Under what circumstances is it generally not advisable to negotiate?

Negotiation in a sales context is often sensitive to the fit of the product or service being offered. When there is a lack of suitable product or service fit, it can often lead to complications in the negotiation process. If the product does not align with the buyer's needs, expectations, or circumstances, attempting to negotiate may not yield productive results. In such a scenario, it can be more beneficial to focus on understanding the buyer’s requirements better, rather than trying to strike a deal that may ultimately lead to dissatisfaction for both parties.

Furthermore, negotiating under these conditions risks creating misunderstandings regarding the value of the offering and could result in a misalignment in expectations between the buyer and seller. For instance, if the seller tries to negotiate a price without having a product that meets the buyer's needs, it might cause the buyer to feel pressured and lead to a decision that they later regret. In contrast, successful negotiation typically occurs in circumstances where there is a clear alignment and mutual benefit between the product or service and the customer's needs.