Lead to Potential Only without Contact

Lead to Potential Only without Contact

Hi,

We are an etailer and would like to associate Contacts only to paid customers until then we want to convert the qualified leads to Potentials. Once the Potential purchases a product then we will convert to Contacts. Currently on converting a Lead there is an option to ignore Potential but no option to ignore a Contact. How can I get around this?

Thank you in advance for your time & assistance!

Regards,
Raj