Use Odd and Precise Numbers
Practical ways to use odd and precise numbers, so your price sounds considered rather than rounded.
Precision suggests care. Round numbers invite haggling.
10 tips that really help
These ideas come from Never Split the Difference (Chris Voss), Getting to Yes (Roger Fisher and William Ury), Start With No (Jim Camp), and everyday practice. The first six help the most. Pick one and try it today.
Precision suggests care
An exact figure like 4,870 looks calculated, while a round figure invites haggling.
Try it.
Calculate your price from real costs
Honest calculation makes odd numbers credible.
Do the maths.
Avoid lazy rounding
Using a precise number signals you worked it out.
Check each figure.
Be ready to show your working
Explaining how you got there builds credibility.
Prepare a breakdown.
Use it for counter-offers too
Precise counters often meet less resistance.
Try it.
Keep it fair
The aim is clarity, not trickery.
Check your intent.
Precision signals thought
Research suggests precise offers can be negotiated less.
Try it.
Calculate real costs
Honest.
Do it.
Avoid rounding
Specific.
Check.
Stay honest
Ethics.
Never invent.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many sales conversations.
“The total is 4,870 dollars.”
“That reflects the actual costs.”
“How does that compare?”
“That is our calculation.”
“I can show you how we got there.”
“Thank you.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Calculate your price precisely
Avoid round numbers
Be ready to explain
Test the effect
Stay honest
Practise
Review
Further reading
- Never Split the Difference (Chris Voss)
- Getting to Yes (Roger Fisher and William Ury)
- Start With No (Jim Camp)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
Keep your place and keep growing
Create a free account to save your progress and pick up the next lesson where you stopped. No card needed.
Start freeThese lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.
More lessons in “Negotiate Without Fear”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Respond to "That Is Our Budget"Next: Bundle Instead of Cutting Price →
- Know Your Goals and Your Limits
- Find Your Best Alternative
- Research Their Needs and Pressures
- List What You Can Give and What You Need
- Set Your Opening Position
- Plan Your First Three Sentences
- Decide Your Walk-Away Point
- What They Say vs What They Need
- Ask "Why Is That Important to You?"
- Look for Win-Win Trades
- Separate the Person From the Problem
- Create More Options Before You Decide
- Use Fair, Objective Standards
- The Pie Is Bigger Than You Think
- The Power of Calm
- Let Them Say "No" First
- Open-Ended "How" and "What" Questions
- Use "How Am I Supposed to Do That?"
- Mirror and Pause
- The Late-Night FM DJ Voice
- Let Them Talk Themselves Into It
- Never Give a Discount for Free
- Trade, Do Not Just Give
- Hold Your Price With Confidence
- Respond to "That Is Our Budget"
- Use Odd and Precise Numbers
- Bundle Instead of Cutting Price
- When to Walk Away
- Handle a Pushy Negotiator
- Respond to a Deadline Threat
- When They Say "Take It or Leave It"
- Deal With Silence and Stalling
- Stay Polite When You Are Angry
- Negotiate With Someone More Senior
- Summarise Every Agreement Out Loud
- Put It in Writing the Same Day
- Leave Both Sides Feeling Good
- Do Not Celebrate Too Soon
- Protect the Relationship After the Deal
- Learn From Every Negotiation
