Instead of directly challenging an objection, reframe it by suggesting there's a deeper context. Using phrases like 'it sounds like there's a story behind that' encourages the prospect to volunteer the real root cause of their hesitation, transforming a confrontation into a collaborative discovery process.

When a prospect objects that your price range is too high, immediately pivot by asking what number they have discussed internally. This tactic leverages transparency—since you've shared your number, it's reasonable for them to share theirs—and quickly uncovers their real budget expectations.

Frame every negotiation around four core business drivers. Offer discounts not as concessions, but as payments for the customer giving you something valuable: more volume, faster cash payments, a longer contract commitment, or a predictable closing date. This shifts the conversation from haggling to a structured, collaborative process.

Conventional deal-making focuses on winning every point. Superior negotiators, however, identify the one thing that matters most and willingly concede on everything else to get it. This is especially true when you understand the value of that single outcome better than the other party.

Instead of countering an objection, diffuse the conflict by relating to the underlying emotion. For a price objection, say, 'It sounds like you make really good decisions with money.' This shows empathy without agreeing their price is too high, lowering their defenses and making them more collaborative.

Instead of lowballing, Bending Spoons makes a very fair, near-final offer immediately. This tactic builds a reputation for seriousness, similar to Warren Buffett's approach. It avoids lengthy back-and-forth and signals that they are not a buyer that can be "pushed around," creating an efficient and powerful deal-making process.

Shift adversarial negotiations to collaborative problem-solving by transparently explaining your pricing model is based on four levers: volume, timing of cash, length of commitment, and timing of the deal. When a customer asks for a concession, you can explore which of the other levers they can adjust, making it a mutual exchange of value rather than a zero-sum haggle.

Instead of fighting an objection, agree with it ("Equinox is a great gym..."). This removes pressure and disarms the prospect, making them more open to a follow-up question. This "Mr. Miyagi" method absorbs the objection's momentum, allowing you to redirect the conversation and uncover the real issue.

Instead of hiding information, Todd Capone's "transparent negotiation" advises telling buyers the four levers they can pull for a better price: contract term, volume, timing of cash, and predictability (signing by a certain date). This builds trust and turns negotiation into a collaborative process.