>> and make it clear that if they do give hints (no matter how bad we do) they won't get paid.
> That sounds a bit harsh.
He’s negotiating in advance, not punishing them. It’s about making it clear what you want for your money, and allowing the other party to make a choice. This is how negotiations work.
“Hi I’d like a room here but I have a special request: don’t call me ‘sir’. It’s non negotiable; if you do I won’t pay you.”
Either: “ok that’s fine.”
or: “sorry, I’m afraid we can’t do that, sir.”
are ok. But once you’ve accepted, that’s it.
Negotiating. It’s the foundation of trade. I wish it didn’t have such a bad rap.