In business, a polite decline should be clear enough that the other person is not left guessing. Phrases such as “It’s not the right fit for us,” “We won’t be moving forward,” and “This isn’t aligned with our current priorities” are professional without sounding unnecessarily harsh.
Choose the Right Level of Directness for “Not Interested”
- It’s not the right fit for us
- We’re not pursuing this at present
- This isn’t aligned with our current priorities
- We won’t be moving forward
- We’re going in a different direction
- The timing isn’t right for us
- We don’t have a need for this right now
- We’re unable to take this on
- We’ll have to decline
- We’re not looking to make a change at this time
- We’ll keep your details on file
- Thank you for thinking of us, but we must decline
It’s not the right fit for us
A tactful all-purpose decline for products, services, partnerships, or proposals.
Example: Thank you for the proposal, but it’s not the right fit for us at this time.
We’re not pursuing this at present
Professional and fairly direct, while leaving open the possibility that circumstances could change.
Example: We appreciate you reaching out, but we’re not pursuing this at present.
This isn’t aligned with our current priorities
Useful when the opportunity is reasonable but does not match what the business is focusing on now.
Example: Thank you for thinking of us, but this isn’t aligned with our current priorities.
We won’t be moving forward
Clear wording when a decision has already been made and you do not want to imply ongoing consideration.
Example: After reviewing the proposal, we won’t be moving forward.
We’re going in a different direction
Works when you have chosen another approach, supplier, strategy, or solution.
Example: Thank you for your time; we’ve decided to go in a different direction.
The timing isn’t right for us
Best when the main issue is timing rather than the underlying offer.
Example: The opportunity is interesting, but the timing isn’t right for us.
We don’t have a need for this right now
A straightforward response to sales outreach when the product or service is not currently required.
Example: Thanks for reaching out, but we don’t have a need for this right now.
We’re unable to take this on
Suitable for projects, collaborations, speaking requests, or other commitments you lack capacity for.
Example: We appreciate the invitation, but we’re unable to take this on at the moment.
We’ll have to decline
Polite but unmistakable; add a brief reason only if it is useful or appropriate.
Example: Thank you for the offer, but we’ll have to decline.
We’re not looking to make a change at this time
Useful when declining a vendor, platform, or service because you are staying with the current arrangement.
Example: We’re happy with our current provider and aren’t looking to make a change at this time.
We’ll keep your details on file
Use this only when you genuinely intend to retain the information for possible future use.
Example: We’re not looking for support in this area now, but we’ll keep your details on file.
Thank you for thinking of us, but we must decline
A courteous complete sentence that works well for invitations, partnerships, and proposals.
Example: Thank you for thinking of us, but we must decline the opportunity.
Do Not Leave a False Opening
If you know you are not interested, avoid phrases such as “maybe later” or “we’ll circle back” unless you genuinely mean them. A clear, courteous decline is usually kinder and saves both sides unnecessary follow-up.