TheRealPezDog

Account Manager

Notable Contributor

Dealing with procurement story.

Last week one of my accounts' procurement director reached out to me about a deal we signed 2 weeks prior. As part of their "new corporate initiative" (aka some bullshit) he asked me for a 10% discount. I balked at 10, told him I'm not sure I can do anything but I would try to see if we could offer a 5% discount. Then, after a quick "fuck no" from management I spent an hour compiling a document to justify our prices, met with the guy again, sent him a pdf version, and basically walked him through the document where I had laid out the exact situation, market data, company data, and historical purchase data from them for several years at similar pricing. Then I just straight up told him we ain't discounting shit because our prices are competitive and we've been a solid ass partner for years now.

Not sure if I'm the asshole here? Or maybe I just wanted to brag about owning the fucking procurement group that tried to squeeze me even though I've gone above and beyond with them to deliver the most value and never once have I increased their margins.

Do you think I handled it right? Do you have a story about bitch-slapping the purchasing department? Cuz I'd love to hear it!

📃 Procurement

11

13 comments

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Sunbunny31

Politicker

6

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

Why was he asking for a discount on a signed deal?

I mean, good for you for justifying your cost and giving him the courtesy of a thorough response, but he's 2 weeks 2 late to be pulling that kind of stuff.

Angusmacg

Valued Contributor

2

Territory Account Mgr.

I agree. The deal is signed. There is no asking for a discount now. I would've set a meeting with him to discuss their "new corporate initiative" in detail, thanked him for the update, then told him that you will work to incorporate this new initiative on the next deal.

antiASKHOLE

Tycoon

5

Bravado's Resident Asshole

Although I do not have a story of the bitch slapping variety, I am proud of you for standing your ground and keeping your pimp hand strong.

jefe

Arsonist

4

🍁

Well done.

CuriousFox

WR Officer

3

🦊

You handled it better than me. I would've said nuh bruh you've signed we can revisit at end of contract.

DevSomeBiz

Valued Contributor

2

Senior B2B Sales Guy.

They wanted a discount on a signed contract? Does the contract give them wiggle room to walk away? You might be able to turn this to your advantage. "If you double the order size, I can give you 5% off the additional units."

TheRealPezDog

Notable Contributor

0

Account Manager

Unfortunately the contract is for a service that they can pretty much terminate whenever (won't go into further details to protect my identity) I absolutely did think of that opportunity though, just a weird fit for this particular sitch.

Kosta_Konfucius

Politicker

2

Sales Rep

Nice job not letting up! Only thing is if they come back and they NEED a discount I would consider working with them. Either lowering the price by 10% but extending the contract so they are locked in for a longer period of time

TennisandSales

Politicker

2

Head Of Sales

when he asked for a 10% discount, i would have said no right then and there. you signed an agreement, i cant change it you cant change it, its done.

i would also press into what this new initiative is and try to get to the bottom of that.

DevSomeBiz

Valued Contributor

1

Senior B2B Sales Guy.

Also, if they’re publicly traded, it’s time to short their stock. They’re in trouble.

TheRealPezDog

Notable Contributor

0

Account Manager

hahaha. the only reason I laugh is because their stock is through the fricken roof since covid, they should be thanking me for taking their money to avoid the tax liability! (They've literally 10x'd revenue since Q2 2020. lmao.

Sillygoose

1

Sales Manager (Enterprise)

I've been in this position many times in the last couple of years with all the challenges. Customers expect a supplier to give help during tight times but never repay when it's the other side. I have found being honest and transparent, as much as allowed, goes a long way with good customers. People who don't respect dug themselves a big hole or are jerks. Good luck.

ChumpChange

Politicker

0

Channel Manager

Stick to your guns!

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