Buyers have heard it all before: big promises, flashy pitches, and vague guarantees. However, decision-makers are increasingly more savvy, and old-school sales tricks no longer get a pass.

Suppliers, vendors, and service providers in the Philippines must rethink their approach to selling. What worked a decade ago might now alienate potential clients and damage your reputation. To stay ahead, it’s time to focus on transparency, relevance, and genuine value.

This article highlights five outdated sales tactics that Filipino buyers no longer trust—and offers insights into how you can replace them with strategies that build long-term partnerships.

Are you still relying on these outdated methods? It’s time to find out.

1. Too-Good-to-Be-True Promises

Promises like “triple your revenue instantly”” or “industry-best solutions” sound impressive but often crumble under scrutiny. Filipino buyers are becoming more skeptical of these exaggerated claims, especially when there’s no data or real-world proof to back them up.

Business clients want transparency and solid evidence—case studies, testimonials, or concrete numbers that prove a product or service delivers results. Without this, flashy promises can actually damage credibility.

If you’re selling to a Filipino audience, it’s time to focus on facts over fluff. Prove your value with actionable insights and real results, not empty guarantees. Today, trust is built on authenticity, not hype.

2. Relying on Name-Dropping

Mentioning big-name cusomers might grab attention initially, but it’s no longer enough to win over Filipino B2B buyers. Decision-makers today are more discerning and want more than a list of logos. They want to know how you solved specific challenges and delivered results.

Simply saying, “We worked with Company X,” without explaining what you achieved for them, falls flat. Philippine businesses expect concrete examples that connect your past work to their unique needs. Did you streamline operations, boost revenue, or improve efficiency? Share those insights instead.

To build trust, tailor your case studies and presentations to highlight real-world outcomes that align with your prospect’s goals. Filipino buyers value relevance and results over reputation alone. It’s not simply about who you’ve worked with. It’s about what you’ve accomplished and how it can benefit them.

3. Failing to Offer Value Before the Sale

Buyers today want to see tangible value before committing to a deal. If your approach is all about asking for their time or budget without offering something meaningful upfront, you risk losing their interest.

Providing value can take many forms—free trials, product demos, industry insights, or even educational content like whitepapers or webinars. These gestures show that you’re invested in solving their problems, not just making a sale.

Filipino companies appreciate partnerships built on trust and collaboration. By offering value early, you prove your expertise and build confidence in your solutions. After all, giving before you take is a universal principle—and one that Pinoy decision-makers respect.

4. Using One-Size-Fits-All Proposals

A cookie-cutter approach won’t impress. Generic proposals that fail to address a client’s specific needs come across as indifferent and unprofessional. This leaves decision-makers wondering if you truly understand their business.

Filipino buyers value relationships and want to see that you’ve taken the time to understand their industry, challenges, and goals. A proposal filled with boilerplate text or irrelevant examples signals a lack of effort and interest.

Instead, craft tailored proposals that highlight how your product or service addresses their pain points. Include specific recommendations, localized insights, or data relevant to their business.

5. Bait-and-Switch Pricing Strategies

Nothing raises red flags faster than hidden fees or unclear pricing. Transparency is key in building trust, and vague pricing models that change after initial discussions come off as deceptive and unprofessional.

Business clients today value straightforward dealings. They want to know exactly what they’re paying for and how it aligns with their budget. Surprises like additional charges or “optional” features that turn out to be essential can quickly derail a deal.

Instead, present clear, detailed pricing from the start. Break down costs, outline what’s included, and highlight any potential add-ons upfront. A transparent pricing approach shows integrity and helps establish trust.

Earning Trust, One Partnership at a Time

Trust is no longer a given—it’s earned through every interaction. Filipino buyers are looking for partners, not just providers, and they’re quick to spot insincerity or shortcuts.

By leaving outdated tactics behind and focusing on what truly matters—authenticity, value, and understanding your client’s unique needs—you position yourself as more than a salesperson. You become a trusted advisor.