Non Negotiable
Everything is negotiable, except for the things that aren’t.
The fact is you can try to negotiate just about anything. You may or may not succeed depending on your skill level, determination, the environment you’re in or what’s at stake. But you may try try try with all your might.
I’ve seen friends negotiate parking tickets, dates with very attractive partners, and high priced items for free or next to nothing. The world loves to negotiate.
Be prepared
If you’re selling a product or service the negotiators will come. Believe me. If there is 0 negotiation taking place than you have a big problem. Your product sucks, people aren’t buying anyways, or you’re severely under valuing the offering.
Justification
A good negotiator will back up their negotiation with solid reasoning.
I can buy this widget down the street for X amount less
I don’t have the budget to spend that much
The economy isn’t good right now
My wife/husband/best friend/accountant/boss/lawyer/cat told me I shouldn’t pay that much
Blah blah blah and so forth…
It doesn’t stop
The best negotiators will always try to get a little more than what they paid for. A free consultation, a free lunch, a free trial offer, free shipping.
Enough is enough
I don’t negotiate on price. I charge for my services (because they’re worth it) and don’t budge when asked for a discount. It wouldn’t be fair to those who are serious about making the investment. It also undermines the value of what I offer. If someone honestly does not see the value in a product or service than the person/organization they’re buying from has simply failed to demonstrate value. That’s an entirely different problem.
Your time is very valuable. Your enthusiasm, work ethic, and mind are worth a lot. Others will always try and get a little bit extra, a little bit off the price, and a little bit more than what the agreement was originally for. You can’t blame people for negotiating. I do it and I encourage you to as well, but have the backbone to stand up for your product or service. The one thing you can control is how far you’re willing to let the process go before a line is drawn. A good negotiator will push until they can go no further. It all stops when you say so.
