Published February 24, 2026 · 20 min read
Most people leave $5,000-15,000 on the table every year because they do not negotiate. Not because they cannot — because they do not know what to say. The difference between someone who negotiates and someone who does not is not confidence or personality. It is having a script.
This guide gives you word-for-word scripts for the seven highest-impact negotiations in your life: salary, car prices, rent, medical bills, cable/internet, credit card rates, and phone plans. These scripts have been tested, refined, and proven to work. You do not need to be a skilled negotiator. You just need to read the words.
Combined, these negotiations can save you $10,000+ per year. That is not an exaggeration — it is math.
All scripts in printable format, plus additional scripts for insurance, gym memberships, subscriptions, and more. Use code SPUNK for free premium tools.
Get Negotiation Toolkit More Money GuidesBefore the scripts, understand these five principles. They apply to every single negotiation in this guide:
The person who can walk away has all the power. Before any negotiation, know your BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement). If you cannot walk away, you are not negotiating — you are begging.
Let the other side make the first offer whenever possible. If they ask "What's your budget?" or "What salary are you looking for?" redirect: "I'd like to understand the full opportunity first" or "What's the range for this role?" The first number anchors the entire negotiation.
After stating your position, stop talking. Silence is uncomfortable, and the other party will often fill it by improving their offer. Count to ten in your head after making a request. Do not speak first.
Frame negotiations as "us solving a problem together" not "me vs. you." Use phrases like "I'm hoping we can find something that works for both of us" and "Help me understand." People give better deals to people they like.
Facts beat feelings. Come with market rates, competitor prices, comparable offers, or industry benchmarks. "I've researched this and found that..." is more powerful than "I feel like I deserve..."
The average employee who negotiates their salary earns $7,500 more per year than one who accepts the first offer. Over a 30-year career, that single negotiation (compounded with raises) is worth $500,000-1,000,000. Not negotiating your salary is the most expensive mistake most people make.
When to negotiate: After receiving a written offer, not during the interview. You want them committed to you before discussing numbers.
YOU (via email or phone)
"Thank you so much for the offer. I'm genuinely excited about this role and the team. I've done my research on market rates for this position in [city/region] using [Glassdoor/Levels.fyi/Payscale], and the range I'm seeing is [$X to $Y]. Given my [specific experience/skills/certifications] and the value I'll bring to [specific project or goal they mentioned], I was hoping we could discuss a base salary of [$your target, 10-15% above their offer]. Is there flexibility here?"
IF THEY SAY THE SALARY IS FIRM
"I understand the salary may be at the top of the approved range. Could we explore other areas? I'd be interested in discussing [pick 2-3]: a signing bonus, additional PTO days, a remote work arrangement, an earlier performance review at 6 months instead of 12, professional development budget, or equity/stock options. What might be possible?"
Research from Carnegie Mellon shows that 85% of employers expect candidates to negotiate and have budget for it. The average gap between the initial offer and the final accepted salary is $7,500. Companies build this negotiation room into their offers. If you do not ask, you are literally leaving money they budgeted for you on the table.
YOU (in a scheduled meeting with your manager)
"I wanted to talk about my compensation. Over the past [time period], I've [specific achievement 1], [specific achievement 2], and [specific achievement 3]. These contributions have [quantified impact: saved $X, generated $Y, reduced Z by N%]. I've also researched the market rate for someone with my experience and responsibilities, and I'm seeing a range of [$X to $Y]. My current salary is below that range by about [amount]. I'd like to discuss bringing my compensation in line with the market and my contributions. What's possible?"
IF THEY SAY "NOT IN THE BUDGET RIGHT NOW"
"I understand budget constraints. Can we agree on specific goals and a timeline? If I achieve [goal 1] and [goal 2] by [date], can we revisit this conversation with a commitment to adjust my compensation? I'd like to get that in writing so we're both aligned."
Download all negotiation scripts in a printable PDF you can reference before any call or meeting. Includes 5 bonus scripts not in this article.
Download Free PDFThe average new car buyer overpays by $3,000-5,000 because they negotiate based on the sticker price instead of the dealer's cost. The key is knowing the invoice price and the dealer holdback before walking into any dealership.
Preparation (do this first):
YOU (after test drive, sitting down to discuss price)
"I've done my research and I know the invoice price for this vehicle with these options is [$invoice price]. I've also gotten quotes from [Dealer B] and [Dealer C] for the same model. I'm ready to buy today if we can agree on a fair price. I'm looking at [$invoice + $300-500], which gives you a fair profit on the sale. Can we make that work?"
