Most buyers negotiate price and still lose.
Price doesn’t make a deal work. Terms do.
Stop asking “What’s your lowest price?”
Start asking “What terms make this business pay for itself?”
My Term Stack:
Seller carry the seller finances part of the purchase.
Earn out you only pay more if revenue cash collected hits targetsHoldback money stays back for taxes chargebacks equipment lease surprises.
Transition in writing training vendor handoff customer introductions lease assignment.
RuleIf it only works with full cash up front it’s not a deal. It’s a donation.
Copy paste this on your next call:
“Your price makes sense. I can get there on terms. What amount will you carry and what milestones should the rest be tied to?”
Comment TERMS and I’ll drop the follow up questions that get sellers to say yes.