Negotiation · 4 min read · Free
The Best Negotiation Starts Before You Message
Your strongest number is decided before the seller replies.
Before you send an offer, know the realistic resale price, expected costs, and minimum profit you want. That gives you a ceiling. Once you know that number, negotiation becomes much calmer. You are not trying to 'win' the conversation. You are checking whether the deal fits your number.
What it is
Pre-calculating your buy price before emotion enters the conversation.
Why it matters
The strongest negotiator knows exactly where the deal stops working.
When to use it
Use it before sending any offer or arranging a meetup.
How to do it
Estimate target resale, subtract direct costs, desired profit, and a risk buffer. Use that result as your maximum. Your opening offer can be lower, but your maximum should not move without new information.
Worked example
Target resale is $1,100. You expect $50 direct cost, want $150 profit, and keep $50 risk buffer. Your max is about $850. If the seller counters $975, you already know the answer.
Your action plan
- Calculate max buy before messaging
- Write an opening offer
- Write your final number
- Commit to walking away above it
Common mistakes
- Asking 'lowest?' without knowing your own number
- Raising your offer before the seller responds
- Changing your max because you drove far
Key takeaway
Negotiation becomes easier when the economics are already decided.
Try this
Set your maximum buy price before contacting the seller and do not raise it because you get excited.
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