7 Ways to Increase Your Bargaining Power in Business

Bargaining power is the relative ability of parties in an argumentative situation (such as bargaining, contract writing, or making an agreement) to exert influence over each other. It is an important topic in negotiation because parties with higher bargaining power are able to leverage their circumstances to strike more desirable deals with others. All of the parties in an agreement have their own bargaining power, however little or great.

Key Takeaways

Bargaining power is the relative ability of parties in an argumentative situation to exert influence over each other

Bargaining power can help you achieve better outcomes in your negotiations

Bargaining power depends on various factors, such as alternatives, urgency, information, relationship, size, reputation, etc.

Bargaining power can vary depending on the context and the type

In this article, we will explore the concept of bargaining power in business, and how you can increase your own bargaining power in different situations. We will also provide some examples of bargaining power in action, and some tips on how to use it effectively.

What is Bargaining Power in Business?

According to Merriam-Webster, bargaining power is “the relative capacity of each of the parties to a negotiation or dispute to compel or secure agreement on its own terms”. In other words, it is the degree of control or influence that one party has over the outcome of a negotiation.

Bargaining power can depend on various factors, such as:

The availability and attractiveness of alternatives
The urgency and importance of the deal
The information and expertise of the parties
The relationship and trust between the parties
The size and reputation of the parties
The legal and regulatory environment
The market conditions and competition

Bargaining power can vary depending on the context and the type of negotiation. For example, a buyer may have more bargaining power than a seller if there are many sellers offering similar products or services, or if the buyer can easily switch to another supplier. On the other hand, a seller may have more bargaining power than a buyer if there are few sellers offering unique or differentiated products or services, or if the buyer has a high demand or need for the product or service.

Bargaining power can also change over time, as the circumstances and preferences of the parties evolve. For example, a buyer may lose bargaining power if the seller’s product or service becomes more scarce or valuable, or if the buyer’s need or urgency increases. Conversely, a seller may gain bargaining power if the buyer’s alternatives become less attractive or available, or if the seller’s product or service becomes more popular or desirable.

How to Increase Your Bargaining Power in Business?

Increasing your bargaining power can help you achieve better outcomes in your negotiations, such as lower prices, higher quality, faster delivery, more favorable terms, etc. Here are some ways to increase your bargaining power in business:

1. Do your research.

Before entering a negotiation, you should gather as much information as possible about the other party, their needs, interests, goals, alternatives, strengths, weaknesses, etc. You should also research the market conditions, the industry trends, the legal and regulatory issues, etc. This will help you understand your own position and value proposition, as well as identify potential opportunities and threats for both sides. Having more information can also help you avoid being misled or manipulated by the other party.

2. Prepare your BATNA.

BATNA stands for Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement. It is the most attractive option that you have if you fail to reach an agreement with the other party. Having a strong BATNA can increase your bargaining power by giving you more confidence and leverage in the negotiation. You should always know your BATNA before entering a negotiation and try to improve it as much as possible. You should also try to find out the other party’s BATNA and try to weaken it as much as possible.

3. Build your reputation.

Your reputation can affect your bargaining power by influencing how others perceive you and treat you in a negotiation. Having a good reputation can increase your bargaining power by making you more credible, trustworthy, reliable, competent, etc. You can build your reputation by delivering on your promises, maintaining high standards of quality and service, being honest and respectful, etc. You can also leverage your reputation by highlighting your achievements, testimonials, awards, etc.

4. Expand your network.

Your network can affect your bargaining power by providing you with access to more resources, information, opportunities, support, etc. Having a large and diverse network can increase your bargaining power by giving you more options and alternatives, more referrals and recommendations, more insights and feedback, more allies and partners, etc. You can expand your network by attending events, joining associations, participating in online forums, reaching out to potential contacts, etc. You can also nurture your network by staying in touch, sharing value, giving help, asking for advice, etc.

5. Create value.

Value is the difference between what something costs and what it is worth to someone. Creating value can increase your bargaining power by making your offer more attractive and desirable to the other party. You can create value by adding features, benefits, bonuses, guarantees, etc. to your product or service. You can also create value by solving problems, meeting needs, fulfilling desires, etc. for the other party.

6. Communicate effectively.

Communication is the process of exchanging information, ideas, feelings, etc. with others. Communicating effectively can increase your bargaining power by making you more persuasive, influential, assertive, etc. You can communicate effectively by using clear and concise language, using positive and respectful tone, using appropriate body language and gestures, using active listening and questioning skills, using emotional intelligence and empathy, etc.

