In sales, it’s important to choose your words carefully. Each phrase has its own connotation. And someones, a “good phrase” becomes so widely used, it loses its meaning. You want to be polite, respectful and conversational to build trust and long-lasting relationships… Which leaves no room for error.
The phrase “thank your for understanding” is commonly used – especially with bad news. But is it really the best phrase to use?
What does “thank you for understanding” mean?
The phrase “thank you for understanding” or “thanks for understanding” is typically used for delivering bad news, or apologizing for an inconvenience.
This phrase can help you deliver the news in a more gentle way to maintain a good relationship. This is especially valuable in sales and customer service when there are issues with the services you’re providing, things are taking longer than expected, or the customer is having a bad experience for some reason, and you’re trying to sustain the relationship.
That being said, there are many alternative phrases you can use instead of “thanks for your understanding” that will help you get the point across better. This will help whether you are speaking on the phone, sending an email, or talking in person.
Is “thank you for understanding” rude?
No, it is not considered rude to say “thank you for understanding.” However, because the phrase is often used with letting someone down, there is a negative connotation associated with this phrase.
Is it correct to say “thank you for understanding”?
Yes, it is better to say “thank you for understanding” or “thanks for understanding” than “thank your for your understanding. The “your” is implied.
Why use an alternative phrase for “thank you for understanding”
While it is completely appropriate and polite to use this phrase, it’s now so commonly used that it’s almost meaningless. It shows that you are polite – which is nice, but it does not truly convey thanks anymore.
It can also feel a bit jargon-y. While it might be okay in a professional context, it does not feel natural. If you typically use a more conversational tone, you might want to consider another way of saying “thanks for understanding.”
10 better ways to say “thank you for understanding”
1. You’re the best
Instead of thanking someone, just compliment them! Show them that you really appreciate their effort in a very natural and conversational way.
2. I appreciate your flexibility
This alternative phrase is similar in its level of formality and professionalism, but instead of thanking them for their understanding, you’re thanking them for their attitude and action, so it is more of a compliment.
3. Thank you for your compassion
With this phrase, you’re appealing to a more human element than “understanding.”
4. Thanks for your patience
Similarly, “thanks for your patience” is a polite and professional way to compliment the behavior of the person you’re speaking with.
5. Thank you for (a specific action they’ve taken)
Thanking someone for their patience can feel generic. So instead, thank them for a specific action they’ve taken. This will help them feel more appreciated, and in turn, improve your long term relationship.
6. I appreciate you digging into the issue
If someone has done a lot of work on their end to help resolve an issue, you should thank them for their effort, and not just their understanding! This phrase is conversation, yet can be used in a professional context.
7. I appreciate your time and commitment
Again, the more you appreciate them the better they will feel about your relationship. Show them that you value their time and commitment, and are not just dragging your feet.
8. I appreciate you sticking with me
This is a more conversational phrase than “thank you for understanding.” It is perfect to use when you’re already gone back and forth a bit, and still more work needs to be done to get to the bottom of the issue. The implication is that the person you’re speaking to will continue to work with you until you get to the bottom of the matter.
9. I am committed to helping you with this
This is a much better way to say “thanks for your understanding,” because, even though you are delivering bad news, you are telling them that you are committed to helping them solve it. They can rest assured that EVENTUALLY their issue will be resolved, and feel extra good about their relationship.
10. I’m sorry
If you’re delivering bad news, instead of thanking someone for understanding, you might just want to say “I’m sorry.” You don’t want to overuse this phrase (unless you’re talking to a Canadian…) but it is important to own up to mistakes and shortcomings to maintain long term trust.
11. Thank you for for collaborating with me on this
Using an alternative phrase like this one really conveys that you are in this together. It’s not just you delivering bad news, but the two of you as a team, working towards a common goal
12. I owe you one
While this is a casual phrase, the meaning is clear: you see that they are doing you a favor, and you will be happy to pay it back in the future.
Wrapping up
It’s important to thank someone for their patience… But that phrase itself is becoming stale and overused. Try out new phrases to better communicate with your prospects and customers to build out long term relationships.
To continue improving your communication, check out other resources we have available:
