Can you share some successful negotiation stories?

Sure. There was a negotiation between a small bakery owner and a big supermarket chain. The bakery owner brought fresh-baked cookies to the meeting. As they negotiated the terms, the delicious smell filled the room. The supermarket guys were so distracted by the cookies that they agreed to better terms for the bakery just to keep getting those cookies regularly.

In the business - to - business context, a supplier and a manufacturer had a great negotiation success. The supplier was facing cost increases but didn't want to lose the manufacturer as a customer. They negotiated a new contract where the price increase was phased in over a period of time, and the manufacturer committed to a larger volume of orders. This way, the supplier could cover their costs, and the manufacturer got a stable supply at a reasonable long - term cost.

There was a negotiation between a software company and a big client. The client wanted a lot of custom features but was offering a low price. The software company pointed out the cost of development for each feature, the time it would take, and how it would impact other projects. They also showed the value their standard product could bring. After several rounds of discussion, they agreed on a price that included some custom features and additional support.

In the movie industry, an agent was negotiating for an up - and - coming actor. The production company initially offered a small role with a low salary. The agent knew the actor's potential. He negotiated by highlighting the actor's training, unique look, and the buzz the actor had created in the acting community. Eventually, the actor got a lead role with a much higher salary and better terms in the contract.

Sure. I once heard about a guy who went for a job interview. He was well - qualified and the company really wanted him. But during salary negotiation, they started really low. He countered with a reasonable figure, but they just laughed and said it was way too high. They were so unprofessional about it and made him feel like he was being greedy for asking for what he was worth.

There was a woman who had been with her company for a few years without a significant raise. She noticed that she was taking on more responsibilities than her job description originally stated. She went to her boss with a detailed proposal. In it, she outlined the new tasks she was doing, compared her performance to industry standards, and also mentioned that she had received other job offers with higher pay. Her boss was impressed by her preparation and professionalism and agreed to a 30% increase in her salary.

One key element is preparation. In successful negotiation stories, parties usually know their own needs and limits well, like in a real - estate deal where the seller knows the lowest price they can accept. Another is communication. They clearly convey their points, just as in a job - offer negotiation where the candidate clearly states their salary expectations.

There was a negotiation where an agent fought hard for better pay and working conditions for her client. The production company initially offered a low salary, but the agent presented evidence of the actor's popularity and previous box - office successes. In the end, not only did the actor get a much higher salary, but also some perks like a private trailer on set. The agent's tenacity and smart negotiation skills made all the difference.

Well, here's one. A man was negotiating with a street vendor for a handmade bracelet. The vendor said it was $20. The man offered $10. The vendor refused. Then the man said, 'But look, I'm a poor artist myself and I need this for inspiration.' He showed the vendor some of his sketches. The vendor found them so interesting that he not only sold the bracelet for $10 but also threw in a matching keychain for free.