Closing: The Crucial Coda in Hospitality Sales Negotiations



The closing stage of a negotiation is like the grand finale of a symphony, a crucial coda that sets the tone for the future relationship with the client. At this stage, every detail counts, and ensuring mutual understanding and agreement is paramount.


Let's journey to the beautiful Alexander Hotel on Miami Beach to explore a humorous yet instructive tale that underscores the importance of the closing stage.


In the sun-kissed, cosmopolitan atmosphere of Miami Beach, the Alexander Hotel enjoys a steady stream of clients looking for the perfect combination of business and leisure. Once, a well-known tech company approached the hotel, eager to conduct a week-long company retreat. The negotiation was complex, involving various meetings, room bookings, amenities, catering arrangements, and even a beachside bonfire. 


As the negotiation reached the closing stage, both parties were satisfied, and it was time for the final agreement to be drawn. The hotel's sales team prepared a detailed contract that precisely outlined all the arrangements agreed upon. 


However, in the spirit of Miami’s laid-back ethos, the tech company’s representative, known for his eccentricities and quirky humor, proposed signing the contract in a rather unconventional manner. He suggested a beachside ceremony, complete with an oversized novelty pen, and an equally oversized contract printed on a beach towel! 


The Alexander Hotel team, although initially taken aback, saw the humor in this request and appreciated the representative's desire to make the contract signing a memorable occasion. They agreed to this unusual request, making sure, of course, that the official contract would also be signed in a more traditional format. 


The beachside contract signing became a unique and memorable event that encapsulated the Miami spirit. The attendees, including hotel staff, were encouraged to wear beach attire, and it was a sight to behold as the tech company representative, sporting a flamboyant Hawaiian shirt, signed the oversized contract with a flourish!


Despite the whimsical nature of this closing stage, the sales team ensured that all the formalities were also appropriately addressed. The traditional contract was signed, all arrangements were confirmed, and the tech company's retreat was a roaring success.


This example reminds us that closing a negotiation can be a blend of ensuring a meticulous understanding of the agreement while maintaining a level of fun and personalization, depending on the client's personality. It leaves a lasting impression, often determining how smoothly the agreement will be implemented and paving the way for future negotiations.


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