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Free Lost Sale Survey

50+ Expert Crafted Lost Sale Survey Questions

Measuring lost sale survey questions is your key to recapturing revenue by uncovering the exact reasons prospects walk away. A lost sale survey is a targeted questionnaire that pinpoints pricing, feature, or service gaps - turning guesswork into actionable insights. Dive in with our free template preloaded with proven example questions, or craft a custom survey in our online form builder.

Which product or service were you considering when you decided not to make a purchase?
At what stage did you decide not to proceed with the purchase?
Initial research
Price evaluation
Product demonstration/trial
Checkout process
Other
What was the primary reason you chose not to purchase?
Price was too high
Lacked required features
Chose a competitor
Unsatisfactory customer support
Complex or confusing process
Other
Did you choose or plan to choose a competitor's product or service?
Yes
No
If yes, which competitor did you select or plan to select?
I found our sales process clear and efficient.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly disagreeStrongly agree
What could we do to improve our offerings or purchasing process?
Any additional comments or suggestions?
I received timely and helpful support during the purchasing process.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly disagreeStrongly agree
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Top Secrets to Crafting a High-Impact Lost Sale Survey

Crafting a lost sale survey matters from the first click. A well-timed questionnaire reveals why deals slip away and how to win them back. According to Reduce Customer Churn with Lost Deal Surveys, targeted feedback can slash churn by up to 15%. Start by pinpointing the moment you lost the deal.

A great survey asks the right questions. Try "Why did you choose another vendor?" or "What would have changed your mind about our offer?" These "lost sale survey questions" shine a light on pricing, service gaps, or feature mismatches. Keep it under eight questions to respect your prospect's time.

Imagine a small SaaS company chasing its first enterprise sale. They sent a short survey within 24 hours of a lost pitch. Within a week, they spotted a pattern: privacy concerns. Armed with that insight, they tweaked their demo and won back three deals the next quarter.

Next, analyze and act on the data. Use the insights to refine pricing models or improve your customer journey. For a deep dive into lost deal causes, see Lost Sales Analysis: Causes, Strategies, and Solutions. Pair that with our Sales Survey Question Examples for a truly effective approach.

Ready to build your first lost sale survey? Try our poll maker to launch a quick campaign. You'll gain clarity, curb churn, and convert lost leads into returning customers.

3D voxel art depicting online surveys, symbolizing lost sale survey questions on a dark blue background.
3D voxel art depicting online surveys, symbolizing lost sale survey questions on a dark blue background.

5 Must-Know Tips for Your Lost Sale Survey

Avoiding common mistakes is essential when you design a lost sale survey. Skipping direct feedback can leave you guessing. As How to Survey Lost Customers [+ Example Questions] shows, clear, concise queries deliver higher completion rates. Start with focus, not fancy formats.

Tip number one: don't overload prospects with open-ended prompts. Too many fields cause drop-offs. Mix in scales and multiple-choice items. For example, ask "Did our pricing influence your decision?" to get quick, quantifiable data.

Second, schedule follow-ups strategically. A one-time blast often misses soft reasons behind a lost deal. Send a brief reminder two days after the initial invite. A friendly nudge can boost your response rate from 20% to 40%.

Third, don't ignore the analysis phase. Data without action is wasted effort. Our friends at CPSA list eight common slip-ups that can derail your sales team. Review your responses alongside your Win Loss Survey to spot trends and quick wins.

Finally, pilot your survey before you go live. Test it with a small group for clarity and flow. A short run will highlight confusing questions and boost the quality of your insights when you scale.

Purchase Journey Questions

Our Purchase Journey Questions aim to pinpoint the stage where prospects abandon their purchase path and uncover friction points in your funnel. Gaining this clarity can help you refine each step and improve overall conversion rates. For more detailed feedback strategies, check out our Customer Feedback Survey .

  1. At which stage of the checkout process did you decide to leave?

    This question pinpoints the exact moment users exit, helping you focus on the most critical funnel step. This clarity enables targeted improvements where abandonment is highest.

