing—you don’t need this,” it builds trust. 

That level of honesty not only strengthens your credibility, but also reinforces that when your solution is the right fit, the customer can feel confident they’re choosing the best option for them. It’s about being clear on where you win—and being unafraid to admit when you don’t.

3. Prove it

Indecision often stems from outcome uncertainty. Prospects may like what you’re selling, but they’re not convinced it will deliver. They fear putting their necks on the line for something that could fail.

What to do: Prove it with data, case studies, and testimonials. But be careful—don’t overpromise. While highlighting past successes is great, you want to be realistic about the results a customer can expect. Predictable ROI models can reduce anxiety, but if you go too far, you risk amplifying their fears.

Bonus points: If you can tie your value proposition to something the customer already uses successfully, do it. Familiarity breeds comfort, which can reduce the fear of venturing into the unknown.

4. Find your champion

Every deal has a hero—someone within the buyer’s organization who stands to benefit most from your product or service. This person can be your champion. They see the value, and if you equip them properly, they’ll help push the deal forward internally.

What to do: Identify who in your prospect’s company is most invested in your solution. Once you find them, arm them with the tools they need to handle objections from other stakeholders. You don’t have to sell to the whole decision-making team—just empower your champion to do it.

Pro tip: Provide your champion with tailored case studies, ROI calculators, or tools that demonstrate value. The easier you make their job, the more likely they are to help you close the deal.

Final thoughts: Be a guide, not a seller

B2B buying decisions involve an overwhelming amount of information. And, there’s a lot at stake for both the company and the decision-making team.

To close more deals, salespeople need to understand why customers hesitate and adjust how they sell. Instead of just pushing a product, the goal is to guide the customer through the decision process, show the value of the solution, and help them feel confident in their choice by reducing their fear of making a mistake.