Given the nature of your contract with commercetools, it is crucial to push back on any proposed uplift during renewal. Articulate that your budget does not accommodate the uplift being proposed. If it was not clearly stated in prior agreements, leverage this fact to negotiate for a flat rate for the renewal period, ensuring you emphasize that many other vendors offer favorable conditions at a time of contract growth. Use past successes with other vendors to strengthen your case.

If the upcoming renewal includes mandatory upgrades that would incur additional costs, challenge these by stressing your need for cost efficiency and highlighting competitive offerings that may include the same features without premium costs. This tactic is particularly effective when the security needs are not justifiable given your current usage patterns.

Push for the removal of the auto-renewal clause within your contract, as it can limit your negotiation power during the next renewal cycle. Emphasize that this requirement is now standard within your organization as a measure to enhance financial control and budgeting efficiency.

Offer to participate as a reference or in a case study in exchange for favorable pricing terms. Emphasize that such partnerships are typically reserved for strategic alliances, and this involvement should reciprocate through pricing reductions. This tactic can help reduce your overall cost structure significantly.

Prepare to present competing offers from other vendors as a tactical strategy to pressure commercetools into offering a better deal. Share specific price details from competitors that highlight significant differences that your finance team can't overlook. This method is a strong negotiation tactic that enhances your leverage during discussions.