  2. What caused you to abandon your cart at that point?

    Understanding specific triggers of abandonment guides you in addressing core issues directly. It also helps avoid assumptions about customer behavior.

  3. How clear were the steps to complete your purchase?

    Clarity in process steps reduces confusion and friction, leading to higher completion rates. This question surfaces any areas where instructions may be unclear.

  4. Did you feel any steps required too much information?

    Long forms or excessive detail can discourage buyers, so this highlights form length issues. You can then streamline fields for a smoother flow.

  5. Was the checkout process too time-consuming?

    A lengthy process often leads to drop-offs, so timing insights are vital. Shortening or simplifying steps can boost conversions.

  6. Did any unexpected fees appear during checkout?

    Hidden or unexpected costs are a major deterrent, so this identifies any fee transparency issues. Addressing these concerns builds trust.

  7. How satisfied were you with the available payment options?

    Payment flexibility affects purchase behavior, making this key for conversion rate optimization. You can then introduce popular options to accommodate customer preferences.

  8. Did you find the shipping information and costs clear?

    Clear shipping details minimize last-minute hesitation by setting correct expectations. Use the feedback to refine how costs and timelines are presented.

  9. Were there any distractions or issues with page loading?

    Technical disruptions or slow pages can frustrate customers and cause exits. Detecting such issues helps you prioritize performance improvements.

  10. How likely are you to return and complete your purchase later?

    Knowing the likelihood of return indicates overall customer intent despite abandonment. Use this metric to target follow-up communications effectively.

Pricing Feedback Questions

Our Pricing Feedback Questions focus on understanding how cost and value perceptions influenced your decision to abandon. Gathering this insight helps you evaluate price sensitivity and competitive positioning. To refine your approach further, explore our Win Loss Survey .

  1. How did you perceive the overall value of the product relative to its price?

    This reveals whether customers feel they're getting appropriate value for their money. You can adjust your pricing or value messaging based on this insight.

  2. Did you find our pricing competitive compared to other options?

    Comparative pricing helps you understand market position and potential gaps. This feedback guides adjustments to stay attractive against rivals.

  3. Were any discounts or promotions unclear or insufficient?

    Clarity around promotions can drive conversions, so this question identifies communication issues. You can then clarify terms or improve discount strategies.

  4. How important was price in your final decision?

    Assessing price importance helps prioritize value enhancements versus cost reductions. This ensures you're focusing on what truly drives purchase decisions.

  5. Did you feel the product features justified the price?

    Linking features to perceived value uncovers mismatches in expectations. Use this to refine feature sets or highlight benefits more effectively.

  6. Would a different pricing structure (e.g., subscription) have influenced you?

    Understanding format preferences can inspire alternative pricing models. Implementing the right structure can boost both acquisition and retention.

  7. Did shipping or additional costs affect your price perception?

    Extra fees often cause sticker shock, so this highlights transparency issues. You can then adjust how you present or bundle these costs.

  8. How transparent did you find our pricing details?

    Transparency builds trust and reduces cart abandonment. This feedback helps you refine how clearly you communicate prices.

  9. Did any payment plans or financing options appeal to you?

    Flexible payment options can widen your customer base, so this identifies demand. You can then consider offering financing or installment plans.

  10. What price range would have felt reasonable for this purchase?

    Direct feedback on acceptable price points guides competitive pricing. This helps you align your pricing strategy with customer expectations.

Competitor Comparison Questions

Competitor Comparison Questions help you understand how your offering stacks up against alternatives. These insights guide improvements in product features and messaging. Learn more with our Sales Survey Question Examples .

  1. Which other brands or products did you consider before choosing otherwise?

    Knowing which competitors are in play reveals your primary rivals. You can focus on differentiators against those specific brands.

  2. What key features did competitors offer that appealed to you?

    This highlights feature gaps in your offering. Closing those gaps or enhancing your strengths can improve competitiveness.

