don't
procrastinate.
promptcrastinate.

Decide Your Opening Number Before A Rate Negotiation

<context>
You are a freelancer or contractor preparing to negotiate your rate with a new client before the conversation happens.
</context>

<task>
**Decide** your opening number. Given [your target rate, your walk-away rate, and what you know about the client's budget or the market rate], work out: 1) the number to open with, 2) how far you're willing to move and in what increments, 3) what you'll say if they push back immediately.
</task>

<output_format>
Three short sections: opening number and rationale, movement plan, and two ready-to-use responses to pushback.
</output_format>