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Prepare for a supplier price negotiation with confidence
Go into a supplier conversation with your facts, a fair target, alternatives and a polite email or call script ready to use.
When to use it
When a supplier raises prices or a contract is due for renewal
Step by step
Gather the facts
Note what you buy, how much you spend per year, how long you've been a customer, the new price and any quotes from other suppliers.
Plan your approach
Paste this prompt into your AI assistant.
Prompt to copyHelp me prepare to negotiate with a supplier. Facts: I buy [what] from them, spending about [amount] a year, for [number] years. They want to raise prices by [amount or %] from [date]. Alternatives I've found: [other quotes or 'none yet']. Give me: 1) my strongest points, 2) a realistic target outcome and a fallback, 3) 4 things I could offer instead of paying more (e.g. longer contract, bigger orders, faster payment), 4) a short, polite email asking to discuss it, 5) a 5-line call script with responses if they say no.Adjust to your relationship
Tone down or firm up the wording so it sounds like you. A good long-term relationship is often worth more than a small saving.
Send or call, then confirm in writing
Send the email or make the call, then email a summary of anything agreed.
What you get
Strongest points: 6 years as a customer, always pay within 14 days, two cheaper quotes. Target: hold price until April; fallback: 3% rise instead of 8%. Offer: a 12-month commitment. Email opener: 'Thanks for letting us know about the new prices. Before they take effect, could we talk about options?'
Tips
- Don't forward other suppliers' quotes in full; mention the price range instead.