  3. How did competitor prices compare to ours?

    Price comparison feedback shows whether you're perceived as a value leader or lagging behind. Adjusting pricing strategy can then be data-driven.

  4. Did any competitor promotions or bundles seem more attractive?

    Attractive bundles can sway choices, so this uncovers promotional tactics worth emulating. You can then test similar offers in your market.

  5. How did competitor customer reviews influence your choice?

    Online reviews shape purchase decisions, making this insight crucial. Use feedback to bolster your social proof and reputation management.

  6. Were there any unique benefits competitors provided that we did not?

    Identifying unique offerings helps you innovate or adjust your value proposition. This can lead to sharper product positioning.

  7. How would you rate the overall comparison of quality between us and the competition?

    Perceived quality differences inform where to invest in improvements. This feedback can guide R&D and marketing messages.

  8. Did you receive better sales support or service from other providers?

    Service quality can be a major differentiator, so this reveals support gaps. Enhancing your support can drive stronger customer loyalty.

  9. How did competitor shipping or delivery options compare to ours?

    Faster or cheaper shipping can tip decisions, so this question surfaces logistics strengths and weaknesses. You can then optimize delivery offerings.

  10. What could we learn from competitors to improve our offering?

    Direct suggestions inspire actionable improvements and innovation. This open-ended feedback can uncover unexpected opportunities.

Sales Interaction Questions

Sales Interaction Questions aim to capture your experience with our representatives and support teams. Understanding these interactions helps enhance training and customer satisfaction. Read more about structuring conversations in a Sales Team Survey .

  1. Did you interact with a sales representative during your purchase attempt?

    This establishes whether personal contact influenced the decision. It helps you measure the impact of human touchpoints in your funnel.

  2. Was the representative knowledgeable about our products?

    Product expertise builds trust, so this assesses training effectiveness. You can then address any knowledge gaps among your team.

  3. How professional and helpful was the sales interaction?

    Professionalism and assistance quality drive customer perceptions. This feedback helps refine coaching and support protocols.

  4. Did the sales process feel too pushy or pressured?

    Overly aggressive tactics can deter buyers, so this checks for balance. It guides adjustments for a more consultative approach.

  5. How clear and timely were the responses to your questions?

    Prompt, clear answers reduce hesitation and build credibility. You can use this insight to streamline communication workflows.

  6. Were follow-up communications satisfactory?

    Effective follow-ups nurture leads, making this vital for retention. You can optimize cadence and messaging based on feedback.

  7. How comfortable did you feel discussing pricing with our team?

    Price conversations require tact, so this gauges comfort levels. It guides training on how to handle sensitive topics.

  8. Did the representative provide personalized solutions?

    Customization enhances perceived value, so this checks for tailored approaches. You can then reinforce personalization in your sales playbook.

  9. Were any sales materials or demos useful?

    Effective collateral supports decision-making, making this critical. Use the feedback to refine your assets and presentations.

  10. What suggestions do you have for improving sales interactions?

    Open feedback reveals customer priorities and improvement areas. Implementing these suggestions strengthens your overall process.

Customer Experience Questions

Customer Experience Questions explore your overall satisfaction with our site, support, and brand. These insights help you refine user experience and customer loyalty strategies. See best practices in our Store Survey .

  1. How easy was it to navigate our website or store?

    Navigation ease directly impacts user satisfaction and retention. This feedback guides improvements in information architecture.

  2. Were product descriptions and images informative enough?

    Clear, detailed content reduces uncertainty and returns. You can enhance descriptions and visuals based on this input.

  3. Did you find our site visually appealing and user-friendly?

    Aesthetics and usability shape brand perception, making this essential. Use the feedback to refine design elements and layout.

  4. How would you rate the speed and reliability of our platform?

    Performance issues frustrate users, leading to drop-offs. This question helps you prioritize technical optimizations.

  5. Was customer support accessible when you needed assistance?

    Support accessibility builds confidence in your brand. You can then improve channels or staffing based on needs.

