What to ask for — and the email that lands it.

Use the target as your anchor. The stretch is what you ask for first. The low is your walk-away.

You're below the fair target. There's room to push back — aim for $184K base, anchoring on stretch.

1. 1

   Thank them. Acknowledge their offer, don't accept yet.

2. 2

   Anchor on $184K base as your fair target — show the comp data if asked.

3. 3

   Stay specific: name one thing about the role that justifies the bump.

4. 4

   Ask for sign-on if base won't move; ask for an equity refresh in year 1.

5. 5

   Get the new offer in writing before you say yes.

Reads like a script. It is. Adjust 1–2 words, never the structure.

Hi —

Thank you for the offer. I'm excited about the Product Designer role and the team.

Before signing, I wanted to share where I'm landing on base. For Senior-level Product Designer work in this market, the fair target sits around $184K. Given the scope you've described and what I'd bring to the systems side, I'd like to align the base accordingly.

Happy to look at sign-on or a 12-month equity refresh if base needs more time. Could we get to $184K?

Thanks again — looking forward to making this work.

— Joseph