Presenting alternatives from competitors to leverage better pricing is a powerful tactic. By informing BCS Group about competitive offerings, you can create a sense of urgency and pressure for them to provide a more attractive deal. Collect quotes from at least two competitors and be transparent about how they compare in terms of price, features, and service. Ensure you communicate your preference for BCS Group's services while emphasizing the financial constraints you have.

Eliminating the auto-renewal clause can increase leverage for future negotiations. Make it clear to BCS Group that your finance team requires flexibility and that automatic renewals are a barrier to proceeding with the agreement. This can create room to negotiate better terms or pricing down the line.

Request the removal of any uplift in pricing during renewal discussions, especially if you are committed to maintaining your current user count. Emphasize that based on your budget, you cannot accommodate any price increases at this time. This could potentially lead to lower overall costs.

Negotiating a one-time discount can facilitate a better upfront cost. Highlight that your financial planning only allows for a specific budget; therefore, any discount must be carried into the new agreement without being labeled as a one-time offer. This clarifies your need for ongoing value.

Offering to act as a reference or participate in a case study can be leveraged to obtain favorable pricing. This not only adds value to BCS Group but also positions you as a priority customer, potentially yielding discounts on your agreement.