WHEN THEY COUNTER
"I appreciate the offer, but I've got a quote from [other dealer] at [$amount]. I'd prefer to buy from you because [reason: closer, better service reviews, etc.], but I need to see a competitive number. What's the best you can do?"
WHEN THEY TRY TO FOCUS ON MONTHLY PAYMENT
"I'd like to keep the conversation on the total out-the-door price, not the monthly payment. I already have financing arranged. What's the total price including all taxes, fees, and dealer charges? No add-ons."
"What monthly payment are you comfortable with?" — This lets them stretch the loan term to hide a higher price. Always negotiate total price.
"Let me talk to my manager" — This is a pressure technique. Stay calm and wait.
The add-on sheet at signing — Decline everything: fabric protection, paint sealant, VIN etching, extended warranties at the dealer. If you want an extended warranty, buy it later from the manufacturer directly at 40-60% less.
Most renters do not know that rent is negotiable — both when signing a new lease and at renewal. Landlords would rather give a $100/month discount than deal with the $2,000-5,000 cost of turnover (cleaning, repairs, vacancy, advertising, screening new tenants).
YOU (30-60 days before renewal, via email to your landlord)
"Hi [landlord name], I received the renewal offer at [$new rate]. I've been a reliable tenant for [X years] — always paid on time, maintained the unit well, and haven't caused any issues. I'd like to stay, but the [$increase amount] increase is above what I'm seeing for comparable units in the area. I've found similar apartments at [building/listing] for [$lower rate]. Could we keep the rent at [$current rate] or meet in the middle at [$target]? I'm happy to sign a longer lease for rate stability. I'd prefer not to move, but I need the numbers to work."
YOU (after viewing the unit, before signing)
"I love this unit and I'm ready to sign. I have strong rental history, excellent credit, and stable income. I noticed the unit has been listed for [X weeks] — I can move in quickly and save you further vacancy costs. Would you consider [$50-150 less per month] if I sign a 12-month lease today? I can also offer [first + last upfront / early move-in / longer lease term]."
Negotiation leverage points:
Medical bills are the most negotiable bills in America. Hospitals routinely charge 3-10x what Medicare pays for the same procedure. The "chargemaster" price on your bill is a starting point, not a final number. Studies show that 63% of people who negotiate their medical bills successfully reduce them.
YOU (call the billing department)
"I received a bill for [$amount] for [procedure/visit] on [date]. Before I set up payment, I have a few questions. First, can you provide an itemized bill with every charge broken down? I'd also like to know the Medicare rate for these services and your cash-pay or self-pay discount. I've seen that the fair price for this procedure in my area is [$fair price from Healthcare Bluebook or Medicare lookup] — is there flexibility to bring this closer to that range?"
IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD THE BILL
"I want to pay this bill, but [$amount] is beyond what I can manage right now. Do you have a financial hardship program or charity care application I can complete? I'd also like to discuss a payment plan. If I can pay [$reduced amount, 40-60% of the bill] in full today, would you accept that as payment in full?"
THE NUCLEAR OPTION (for very large bills)
"I've reviewed the itemized bill and I have concerns about several charges. I plan to dispute this with [my insurance company / the state insurance commissioner / the hospital patient advocate] unless we can reach a fair resolution. I'm willing to pay [$your offer, 30-50% of the bill] today as a lump sum settlement. Can you submit that to your supervisor for approval?"
Request an itemized bill every single time. Hospitals frequently include billing errors: duplicate charges, wrong codes, services not received, and inflated quantities. Studies show that up to 80% of medical bills contain errors. Getting the itemized bill alone can reduce the amount before you even start negotiating.
Resources for medical bill negotiation:
All scripts from this guide plus 10 additional scripts for gym memberships, subscriptions, home repairs, insurance, and more. Printable format with a negotiation prep checklist. Use code SPUNK for free premium tools.
Get Negotiation Toolkit Insurance CalculatorCable and internet companies have massive customer retention budgets. Their "retention department" (also called the "loyalty department" or "cancellation department") has authority to offer discounts that front-line reps cannot. The key is getting transferred to this department.
YOU (call your provider)
"Hi, I'd like to discuss my current plan. I'm paying [$current amount] per month and I've noticed that new customers are getting the same service for [$promotional rate]. I've also looked at switching to [competitor: T-Mobile 5G Home Internet / Starlink / local fiber provider] at [$their rate]. I've been a customer for [X years] and I'd prefer to stay, but I need my rate to be competitive. Can you transfer me to your loyalty or retention department?"