7. Negotiate strategically.

Negotiation is the process of reaching an agreement with others through discussion and compromise. Negotiating strategically can increase your bargaining power by making you more prepared, flexible, creative, etc. You can negotiate strategically by setting realistic and specific goals, planning your strategy and tactics, anticipating the other party’s moves and reactions, making concessions and trade-offs, using anchors and framing techniques, using deadlines and time pressure, using silence and pauses, etc.

Examples of Bargaining Power in Business

Here are some examples of bargaining power in business:

A customer has more bargaining power than a car dealer if the customer has done extensive research on the car models, prices, features, etc., and has several other dealers to choose from.
A supplier has more bargaining power than a manufacturer if the supplier provides a unique or patented component that is essential for the manufacturer’s product, and has few or no competitors in the market.
A job seeker has more bargaining power than an employer if the job seeker has a high level of skills, experience, and qualifications that are in high demand in the industry, and has received multiple job offers from other companies.
An investor has more bargaining power than a startup if the investor has a large amount of capital to invest, and has access to many other attractive investment opportunities in the market.
A franchisee has more bargaining power than a franchisor if the franchisee operates in a profitable and growing market, and has a loyal and satisfied customer base.

Tips on How to Use Bargaining Power Effectively

Here are some tips on how to use bargaining power effectively:

Be aware of your own bargaining power and the other party’s bargaining power in each situation, and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Do not overestimate or underestimate your own bargaining power or the other party’s bargaining power, as this can lead to unrealistic expectations or missed opportunities.

Do not rely solely on your bargaining power or the other party’s bargaining power to achieve your desired outcome, as this can lead to conflict or deadlock. Instead, try to find ways to create value and mutual benefit for both sides.

Do not abuse your bargaining power or the other party’s bargaining power to exploit or coerce the other side, as this can damage the relationship and trust between you. Instead, try to use your bargaining power or the other party’s bargaining power to influence or persuade the other side in a respectful and ethical way.

Tips

Bargaining power can help you achieve better outcomes in your negotiations

Bargaining power depends on various factors, such as alternatives, urgency, information, relationship, size, reputation, etc.

Bargaining power can vary depending on the context and the type of negotiation

Bargaining power can change over time as the circumstances and preferences of the parties evolve

You can increase your bargaining power by doing your research, preparing your BATNA, building your reputation, expanding your network, creating value, communicating effectively, negotiating strategically, etc.

Bargaining Power Definition and Its Impact on Global Demand

Bargaining power is the relative ability of parties in an argumentative situation (such as bargaining, contract writing, or making an agreement) to exert influence over each other. It is an important factor in determining the outcome of negotiations and the distribution of benefits among the parties involved. Bargaining power can be influenced by various factors, such as the availability of alternatives, the degree of competition, the size and reputation of the parties, and the information asymmetry between them.

How Bargaining Power Affects Global Demand in Different Industries

Bargaining power can have a significant impact on the global demand for products and services in different industries. For example, in industries where buyers have high bargaining power, such as retail or hospitality, they can negotiate lower prices and better terms from suppliers, which can increase their demand for those products and services. On the other hand, in industries where suppliers have high bargaining power, such as pharmaceuticals or aerospace, they can charge higher prices and impose stricter conditions on buyers, which can reduce their demand for those products and services.

The Role of Bargaining Power in Shaping Industry Trends and Strategies

Bargaining power can also affect the trends and strategies of different industries in response to changing market conditions and customer preferences. For example, in industries where buyers have low bargaining power, such as utilities or telecommunications, suppliers can invest more in innovation and differentiation to create loyal customers and increase their market share. On the other hand, in industries where suppliers have low bargaining power, such as agriculture or textiles, buyers can seek more efficiency and standardization to reduce their costs and increase their profitability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between buying power and selling power?
A: Buying power is a specific type of bargaining power that relates to a buyer’s ability to influence a seller. Selling power is a specific type of bargaining power that relates to a seller’s ability to influence a buyer.

Q: What is the difference between individual bargaining power and collective bargaining power?
A: Individual bargaining power is the ability of one person to influence another person in a negotiation. Collective bargaining power is the ability of a group of people to influence another group of people in a negotiation.

Q: What is the difference between positive bargaining power and negative bargaining power?
A: Positive bargaining power is the ability to offer something that the other party wants or needs in a negotiation. Negative bargaining power is the ability to threaten or impose something that the other party does not want or fears in a negotiation.

Reference:

https://web.archive.org/web/20150630085405/http://202.29.13.46/journal/uploads/article/179/93/7.pdf

http://hypergeertz.jku.at/GeertzTexts/Bazaar_Economy.htm

https://www.bbc.com/travel/blog/20101122-travelwise-the-art-of-haggling