To ensure you're getting a fair rate, consider leveraging the pricing gut check methodology. Evaluate the current quote against your budget and market rates, and use internal knowledge to question the legitimacy of the pricing presented. Your goal is to determine if the offered price is justified in light of competitors' offers or past pricing models. This tactic will require you to closely analyze your current contracts and any past communications regarding pricing adjustments.

Introduce competition by obtaining quotes from similar software providers. Present these alternatives to Eventbrite during negotiations, emphasizing how competitors' pricing or added features could influence your final decision. This tactic can significantly enhance your negotiating leverage and encourage Eventbrite to lower their rates to retain your business. Be clear and specific about what you're being offered elsewhere and underscore your preference for Eventbrite if they can meet your pricing needs.

Negotiate the removal of any auto-renewal clauses from the contract. Articulate that this is a necessary precursory step to align with your internal finance or legal requirements. Emphasize the desire for more flexibility in terms of contract management to ensure that your business needs can be assessed properly before any automatic renewals take place, affording you the opportunity to negotiate better terms in the future.

If Eventbrite is proposing any additional features or upgrades at an added cost, express that your business is facing budget constraints. You can point out that similar tools include advanced security or features at no extra charge. Suggest that any necessary features should be offered at a reduced price or bundled to maintain your existing relationship without inflating costs unreasonably.