Negotiating like a Dry Well
When you have run out of resources let the other person know by telling them “the well is dry,” and you cannot offer anything else. Backing up this information with evidence shows them that you are serious and inform them they will have to “take it or leave it.”
Example
Your landlord is demanding payment of lasts month’s rent. You have been out of work for a few weeks and only have about half of what you owe. Fortunately, you were just offered a great job today. You tell the landlord that you will give him what you have now, but he will have to wait a couple of weeks for the rest. You back-up your position by showing him your current bank statement and the contract for your new job. Since you have always been a good tenant, up to this point, and he appreciates your candor, he allows backs down from his demand to be paid in full right away.
