How it works: Answer a few quick questions about your situation. The AI builds a structured negotiation brief with your key arguments, market data, and talking points. Takes 2-3 minutes.

What do you need help negotiating?

💰
Rate Negotiation
Help me justify my freelance or consulting rate to a client
📊
Equity / SAFE
Help me negotiate equity, valuation, or SAFE terms as a founder or investor
🔑 Connect to AI (one-time setup)
Why do I need an API key?
Deal Coach uses Claude AI to generate your negotiation brief. To keep this tool free for everyone, each user connects their own Anthropic account. New accounts get $5 free credits — enough for hundreds of conversations.

🔒 Privacy guarantee: Your API key is stored only in your browser (localStorage). It is never sent to our servers, never logged, and never shared with anyone. You can delete it anytime by clearing your browser data. We have no access to it whatsoever.
HOW TO GET YOUR FREE KEY (2 minutes):
  1. Go to console.anthropic.com → Sign up free
  2. Click API Keys → Create Key
  3. Copy the key (starts with sk-ant-)
  4. Paste it below and click Save
🔒 Key stored in your browser only · Never sent to RateKit servers · Privacy Policy
Your Negotiation Brief
Generated by RateKit Deal Coach

How to prepare for a business negotiation

Good negotiations are prepared, not improvised. Know your walk-away point, the other side's likely priorities and at least two alternatives before you start. Deal Coach helps you structure that preparation and rehearse your arguments.

Formula

Prepare: BATNA (best alternative) -> Walk-away point -> Target -> Opening offer
ZOPA = overlap between your walk-away point and theirs

Example

Selling a $20,000 project: your BATNA is another client at $15,000, so your walk-away is $15,000. Target $22,000 and open at $25,000 with a clear scope; trade concessions (timeline, payment terms) rather than cutting price.

Frequently asked questions

What is BATNA?

Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement: what you will do if this deal fails. A strong BATNA gives you leverage and sets your walk-away point.

Should I make the first offer?

Often yes, if you have done your research: the first number anchors the negotiation. Open ambitiously but justifiably.

How do I negotiate without lowering my price?

Trade variables instead of discounts: scope, timeline, payment terms, volume or contract length.

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