Tired of losing negotiations? Here’s a simple trick that works every time.
Imagine getting the best price on your gym membership, lowering your cable bill, or confidently saying no to an unreasonable request—without arguments, frustration, or guilt. Sounds too good to be true? It’s not.
The Agree and Repeat strategy is a simple yet incredibly powerful method for handling objections, negotiating better deals, and standing firm in any conversation. It has helped people save thousands of dollars, avoid unnecessary commitments, and gain control in high-pressure situations—all without conflict.
What is the Agree and Repeat Strategy?
The concept is simple: agree in principle, then repeat what you want.
Most people think they need to argue, justify, or persuade to get what they want. But arguing creates resistance, and resistance makes people dig in their heels. The secret to effective negotiation isn’t resistance—it’s agreement.
Here’s how it works:
- Acknowledge the other person’s point of view with a neutral statement like “I understand” or “That makes sense.”
- Restate what you want without explaining or justifying.
- Repeat the process as many times as necessary until the other person gives in or gives up.
It works because people can’t fight with someone who agrees with them. When there’s no argument, they run out of ways to resist, and the balance of power shifts in your favor.
Why This Strategy Works So Well
The Agree and Repeat technique is effective because it:
- Prevents arguments – Since there’s no disagreement, the other person has nothing to push against.
- Removes emotional pressure – No need to raise your voice, explain yourself, or get flustered.
- Forces the other person to justify their stance – While they keep scrambling for reasons, you stay calm and in control.
- Works in almost any situation – Whether negotiating a better price or politely declining a request, the approach remains the same.
How to Use the Agree and Repeat Strategy: Step-by-Step Guide
- Listen and Acknowledge:
- When someone makes a statement or demand, acknowledge it neutrally.
- Phrases like “I understand” or “That makes sense” work well.
- State What You Want:
- Keep it clear and direct. Avoid explanations or justifications.
- Example: “I understand, but I want the same price as last year.”
- Repeat as Necessary:
- No matter what they say, acknowledge again and restate your request.
- Continue until they give in or move on.
The key is persistence—just one more time than they do.
Real-Life Examples of the Agree and Repeat Strategy in Action
This strategy works in a wide range of situations. Here are some real-world examples:
1. Saying No Without Guilt
Many years ago, Mike Mandel was performing regularly as a stage hypnotist at a nightclub in Oakville, Ontario. His agent kept booking him at the same venue multiple times a year, which wasn’t ideal—audiences started shrinking, and the experience became repetitive. Wanting to take a break, Mike firmly told his agent, “Don’t book me there for at least a year.”
A couple of weeks later, the agent called with a “great opportunity.”
Agent: “I know you didn’t want to book the club again, but they requested you, so we booked you for next week.”
Mike: “I understand, but I’m not doing the show.”
Agent: “This is going to make us look really bad.”
Mike: “I understand, but I’m not doing the show.”
Agent: “Come on, you can make an exception.”
Mike: “I know how you feel, but I’m not doing the show.”
The agent kept trying different tactics—appealing to guilt, frustration, and pressure—but Mike stayed calm and repeated the same response. Eventually, the agent gave up, and Mike got his well-earned break.
2. Negotiating a Lower Bill
Mike’s wife, Heather, has mastered the art of negotiating with customer service reps. Every year, when their satellite radio subscription is about to renew, she calls the company with a simple request:
Heather: “I want to renew my subscription at the same price as last year.”
Rep: “I’m sorry, but prices have gone up.”
Heather: “I understand, but I want the same price as last year.”
Rep: “We can’t offer that anymore.”
Heather: “I understand, but I want the same price as last year.”
After a few rounds of this, the rep usually finds a way to give her the deal she wants. She’s been doing this successfully for years, proving that persistence pays off.
3. Getting Discounts on Services
Businesses often have hidden discounts, from gym memberships to home cleaning services, but they rarely offer them upfront. Here’s how a customer may use the Agree and Repeat strategy to get a better deal:
Customer: “I’d like a special rate to join.”
Gym Rep: “We don’t offer discounts.”
Customer: “I understand, but I’d like a special rate.”
Gym Rep: “If we give you a discount, we’d have to offer it to everyone.”
Customer: “That makes sense, but I’d still like a special rate.”
Gym Rep: “Well… I suppose I could check with my manager.”
A few minutes later, the rep comes with a lower price—one that wasn’t advertised.
Common Objections (And How to Overcome Them)
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“But this feels too confrontational!”
It’s actually the opposite. Instead of arguing or resisting, this approach keeps the conversation neutral and stress-free.
“How many times should I repeat it?”
Just one more time than they do. The key is outlasting their objections.
“What if they escalate?”
Stay calm. People only escalate when they sense resistance. Since this method eliminates resistance, their frustration burns out quickly.
Final Tips for Success
Practice in everyday situations. Start small—test it out with minor requests before using it in bigger negotiations.
Stay calm and neutral. Avoid sounding aggressive or annoyed. Just keep repeating in a relaxed tone.
- Use short, simple phrases. The less you say, the more powerful your words become.
The Agree and Repeat strategy is a simple yet effective way to stay in control—whether you're negotiating, turning down a request, or standing your ground.
Next time someone pressures you, tries to upsell you, or refuses a discount, put it to the test. With patience and persistence, you might be surprised at the results.
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