They may be saying that they aren't "into" you. Is it the real estate equivalent to "I can't tonight I have to wash my hair"? Subtle clues are really not that subtle.  Good luck.

No offense, that should have been a question for the phone interview. But now that's water under the bridge. Ask which agents they are, what is the timeline, and when will they be making a decision, and on what basis they will be choosing - what are the criteria. (Maybe you want to eliminate yourself if they don't say the right thing, like a discounted commission. I was in that situation once before... 'oh no, Mrs Seller, I'm not a discount brokerage, I'm full service, full marketing, I can't help you if you want a discounter. I wish you best of sucess in your sale).

Then, ask (and make sure) before they make their final decision if you can meet again to compare notes. Be the last one.

I like to be the first so I can set the high benchmark for other agents. In this case, you want to be last to mark the benchmark 'again', making sure the other agents can't.

If you want the listing, that is.

He who controls the questions, controls the conversation,  Be ready to address this with more questions about their desires and motivation.

I find that when there are multiples interviewed not just one to three then all they want is the cheapest rate. I never matched it and let them go. Not knowing you situation it's hard to say.

I'd ask WHY Don Burns and follow up with "what are you hoping that they may offer you that I have not" and take it from there.

I usually find this out before going on a presentation so that I'm not blind-sided. They have a right to interview as many as they want. I once was first on a listing presentation and didn't hear back for weeks. When the seller finally called me to tell me he was going to list with me I asked what took him so long to decide and he said he interviewed 10 more agents to see if they could do better than the bar I had set.

I ask who they are and pull up the other agents' data (and mine) right there in front of them.

Then I offer to phone the other agents and let them know that we'll be listed shortly and we'd love to have them bring us a buyer! 

Only one seller has taken me up on making the calls but, I have them sign and then they take care of making the calls to the other agents.

we fully expect every homeowner to call others and compare.... we give our presentaton; we leave the three ring binder for them to look through again and show others who presnt theirs.... it's rare that we lose one...

Is what I do before I go to the listing presentation that sets me apart from anyone they will be interviwing after me.

You have some outstanding suggestions.

Everyone is going to tell you the same thing so I have a question for you. How will you know who to choose? Consider the answer to this question is speaking with you now. The sooner we get started the better for us both.

If I leave - won't be my listing.

My listing presentation is done on the phone.  If they are interviewing others... I say call me if you don't find the right agent.

That's just shorthand for, "you have not convinced me yet", keep up the presentation until they are convinced that you are the answer to their prayers.

Be graceful about it, some sellers like to meet all their potential agents to see which one they like better, personality, etc.  Some would like to shop for fees. 

I am with Sir Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR on this.  I ask a laundry list of questions on the phone before setting the appointment.  I had a call a few weeks ago. The seller was upfront with me right out of the gate ... she was looking for a discount.  I thank her for her honestly and letting me know upfront.  I explained that we would not be a good fit and wished her well. 

There is more to it than what I have shared here - need to keep confidential matters confidential. 

I would have wanted to know if they were interviewing multiple agents before I set the listing appointment and it might have affected my decision to do so. I also like to be the last one interviewed. In your situation, I would have simply said that is fine, but why?
I'm where the bucks start! LOL

  Who else are you interviewing?   Today?  What do you expect from them that I have not offered you?

We ask that question on the phone. We always want to be first agent because most of the time, they will cancel the other appointments. It is very important to do a prelisting interview on the phone with the seller. 

the MLS is my friend.  My days on the market are less and my photos are better... which is part of why my days on the market are less.

For sure, it is what it is. 

Smile, ask for phone call and forget about them.

Don,

I think that Michael Jacobs gave you a good answer.  Wishing you the best outcome.  A

Break into tears and sobbing, crying "Why me! Why me!" until they sign.

Of course if the response is "I need to think about it" the close is very different.

"Why wait.  If you want the highest price in the shortest amount of time, sign the paperwork now so I can launch my marketing plan.  Also give the other agents contact information and I will call them for you and cancel the listing appointments."

Don't be late. Study their property thoroughly ahead of time. Show the seller how you would handle the listing and make sure he or she, they realize how important the job is. Put yourself in their shoes and convey you get it about a delayed sale is costly in many ways for them. Show examples of other successful sales and what is needed in your partnership with them for good results. How above and beyond you are going to treat the listing marketing and the process. Don't diss another wearing the blue and gold R and just show how you are excited to roll up your sleeves to give it all you have for a smooth sale. Get their attention, be confident without cocky, convey excitement and knowledge to make them realize they matter... that this is a big deal and you get it. 

Depends.

That's usually a qualifying question and I try and schedule myself in last.

I say fine, and also "be careful".

Ask before setting the interview if they will be interviewing others... and also find out what their goals are (via phone screening) so you are prepared to address them. Don Burns 

What is it you say when then say this to you?

Get more informaton. Are you first, middle last? What did they think of your presentation?  What else would be helpful for them to know? What will be the final determination when you decide? 

Sometimes it is better for me if they torment someone else

Some times there is none. But I just tell them that I can have it on the market by morning

Why wait, the sooner we start, the sooner I will get it sold.

I have not interviewed with other agents for quite a while.