Thanks to sympathyforthedevil who inspired this post when he commented on another thread:

 
"I noticed it's easier to negotiate when I have a good cheep  (sic) alternative."

 
I realized that this is perhaps the very essence of an A-Level negotiating strategy:  

 
Always negotiate like you have a good, cheap alternative - because you do.  

 
This is really a self-psyche when you think about it.  You don't tell your POT that you have a cheap alternative, of course. That will just make her defensive and will trigger all her "I know my worth" rationalizations.  But YOU know that you always have cheaper alternatives available. Maybe not today, maybe it's a 50-year-old AAMP granny, maybe it's just your right hand. But it's available. With that mindset, you shed the stink of desperation that POT's (especially GPS POT's) are looking for. Instead, you project the confidence of your position and power: the power to say "No."  

 
You always have the power to say no. And your POT has the power to say yes. It's easier to say "no" when you have alternatives available. They don't even need to be cheaper, especially if they are with someone objectively more attractive to you or likely to be better BCD.  

 
How many times have we heard on this board (including from me):  "I agreed to pay more because __________."?  

 
That is the moment we likely forgot that we always have alternatives. Instead, we (and not she) convince(s) ourselves that it MUST be her, regardless of price.  

 
Ultimately, you agree to whatever allowance makes sense for any given opportunity.  If you think you will regret missing that one amazing opportunity for the sake of a few more Jacksons, then you follow your heart (sorry.... I meant dick .  After all, all arrangements end. So, the cost of paying too much can be minimized by walking away sooner rather than later.  

 
Thoughts on the "Always have alternatives" strategy?  

 
Life is good

 
The Cat

I just posted this on SFTD's post before reading yours Herb.: That is so true. Rn I have two wonderful SBs in the 250-300 range.  So when I negotiate with a new one, they can tell right away I am NOT desperate.  If their asks are too high, I'll easily try to negotiate, which sometimes works, or move on if it doesn't.  A bush in the hand is worth dozens in the field!

I would add that it's def more difficult to negotiate from a position of strength when you really don't have a desirable fallback position.  I've done that a few times myself, and always regretted it.  

Sorry for the sidetrack, but ...
http://www.cvs.com/bizcontent/merchandising/productimages/high_res/19765639741.jpg
Is this CVS campaign national or only available in New England?  
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A Life is Good bucket hat!  
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(And other Life is Good merch at CVS.)

We have a local AMP chat board. I had met a few SBs that were hookerish. Turned a few guys onto them. One thing led to another and we have our own chat board sharing info on SBs. New one alert. Will they respond. What's their real PPM etc....One guy alerted me to a 24 yo Co Ed. Met her had a great time. Turns out she's bi. Set up a 3some with her gf for 500 but I had to cancel due to a bad back.