The Cost of Waiting Is Real.
Cost of inaction is the money lost by doing nothing. In sales decks, it turns “later” into “now” by showing the financial burn rate of waiting.
1. What is Cost of Inaction?
It is the ongoing cost of the current problem: wasted time, churn, errors, revenue leakage, manual work, slow cycles. If the problem costs $150k per year, waiting another quarter has a price tag.
2. How to Use This Slide
- Put it right after you explain the problem.
- Use the prospect’s numbers when possible, or a conservative estimate.
- Download the chart graphic and drop it into your deck.
3. Choosing Numbers Without Overreaching
Keep it defendable. Use simple inputs and round numbers. The goal is to make the tradeoff obvious, not to trigger a debate over decimals.
FAQ
is this a real roi model?
It is a slide-friendly model designed for clarity. For complex scenarios, build a full spreadsheet model.
what if the prospect challenges the numbers?
Use conservative estimates and invite them to replace inputs with their own numbers. The framework still holds.
should i show monthly loss or annual?
Monthly is more painful and easier to feel. Annual is more familiar. Use both if you have room.