WHEN TRANSFERRED TO RETENTION
"I've been a loyal customer for [X years], but my bill has increased from [$original rate] to [$current rate]. I'm seeing [competitor] offer the same speed for [$their rate]. I'm ready to switch unless we can get my rate down to [$target rate]. What can you offer me to stay?"
IF THEY OFFER A SMALL DISCOUNT
"I appreciate the offer, but [$their offer] is still higher than what I can get from [competitor] at [$their rate]. Can you do better? If not, I'd like to proceed with cancellation and I'll switch to [competitor] today."
Pro tips:
If you carry a balance (which you should aim to eliminate — see our budget calculator), reducing your APR can save hundreds or thousands per year. A $5,000 balance at 24% APR costs $1,200/year in interest. At 14% APR, that drops to $700 — a savings of $500/year.
YOU (call the number on the back of your card)
"Hi, I'd like to discuss lowering the interest rate on my account. I've been a cardholder for [X years] with a strong payment history. My current APR is [X%], and I've received offers from other cards at [lower rate, e.g., 0% intro / 12.99% ongoing]. Before I transfer my balance, I wanted to give you the opportunity to match or beat that rate. Can you lower my APR?"
IF THEY SAY NO
"I understand. Could you transfer me to your retention department or a supervisor who might have more flexibility? I'm a long-term customer and I'd hate to close the account, but I need a competitive rate. Alternatively, do you have any balance transfer offers available for existing customers?"
Success rate: Studies show that 69% of cardholders who ask for a lower rate get one. The average reduction is 5-6 percentage points. The call takes 10 minutes. If you carry a $5,000 balance, that 10-minute call saves you $250-300 per year.
The wireless industry is more competitive than ever. T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, and MVNOs (Mint Mobile, Visible, US Mobile, Cricket) are all fighting for customers. Use that competition to your advantage.
YOU (call your carrier)
"I'm reviewing my wireless plan. I'm currently paying [$amount] per month for [X lines / X GB data]. I've been looking at switching to [Mint Mobile at $15/line / Visible at $25/line / T-Mobile's current promotion], which would save me [$amount] per month. I've been with [your carrier] for [X years] and I'd prefer to stay. Do you have any loyalty plans, promotions, or discounts you can apply to my account?"
Alternative: Just switch. If your current carrier will not negotiate, switching to an MVNO can cut your phone bill by 50-70%:
| Carrier | Network | Price per Line | Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | $15-30/mo | 5GB-Unlimited |
| Visible | Verizon | $25/mo | Unlimited |
| US Mobile | Verizon/T-Mobile | $15-25/mo | 5GB-Unlimited |
| Cricket | AT&T | $30-55/mo | 5GB-Unlimited |
| Google Fi | T-Mobile/US Cellular | $20-50/mo | Flexible/Unlimited |
A family of four on Verizon paying $200/month can switch to Visible and pay $100/month for the same Verizon network. That is $1,200 saved per year with literally the same cell towers.
Download every negotiation script from this guide plus 10 bonus scripts in a clean, printable PDF. Pull it up on your phone before making any call. Use code SPUNK for free premium features.
Download Free PDFHere is what happens when you negotiate everything:
| Negotiation | Time Required | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Salary (one-time, ongoing) | 1-2 hours | $7,500+ |
| Car purchase (one-time) | 2-4 hours | $3,000-5,000 (one-time) |
| Rent (annual renewal) | 30 min | $600-2,400 |
| Medical bills (as needed) | 30-60 min each | $500-5,000+ |
| Cable/Internet (annual) | 30 min | $360-720 |
| Credit card rate | 10 min | $250-500 |
| Phone plan | 30 min | $240-600 |
| TOTAL | $12,450-21,720+ |
Even if you only negotiate three of these categories, you are looking at $5,000-10,000 in annual savings. The most important one — salary negotiation — compounds for your entire career. A single successful salary negotiation at age 25 is worth over $600,000 by retirement when you account for compounding raises, 401k matches, and Social Security calculations based on lifetime earnings.
Start small. Call your cable company this week using the script above. When you save $40/month with a 15-minute phone call, you will be hooked. Then work your way up to salary negotiation with the confidence of someone who has successfully negotiated before. Negotiation is a muscle — it gets stronger every time you use it.
Every script from this guide, plus 10 bonus scripts (insurance, gym memberships, home repairs, subscriptions, hotel rates, and more). Includes a pre-negotiation checklist and tracking spreadsheet. Use code SPUNK for free premium tools.
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