Tips for negotiating a rate direct

[Advocate]

Negotiation is like sex.

You need to start off hard, fast and ignore them when they say they don't like it.

I think that's more affectionaly referred to as surprise sex or ambush love, I believe the justice system refer to it as rape!

[smiff]

Negotiation is like sex.

I'm not doing any contract negotiations once a year, on my birthday....

[lambrini_socialist]

Negotiation is like sex.

in that somebody usually gets fcked?

[beaker]

Start with an outrageous number. When they say "that's a bit high" ask them what they'd be willing to pay and if its not too far off say "well I might be able to meet you half way". Saying you have other offers also helps. This worked for me and in fact in the end my latest client offered me 25% off what I asked for, not 50%