Reference: CIPS L4M5 Study Guide, Section 1.3 - Sources of Conflict in Negotiation

Trust is built through consistent communication (e.g., regular meetings) and fulfilling commitments (keeping promises). Coercion erodes trust, while mediation is reactive and not a foundational element of trust-building.
Reference: L4M5 Commercial Negotiation 2nd edition (CORE), Section 1.2 - Developing Trust in Supplier Relationships

Fixed costs (FC) are costs that do not vary with volume. To an airline once aircraft are purchased, flight crews trained and departures scheduled, costs are disproportionately fixed.
Variable costs (VC) are those which vary with the amount produced. Fuel, catering services and marketing are examples of variable.
LO 2, AC 2.1

Legitimate power comes from formal authority and organisational backing, making it a credible and sustainable leverage source in negotiations. Personality power or reliance on colleagues and friends lacks long- term weight and may not influence suppliers strategically. Buyers who use legitimate power, backed by governance and authority, negotiate from a position of credibility and professionalism, reinforcing stronger outcomes.
Reference: CIPS L4M5 (2nd ed.), LO 3.1 - Sources of power: legitimate, coercive, expert, referent.

The typical stages of commercial negotiation are Preparing, opening, bargaining, agreement, and closure. This sequence facilitates a structured approach where negotiators prepare strategies, initiate discussions, engage in bargaining, reach agreements, and formally close the negotiation. This structure is emphasized in CIPS materials as essential for achieving a balanced negotiation process.