Presenting competitors as alternatives during negotiations can be highly effective for leveraging better pricing and terms. By mentioning that another vendor offers similar functionality for less, you create urgency for Attribution to offer more competitive rates. In your case, detail out the competitors you've considered and their pricing to make your position stronger.
Removing auto-renewal clauses from the contract can provide you with more control and leverage during future negotiations. By stating that your finance team requires this condition to consider signing, you could eliminate the risk of unexpected renewals that could complicate budget planning.
If Attribution requires any compliance or security upgrades, it’s essential to negotiate these terms while highlighting how many other suppliers include such features at no extra cost. This could lead to discounts or waivers on additional features.
During negotiations, emphasize that you did not anticipate the uplift in pricing, anchoring your conversation around a budget that did not account for this increase. Leverage past relationships or how other vendors provide better terms to negotiate a removal of the uplift.
Offering to participate in case studies or serve as a reference can add significant value to your negotiation. In exchange, request pricing reductions as this shows a commitment to the partnership, while also providing Attribution with marketing clout.