Purchasing Manager how-to

How to Prepare for a Supplier Negotiation

Preparation wins negotiations.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Preparation wins negotiations. In short: know; research; set, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Know your spend.

  2. Research the market.

  3. Set your target and walk-away.

  4. Know their pressures.

  5. Plan trade-offs.

  6. Practice.

Safety reminders for purchasing managers

  • Follow ethics and anti-bribery rules
  • Check supplier safety and compliance
  • Protect confidential bids
  • Follow public procurement law

Strategic sourcing · RFP · RFQ · Total cost of ownership · Spend analysis · Category management: see the full purchasing manager glossary.

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