What to say instead of “that's a lowball offer”
Why it can fall flat
“that's a lowball offer”
Hearing “lowball” tends to feel like an accusation of bad faith, so the other side starts defending itself before your case is even made. Your goal is for them to see that the number doesn't match the work and to come back ready to negotiate.
Say this instead
- 01
Thanks for the proposal. The budget is well below what this scope normally costs, so I can't accept it as it stands. Could we revisit the number or adjust the scope?
Client · Email
A client's budget is far off, so this names the gap and offers two ways forward without giving anything away.
- 02
Thank you for the offer. The base salary is lower than I was expecting for this role and my experience. Could we look at the figure again before I decide?
Recruiter / HR · Email
After a first offer arrives, this shows interest while making clear the salary needs to change.
- 03
I think their offer undervalues the work involved. Can we agree on a counter before I reply to them?
Boss · Chat
Use it when you want your manager aligned before you push back on an outside offer.
- 04
Thanks for your offer. Our quoted price stands, but I'm happy to look at options that fit your budget. Shall I suggest a smaller package?
Customer · SMS
Choose this when you won't cut the price but want to keep the sale alive by changing what's included.
- 05
That figure looks too low for the hours involved. I'd push back before we agree to anything.
Coworker · Chat
This is a quick, honest read for when a colleague asks what you think of a rate or price on the table.
- 06
I think the rate you've proposed for the freelancer is too low for the scope. Let's go back with a higher figure and see how they respond.
Someone you manage · Chat
When guiding someone you manage, it gives clear direction without criticizing their effort.
- 07
Thanks for the offer. It's below what I can take this job on for. If the budget is fixed, could we cut the scope to match?
Client · SMS
A short, polite refusal fits when a client texts a number that doesn't cover the work.
Examples
Hi Sofia, Thank you for sending the proposal for the website refresh. The fee you've suggested doesn't cover the time the project needs, so I can't take it on at that figure. If the budget is fixed, I can suggest a reduced scope; otherwise I'd need a higher fee. Kind regards, Naveen
Hi Monica, thanks for sharing the 2% raise. It's lower than I'd hoped for, given the extra workload I've taken on this year. Could we set up a short call to go through how it was decided?
What to avoid
- Words like “insulting”, “ridiculous” or “joke” about the number turn a price talk into a row.
- Replying in the heat of the moment is a mistake, so wait until you can state the gap calmly.
- Rejecting the offer without saying what would work, such as a higher figure or a smaller scope, leaves the other side stuck.
- Apologizing for asking weakens your position.
- Hinting that the other side is dishonest is unfair when they may simply be unaware of your costs.