[sammyg2]

in today's business climate, most companies feel they have a prospective employee over a bbl and will low-ball them. You touched on the secret when you mention that you hate this stuff. They know that and they are prolly better at it.

A couple things to keep in mind when playing poker, if you want to bluff you have to take the chance of getting called on it.

Salary negotiations are similar to playing poker, it's a game and in every game yo can win or lose. The more you risk the bigger the potential win and also an increased chance at lose.

Couple things to keep in mind, it isn't personal. It's just a game and to do well you have to play the game well.
They're counting that you hate the game and don't want to play the game and don't want to risk losing, so you'll take a low-ball offer and they win.
if you really want the job and dont want to risk not getting it, then just give up and take the low-ball offer. Lots of folks do that and they know it.

but if you are willing to play the game and possibly take a little more risk, here's some hints:

You're job in the game is to let them know they need to offer more, but you have to do it in a non-confrontational manner. You are working WITH them to find a solution, not AGAINST them.
Use that. Let them know you want to help them do their job and get you hired, but they are not going to be able to accomplish their task without sweetening the pot.
Kep the attitude that it's not personal and it's simply a problem that needs to be solved and you're willing to help them solve it. But ya GOTTA make it seem like a win win.
Reinforce the concept that offering you more money will help the company, and be prepared to show them exactly how. Sell your service with facts and details, data.
A dangerous but potentially worthwhile move is to mention that in order for an employee to be sucessful in the long term, the compensation must be right for the job and employee. Otherwise retention and satisdfaction and motivation might be a problem. But be really careful how you word that so it doesn't come off as a threat. That could backfire really easily.
Doing your homework and being well prepared is absolutely manditory to pull something like that off.

And take your time. No sense trying to make it quick.
They have a task to do and their boss wants them to get it done. If it takes a looooooong time, they start sweating and get pressure from the boss.
"HAVEN'T YOU GOT DONE THAT YET?"

Meet with them, then if possible take some time. Find an excuse to get back to them, but don't say "I need to think that over". Say somethnig like "that's an interesting option but it requires some study. I'd like a [specified period of time] to evaluate it if that's OK with you".

When I got hired by my current employer it took over three months to work out all the details.
For a while they were waiting to see if I would flinch and take the bait, but eventually they were the ones flinching. That can be a risky game. If you drag your feet too much they'll get frustrated and may say fuch it. If they get the impression that you don't know if you want the job that can work against you.
Don't make it seem like you can't decide. Make it seem like you need to do some more homework or research or gather facts, or whatever.
Make it sound like the time is required for a purpose, not because of indecision. Remind them at every opportunity that you really want to work for them, but you need to make sure the details are right so the move will be successful for everyone.

I really like that commercial where someone offers him something and he says ...AND?......

Attitude is your biggest ally or enemy. Maintain a confident and pleasant expression, but don't be smarly. And it is not personal!