The prompt
Score 10 of 10, Excellent
Use it when A prospect has asked for a lower price and you want a reply that holds your value, offers a fair trade if one is approved, and keeps the deal moving.
- {{buyer}}
- {{their_message}}
- {{proposal}}
- {{their_priorities}}
- {{approved_options}}
Full prompt and why it works
Prompt
Draft my reply to {{buyer}}, who has asked for a discount on our proposal. I want to keep the deal moving and the relationship warm while protecting the price, and to offer a trade only where one is approved. Their message, exactly as received: """ {{their_message}} """ Our proposal (price, terms, scope): {{proposal}} What they told us they value most: {{their_priorities}} What I am allowed to offer, if anything, and what I would want in return: {{approved_options}} Write two versions, each 80 to 160 words: A. Hold the price: acknowledge the request without apologizing for the price, restate the value in terms of what they said they care about, and ask one question that uncovers what is behind the request, such as budget timing, a competing quote, or a need to show a saving internally. B. Trade: offer one of my approved options in exchange for something specific, such as a longer commitment, upfront payment or a smaller scope, and state both sides of the trade plainly. Format: label the versions A and B, add a subject line only if this would start a new email thread, and after the two versions add one sentence on which you would send, given their message, and why. The tone should be warm, calm and confident, with no defensiveness. For example, an opening in the form wanted: "Thanks for being straight with me about the budget. Before we look at numbers, can I ask what's driving it?" Use only the prices, options and facts above. Do not offer a discount, free extras or new terms that are not in my approved options, and do not hint at flexibility I do not have. Do not invent a competitor's price, a deadline or a coming price increase to create pressure. If their message does not say what they want, for example no figure is given, make the question in version A ask for it. If I have no approved options, write only version A and say so.
Variables
- {{buyer}}
- Who asked, for example "the operations director at a client we have pitched twice".
- {{their_message}}
- Their message asking for a discount, exactly as received.
- {{proposal}}
- Your proposal's price, terms and scope.
- {{their_priorities}}
- What they told you matters most to them.
- {{approved_options}}
- What you are allowed to offer and what you would want in return, or "none".
Why it works
- Format. Two versions, one holding the price and one trading, let you choose the move, and the model says which it would send and why.
- What to avoid. It cannot offer anything outside your approved options or invent a competitor's price or a deadline, so the email never gives away what you have not agreed.
- If unsure. When their message gives no figure, the reply asks for one, rather than guessing what they want and negotiating against yourself.