Deadline To Accept

[Part of the NegotiatingPatternLanguage]

When making an offer or a counter-offer (whether you are the buyer or seller, the hiring manager or the prospective hire), especially if in writing, always include a deadline which the offer must be accepted by, else it is withdrawn. (The deadline might not be a specific date/time, but an event such as accepting another job elsewhere). Some reasonable deadline (days or weeks) is good sense; open-ended offers are never a good idea (especially if binding). However, a DeadlineToAccept may have additional advantages:

• Prevents the other party from searching for a better offer. If you offer someone a job, but give them 24 hours to accept; chances are that they won't be able to continue shopping for a better offer.

• Might force a hasty decision; especially if the deadline is "take it or leave it now". Of course, an intelligent party will reject any such deadline and walk, but some parties will accept a lowball offer on such terms.

• Allow you to CloseTheDealQuickly. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush; the vast majority of folks who promise to get back to you never do.

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CategoryNegotiation