Every sale has five basic obstacles no need Meaning Factcheck Usage
Rate this quotes

You know, that idea that “Every sale has five basic obstacles” is pure gold. It’s not just theory; it’s a diagnostic tool that flips the entire sales process on its head. Once you internalize this, you stop pushing and start problem-solving.

Share Image Quote:

Table of Contents

Meaning

At its core, this quote means that a “no” is never just a “no.” It’s always one of five specific, identifiable objections. Your job isn’t to argue with the “no,” but to figure out which one it is and address that.

Explanation

Let me break down why this framework is so powerful. It forces you to stop selling and start listening. Seriously. When a prospect hesitates, you run through this mental checklist.

Is it No Need? Then you have to connect your solution to a pain they actually feel.

No Money? You either justify the value or find a way to make it affordable.

No Hurry? This is huge. You have to create or amplify a sense of urgency, show them the cost of inaction.

No Desire? That’s an emotional problem. You have to paint a picture of the future, the outcome, the feeling they’ll get.

And finally, No Trust. This is the foundation. If this one’s missing, nothing else matters. You build this with credibility, social proof, and genuine rapport.

It’s a diagnostic tool, not a script. And it changes everything.

Quote Summary

ContextAttributes
Original LanguageEnglish (4111)
CategoryBusiness (319)
Topicstrust (159)
Literary Styleanalytical (123)
Emotion / Moodrealistic (401)
Overall Quote Score74 (83)
Reading Level40
Aesthetic Score70

Origin & Factcheck

This comes straight from Brian Tracy’s 2002 book, Be a Sales Superstar. He’s a legend in sales training, and he really codified this idea for the modern market. You’ll sometimes see similar concepts floating around, but this specific five-obstacle framework is Tracy’s.

Attribution Summary

ContextAttributes
AuthorBrian Tracy (375)
Source TypeBook (4617)
Source/Book NameBe a Sales Superstar: 21 Great Ways to Sell More, Faster, Easier in Tough Markets (48)
Origin Timeperiod21st Century (1995)
Original LanguageEnglish (4111)
AuthenticityVerified (4617)

Author Bio

Brian Tracy, a prolific author gained global reputation because of his best seller book list such as Eat That Frog!, Goals!, and The Psychology of Selling, and created influential audio programs like The Psychology of Achievement. He is sought after guru for personal development and business performance. Brian Tracy International, coaches millions of professionals and corporates on sales, goal setting, leadership, and productivity.
Official Website |Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube |

Where is this quotation located?

QuotationEvery sale has five basic obstacles: no need, no money, no hurry, no desire, no trust
Book DetailsPublication Year: 2003; ISBN: 978-1-57675-273-9; Latest Edition: AMACOM, 2003; Number of Pages: 128.
Where is it?Chapter 6: Building Trust, Approximate page from 2003 edition: 47

Authority Score95

Context

Tracy introduced this in the context of “tough markets.” He wasn’t talking about selling when everything is easy. This is a battle-tested framework for when every “yes” is hard-won, and you need a systematic way to break down resistance.

Usage Examples

So how do you actually use this? Let me give you a couple of scenarios.

First, for a Sales Manager coaching a team: Instead of asking “Why did you lose that deal?”, you ask “Which of the five obstacles was the real blocker?” It turns a post-mortem into a training session.

For an Entrepreneur pitching investors: The “no money” obstacle is obvious, but often the real issue is “no trust” in your ability to execute. Your pitch needs to address that first.

Even for a Marketer creating a campaign: Your ad copy might be failing because it’s creating desire but not addressing the “no hurry” obstacle. You need a strong call-to-action with a reason to act now.

To whom it appeals?

ContextAttributes
ThemeFacts (124)
Audiencesentrepreneurs (1088), marketers (214), sales people (293)
Usage Context/Scenariobusiness courses (4), marketing strategy sessions (6), sales training manuals (1)

Share This Quote Image & Motivate

Motivation Score75
Popularity Score85
Shareability Score80

FAQ

Question: Can a prospect have more than one obstacle at a time?

Answer: Absolutely. They almost always do. But there’s almost always a primary obstacle. Your goal is to identify and remove the biggest one first. Often, solving one makes the others disappear.

Question: Is “No Desire” the same as “No Need”?

Answer: Great question. They’re different. “No Need” is logical – “This doesn’t solve a problem I have.” “No Desire” is emotional – “I see the problem, but I’m not motivated enough to fix it.” You tackle them in completely different ways.

Question: Which obstacle is the hardest to overcome?

Answer: Hands down, No Trust. If they don’t trust you or your company, you can’t even get to the other four. It’s the bedrock of the whole relationship. Everything starts there.

Similar Quotes

Approach each sale as if the world depends Meaning Factcheck Usage>>

You know that quote, “Approach each sale as if the world depends on it”? It’s not about pressure, it’s about shifting your entire mindset from transactional to transformational. It forces…

Successful selling is largely a matter of mental Meaning Factcheck Usage>>

You know, that idea that “Successful selling is largely a matter of mental preparation” is so true it’s almost painful. It flips the entire script on what we’re taught about…

You miss every sale you don t ask Meaning Factcheck Usage>>

You miss every sale you don’t ask for… it’s a simple truth that separates top performers from the rest. It’s about turning possibility into reality through a single, decisive action.…

People don t buy what you sell they Meaning Factcheck Usage>>

People don’t buy what you sell; they buy what they believe… it’s a game-changer. This isn’t about features; it’s about the story you wrap around your product. Get the story…

Success in selling as in life is more Meaning Factcheck Usage>>

Success in selling, as in life, is more a matter of mental attitude. It’s a game-changer I’ve seen play out time and again. This isn’t just theory; it’s the fundamental…