  6. How satisfied were you with the communication channels provided?

    Offering preferred channels increases engagement, so this reveals channel effectiveness. Adjust your support mix accordingly.

  7. Did the overall brand experience meet your expectations?

    Aligning brand promise with experience fosters loyalty. This feedback uncovers gaps between perception and reality.

  8. How likely are you to recommend our store or site to others?

    Referral intent indicates overall satisfaction and loyalty potential. Tracking this helps measure net promoter trends.

  9. Were returned items or refunds explained clearly?

    Transparent return policies build trust and reduce post-purchase regret. Use this insight to simplify and clarify your process.

  10. What improvements would enhance your overall experience?

    Open-ended suggestions often highlight unexpected opportunities. Implementing these ideas can lead to significant gains.

FAQ

What are the most effective questions to include in a lost sale survey?

Start with core lost sale survey questions: Why didn't you complete your purchase? Which competitor did you choose? How satisfied were you with our pricing, features, and support? Include multiple-choice and open-ended fields. Using this lost sale survey template ensures consistent data collection for quick analysis and actionable insights.

How can I identify the primary reasons customers choose competitors over my product or service?

Use direct comparison questions that list competitor names, rating scales, and open-ended follow-ups. Segment responses by customer profile and purchase stage. Tag recurring themes in your lost sale survey results. This lost sale survey template helps you pinpoint competitor strengths and uncover advantages that drove customers away.

What strategies can I use to encourage former customers to participate in a lost sale survey?

Offer incentives like discount codes or gift cards, keep surveys under five minutes, and personalize invitation emails. Emphasize the value of feedback and promise improvements. Use a user-friendly lost sale survey template optimized for mobile with clear progress indicators to boost completion rates and collect free lost sale survey data.

How do I analyze responses from a lost sale survey to improve my offerings?

Import lost sale survey data into analytics tools, categorize churn reasons, and quantify frequency. Tag common themes and use dashboards to spot trends. Cross-tabulate by customer segment. Insights from your lost sale survey template guide product roadmap updates, pricing tweaks, and marketing adjustments for maximum impact.

What are common mistakes to avoid when conducting a lost sale survey?

Avoid leading questions, overly long surveys, and generic prompts. Don't skip demographic filters or neglect mobile optimization. Use a clear lost sale survey template with unbiased language and balanced question types. Pilot-test with a small group to catch unclear wording and eliminate response fatigue before full rollout.

How can I use lost sale survey data to enhance customer retention strategies?

Identify top churn drivers, segment at-risk customers by reason codes, and tailor retention offers. Feed insights into loyalty programs, product updates, and targeted email campaigns. Integrate findings from your lost sale survey template into CRM workflows for proactive outreach, reducing future churn and boosting long-term customer loyalty.

What is the best timing to send out a lost sale survey after a customer churns?

Send your lost sale survey within 24 - 72 hours after churn to capture fresh, accurate feedback and maximize response rates. This timing ensures insights while the experience is top-of-mind. If needed, send one follow-up, but limit contacts to maintain goodwill and avoid survey fatigue.

How do I ensure the questions in my lost sale survey are unbiased and yield actionable insights?

Use neutral wording, avoid double-barreled questions, and stick to one topic per item. Balance multiple-choice scales with open-ended fields in your lost sale survey template. Pilot-test with a small group to identify bias. Rank responses objectively and review analytics to confirm clarity before full deployment.

What role does pricing play in customer decisions, and how should I address it in my lost sale survey?

Pricing often ranks among top churn factors. Include questions on pricing satisfaction, ask if cost prevented purchase, and use multiple-choice ranges plus open comments. Benchmark against competitor rates. This approach in your lost sale survey template reveals willingness to pay and guides strategic pricing adjustments.

How can I compare my product or service to competitors based on lost sale survey feedback?

Add side-by-side rating scales for features, pricing, support, and user experience. Ask respondents to name preferred competitors. Analyze net promoter scores and feature gaps in your lost sale survey results. Visualize data in a competitive matrix to prioritize enhancements where your product scores lower.