ideas on how to negotiate

[Bob]

For anything.  Doesn't really matter what. 

Of course it's money-related.  Negotiating the price of things.  Business, work, salary, personal, anything.'

Just fishing for ideas.


Base it on what is was in the past.
Cost of living increases.
Devaluation.
Comparison to similar situations/items.  Current market value.
Compromise -- Both sides give in a little.



And then the "less honest" ways, too.  I'm looking for anything.  It's a money issue.  By less honest, I mean... There is the market value of something.  That's what it's worth.  You do a little research and you can find that out.  And then there's arguing/negotiating with someone -- You can knock out there argument or bring up extra points.  "That's true, but for x, y, and z, that really isn't a great reason.  So, the price should be lower."  Kind of mentally knock out their argument, knock them off their feet.     And any ideas about how to do that without insulting them, tact, is great too.  To make them feel ok/good/pleased without feeling insulted, demeaned, ripped off, etc.  Ill will toward the other person.

In this case it's a money issue.  I don't like the other side but I have to deal with them.  It may be a situation where if I bring up the right point, they just give up right away.  And it's possible if I bring up too much, they'll get ticked off that I'm trying to lower their numbers.  A nice, quick strike would be good.


That's another idea I've heard.  Reframe it so it's not me-vs.-them, but.... What I want and what they want and see if there's an alternate option.  That way no one "loses."    That might be a very good idea.  A win-win on each side is possible that way.


Other ideas?

[p2u_]

ideas on how to negotiate

The first step is preparation at home. This involves mostly not only writing down what YOU want, but also listing the hopes, dreams, and fears of the other person.

It is also a good thing to know in minute detail how the subject under discussion works, so you can sense when the other person is trying to manipulate you with non-arguments. The more info you have, the stronger you will come out of the negotiations.

When the negotiations start, let the other person talk more than you do. This will give THEM a feeling of power. Ask as many OPEN questions as possible to keep him/her talking. If possible, schedule another meeting to "think" about the other person's "valuable" arguments, which you had, of course, foreseen.

Also, try not to force deadlines; let the process run at its own pace. When you do not press deadlines, the "right" decision (for you) may come a lot sooner than you expected.

Also, do not worry about the outcome. This will limit you severely.

I may add something else later. Gotta go.

Paul

[lloyd_cdb]

In general, I like to have a knowledge base of what is actually happening:

- How did the transaction begin?
- Why is the transaction happening?
- How do you each benefit?
- Is it want vs. need?
- What are each of your alternatives?

Some of these seem obvious but end up overlooked, especially the last one. People tend to get overly focused on the situation at hand and their 'opponent' instead of the overall goal.

May I ask what it's for? Different situations require different tactics, from yard sales to purchasing a home. Regardless of the specifics, proper preparation is essential. On the other hand, just because you know something doesn't mean you should say it. Pointing out irrelevant information to let them know you did your homework can just make them insecure/obstinate/spiteful. But if they are incorrect about something, let them know that you aren't an idiot*. Know everything but use the least amount of it possible. Don't get caught up in the conversation, you aren't there to educate them.

*exceptions can be made if it's more about conversation than relevant selling points. If you know the hardwood is French oak and not American oak, it's not going to change anything unless it actually factors into the price. Just make sure you aren't falling into a trap with them testing you.

EDIT: I realized many of my sentences are targeted to single event negotiations. If it's repeat business, you should obviously be having conversations

[teran]

"I'll give you (1/10th its actual worth) for it"

Seems to work for my grandmother.

[unholeee]

have boobs

[oxy60]

A lot depends on which party has mentioned a number first. I have done this daily for years.
I was trained in a financial institution where I worked for a number of years.

Whether in writing or in person stay on point. Don't bring up other issues, stories, etc. Don't drift off or leave the room for a "break."

Read everything carefully, maybe two or three times over. And don't be afraid to hire an attorney if you can't understand the document.

I don't say this lightly because today people in general are borderline ADHD or worse.

[lloyd_cdb]

What was that oxy?

Sorry, I got distracted at 'boobs'.

[unholeee]

you have to keep abreast of the conversation.

[Bob]

The most I could do is moobs, but that's not going to help anything.


This is situation where I'll be told the price.  A "this is what it is now" (and everyone knows what it was last time)  type of deal.  And I'm on the weaker end I think.  Take it or leave it.

The most I can come up with is to reframe things. 

Also tact will be important.  I should probably present things for how it's to their advantage right away.  "If you want more of this thing that is good for you, we could create this different offer instead...."

And there's a short attention span.  I'm dealing with a whiney person. I've probably got one chance really to catch their attention with something. 

It probably won't amount to anything.  I'll probably be stuck and have to deal with, have to pay whatever they say.  My dislike for the person has grown because of this.  Even if nothing would happen differently than the past, it's created bad mojo.

[oxy60]

Often in life the price of a loaf of bread is the price you will pay. If you don't like the price you can choose another loaf. Even in open markets where every price seems to be negotiated there are some items that are fixed.