Without giving details, My job involves adding a new function to an existing system, and we decided to find an off the shelf product rather than “make it by ourself”.
This means that at the moment, I left the company basement, removed my lab coat and safety glasses and wear a nice shirt to go on the floor with nice windows (and weird hyper social persons) to talk with our purchasing department and meet suppliers.
I somehow feel bad to keep talking with B and C while knowing that they’re proposal/pricing isn’t as good as the one from A but that until purchasing closed the deal with A we cannot just tell them no. So how frustrating is it for you sales persons
At least when I break stuff in the lab it doesn’t make humans unhappy
EDIT : forgot language flag
I’ve been in your shoes many times. They know the drill.
It only feels deceiving if you let them believe that they have a chance if they really don’t. I always make sure that they are aware that the conversation is about them giving a non-binding offer. It’s then entirely up to them if they want to potentially waste their time.