Removing auto-renewal can provide you with increased flexibility and control over your licensing agreements. Emphasize to H&Co that due to internal processes and budget management rules, you cannot proceed with any purchase that includes auto-renewal terms. This leverage can compel the vendor to reconsider their terms for a more favorable agreement.

Address any overage fees you've encountered in previous contracts during your negotiation. Demonstrate that your current usage may not justify those fees given the previous year's performance and request that they be waived as part of your current deal. This tactic can be especially useful when you present evidence of your usage trends.

If there are any additional features mandated for compliance or security that H&Co offers at a premium but is common across the industry, leverage that argument. You can mention that other vendors are providing better terms for similar security enhancements, and inquire about waiving fees for these added services in your current agreement.

Communicate your intention to expand usage significantly in the near term to negotiate better pricing. Approach H&Co with the expectation to negotiate lower costs per unit as your use increases, highlighting that this ongoing growth warrants a discount.

If facing an uplift, articulate budget constraints clearly and push for the removal of this uplift as it was not anticipated based on historical pricing. Highlighting your long-term commitment and volume can make this argument more compelling.