Reply to "they're 20% cheaper" with a fair year-one cost comparison

About this exercise

Your prospect Alma Reyes says Tallyforge is 20% cheaper. Reply by email with a year-one total cost for both, each shown as math on its own line, using only the prices in your notes. Don't criticize Tallyforge beyond those facts and don't promise to match their price. End with one line starting "Next step:". Under 160 words. Plain text, with a subject line first.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

• Comparing sticker prices. The AI compares $40 vs $32 and concedes the gap. Try: Add: "Compare year-one total cost, including Tallyforge's implementation, phone support and migration."
• Hiding the math. The AI states totals without the working, so Alma can't reuse it with her director. Try: Add: "Show each total as math on its own line."
• Trashing the competitor. Your notes include an unverified crash rumor; the AI may use it. Try: Add: "Don't criticize Tallyforge beyond the prices."
• Promising a match. The AI offers to match to save the deal, which policy forbids. Try: Add: "Don't promise to match their price."
• Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting and runs long when you only give a total like 160 words. Try: Cap each part instead, like "each paragraph under 30 words," so the total lands well under 160.

What a strong prompt includes

• Asks for total cost
• Shows the math
• Includes the hidden costs
• Bans the rumor
• Ends with a next step

Practice this now ↑

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