Salesforce Engagement Success Story: Empowering an Upper Midmarket Manufacturing Company with Optimal Salesforce Contract Renewal

At The Negotiator Guru, we recently had the privilege of working with an upper midmarket manufacturing company to navigate their Salesforce contract renewal process. Our client had two primary objectives: to validate the competitiveness of their rates and to optimize their license footprint based on their actual platform utilization. Through our strategic approach, we achieved outstanding results, securing cost savings of $573,000 and cost avoidance of $952,000 within the first year alone.
Our Approach
To ensure a successful engagement, we applied our trusted 4-step IT Software Negotiation Process, tailored specifically to address the unique needs of the manufacturing industry:
Step 1) Discovery
We conducted interviews with key stakeholders within the client's organization to gain comprehensive insights into their historical utilization of Salesforce. By understanding how they had leveraged the platform in previous years, we were able to uncover valuable opportunities for improvement.
Step 2) Strategy
Recognizing the importance of aligning with the client's global business requirements, we facilitated an internal workshop. This collaborative session served as a platform to identify and gain consensus on the client's specific needs, ultimately creating a forward-thinking conceptual roadmap that would guide our negotiation strategy.
Step 3) Negotiate
Armed with a deep understanding of the client's Salesforce utilization and their strategic roadmap, we conducted thorough rate benchmarking. This analysis allowed us to accurately assess the competitiveness of their rates and advise the client on the potential for cost savings. Through effective negotiation techniques, we successfully secured a contract that was both right-sized and right-priced for their evolving needs.
The Remarkable Results
Our engagement delivered remarkable outcomes for the client. Within the first year alone, they realized substantial cost savings of $573,000 and achieved cost avoidance of $952,000. Beyond the financial gains, our collaboration empowered the client with a significant technology uplift. By optimizing their Salesforce contract and aligning it with their specific requirements, we ensured that they had the ideal platform to drive their business forward.
At The Negotiator Guru, we are committed to empowering organizations in the manufacturing industry with favorable negotiation outcomes. This success story exemplifies our ability to secure substantial cost savings while providing clients with tailored solutions that align with their strategic objectives. Contact us today to leverage our expertise and drive optimal Salesforce contract renewals for your organization.
See More Case Studies
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Contract Consolidation Post-Merger
Client Profile
A national healthcare provider with 10+ facilities undergoing post-merger integration of systems and vendor contracts.
Challenge
Multiple overlapping software and infrastructure contracts (some with auto-renewal clauses and duplicative pricing) created an estimated $5M in redundant spend and significant compliance risk across entities.
TNG Solution
- Conducted a full post-merger contract risk assessment.
- Identified conflicting licensing terms and misaligned SLAs across vendors.
- Renegotiated bundled agreements, centralized governance rights, and aligned pricing to true usage.
Outcome
Eliminated $5.3M in redundant costs and created a centralized contract framework that mitigated legal exposure while ensuring scalability for future growth.

SaaS Contract Optimization
Client Profile
A Fortune 100 big-box retailer implementing a multi-year rollout of a cloud-based workforce management platform across 1,200 locations.
Challenge
Vendor’s original SaaS contract included non-negotiable annual price escalators, unscalable support fees, and unrestricted termination clauses, leading to a potential $14M overcommitment.
TNG Solution
- Conducted a clause-by-clause risk audit.
- Introduced performance-based renewal language, capped escalators, and tiered user thresholds.
Outcome
Negotiated total contract value down by $6.8M, implemented enforceable performance guarantees, and secured rights to re-negotiate upon key business changes.
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SAP Indirect Access & Audit Exposure
Client Profile
A publicly traded global logistics company with over 30,000 employees and a complex SAP landscape.
Challenge
SAP alleged the client owed $9.6M in retroactive fees due to indirect access violations following an internal audit. The client had signed an outdated license agreement that left them fully exposed.
TNG Solution
- Performed a forensic risk analysis of the original SAP contract and audit report.
- Identified outdated metrics, ambiguous user definitions, and license overlap.
- Negotiated a new licensing model that eliminated indirect access exposure and established a future-proof digital access clause.
Outcome
Reduced SAP’s claim from $9.6M to $0 and negotiated a forward licensing strategy that saved the client $7.2M over five years.

