Without giving details, My job involves adding a new function to an existing system, and we decided to find an off the shelf product rather than “make it by ourself”.
This means that at the moment, I left the company basement, removed my lab coat and safety glasses and wear a nice shirt to go on the floor with nice windows (and weird hyper social persons) to talk with our purchasing department and meet suppliers.
I somehow feel bad to keep talking with B and C while knowing that they’re proposal/pricing isn’t as good as the one from A but that until purchasing closed the deal with A we cannot just tell them no. So how frustrating is it for you sales persons
At least when I break stuff in the lab it doesn’t make humans unhappy
I’ve been in your shoes many times. They know the drill.
It only feels deceiving if you let them believe that they have a chance if they really don’t. I always make sure that they are aware that the conversation is about them giving a non-binding offer. It’s then entirely up to them if they want to potentially waste their time.