How to tackle trickster partners/low ball offers while running a program?
A story to learn from.
Every now and then when you run your business, comes in a customer who promises a huge deal of business OR needs a very discounted version of your product. If it’s not someone you personally know, the basic response is to let it pass.
The same applies to partners.
The Story
I once received an offer by a partner (who was relatively new to the service) that he needs the product at a steep 40% discount + commission.
As much as disproportionate it sounded to me, I was curious to know what made him believe I would agree to this offer.
He was under the impression to sell 1000 seats of our product this year, which made his offer seemingly attractive.
I was though ready to test the waters. Without a second thought, I gave him a heads up on this provided one condition - he signs a contract with us for a 1000 seat sale in a year, with the commission and discount being credited back to him once all targets are met.
What do you think happened next?
I never heard from him after I gave this offer.