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    Winning the business

    The vendor whose expectation is unrealistic before you list

    You want the listing, but not at a number that guarantees a failed campaign.

    Do this now — in this order

    1. 1Decide in advance the number above which you will walk.
    2. 2Present the evidence range and the buyer bracket separately.
    3. 3Agree a written review trigger before signing — date-based and evidence-based.
    4. 4Shorten the agency term to match the test period.
    5. 5Get the vendor to state their walk-away number out loud.
    6. 6Record the recommendation you made, in writing, at listing.

    What to say

    The condition of listing

    "I'll take it on at your number, on one condition: if the market tells us the same thing three weeks in a row, we act on it together. Can we agree that now?"

    Why it works

    Pre-agreed review triggers turn the future price conversation into keeping a promise rather than backing down.