The short answer
Tell the truth about where the number came from, in one sentence, then say why you called in the next. If they ask not to be called again, confirm you will remove them and end the call.
The example exchanges on this page use a seller cold calling the owner of a small business about a monthly service. The number was listed publicly for the business.
What they actually say
The words change; the objection doesn’t. All of these belong on this page:
- “How did you get my number?”
- “Where did you get this number?”
- “Who gave you my details?”
- “This is my personal phone.”
- “How do you know my name?”
- “Who is this?”
What it usually means
The question is about trust. The tone tells you whether they are curious, uneasy or annoyed.
Genuine curiosity
They want to know, and that is all.
How to tell: Asked lightly, sometimes with a laugh.
Unease about privacy
They worry their details are being passed around.
How to tell: “Who gave you…”, or a mention of their personal phone.
Annoyance
They are tired of cold calls, and this one is the last straw.
How to tell: A sharp tone, with the question said as a complaint.
A way to end the call
Whatever you answer, they intend to hang up.
How to tell: Asked while they are already saying goodbye.
Prevent it earlier in the call
The best answer to this objection is usually given before it is raised.
Say who you are and why, first
A clear name, company and reason at the start answers most of what this question is really asking.
Know your source
Before calling, know where each number came from, so you can answer truthfully without thinking.
Call business numbers about business
A published business number, called about the business, is easy to explain. A personal number is harder, and you should know why you have it before you dial.
The core move
Whatever style you sell in, the skeleton is the same.
Answer truthfully, in one sentence
“It’s listed for the business on your website.” Or wherever it really came from.
Say why you called
One sentence of relevance, so the call has a point.
Ask one question
Whether it is a good moment, or whether the problem you help with comes up for them.
Honour a removal request
If they ask not to be called, confirm you will remove the number and end the call.
Do not dodge
Changing the subject turns a simple question into a suspicious one.
How each style handles it
The selling styles in Coach agree on the skeleton and disagree on almost everything else: tone, pace, and how hard to push. Here is the same objection through four of them.
Calm Authority
Calm Authority answers the question plainly, without defending itself, and moves on.
Example
BuyerHow did you get my number?
SellerIt’s on your website, under contact. I’m calling about how you handle enquiries while you’re on a job. Is now a bad time?
BuyerBit busy, but go on.
Why it works. A calm, factual answer tells the buyer the call is ordinary. Defensiveness would tell them the opposite.
Where it breaks. Calm is not a way to skip the question. It must be answered first.
Permission & Disqualify
Permission & Disqualify answers honestly and offers the exit at the same time.
Example
BuyerWhere did you get this number?
SellerFrom your business listing online. It’s a cold call, so if you’d rather I didn’t call, just say and I’ll take it off.
BuyerNo, it’s fine. What’s it about?
Why it works. Offering removal before they ask shows respect, and buyers who feel respected often keep listening.
Where it breaks. If they take the exit, the removal has to happen.
Ethical / Consultative
Ethical / Consultative selling treats the question as a fair concern and answers it fully.
Example
BuyerThis is my personal phone.
SellerSorry about that. It was listed as the business number. Would you rather I called a different number, or not at all?
BuyerUse the office line.
SellerWill do. Thanks for telling me.
Why it works. Apologising, and asking how they want to be contacted, respects their privacy.
Where it breaks. If they say “not at all”, that is a removal request.
Tonality First
Tonality First knows the tone of the answer matters as much as the words. It stays relaxed and warm, never defensive.
Example
BuyerHow do you know my name?
SellerIt’s on your company’s website, next to the phone number. I’m Alex, from Northline.
BuyerRight. What do you want?
SellerJust a quick question about how new enquiries reach you.
Why it works. A relaxed tone signals there is nothing to hide, which is what the question was really checking.
Where it breaks. A warm tone cannot cover a vague answer. The source has to be real and specific.
Mistakes to avoid
Dodging the question
“Oh, we just have it on file” sounds like you do not want to say. Be specific.
Inventing a source
Saying a friend or partner referred them, when they did not, is a lie that is easy to check.
Getting defensive
A buyer asking where their number came from is not accusing you. Do not answer as if they were.
Missing a removal request
“Don’t call this number again” must be honoured, even when it comes mixed in with the question.
When to stop
If they ask not to be called again, confirm you will remove the number and end the call. If they are simply annoyed, answer once, offer the exit, and respect their choice.
Practise it with Selly
Reading about an objection and answering one out loud are different skills. Three short reps:
Rep 1: one true sentence
Practise answering “how did you get my number?” in one specific, true sentence, then saying why you called.
Rep 2: stay level
Choose Calm Authority and a hard-nosed buyer. Answer the question without speeding up or over-apologising.
Rep 3: hear the removal
Practise telling “how did you get my number?” apart from “take me off your list”, and responding correctly to each.
What Selly scores: Selly treats “how did you get my number?” as a confused buyer: say who you are in one sentence and why you called in the next, and nothing more. If the buyer asks not to be called again and you keep selling, the call fails outright.
Questions
What should I say when someone asks how I got their number?
The truth, in one sentence, such as “it’s listed on your website”. Then say why you called.
What if the number came from a list?
Say so, simply, and offer to remove them. Know the rules on calling where you work before you use any list.
What if it is their personal phone?
Apologise, and ask how they would prefer to be contacted, if at all.
Is the question a removal request?
Not by itself. But if they add “don’t call me again”, it is, and you must honour it.