[turtlebits]

I hate negotiation with a passion. However, IME, just being semi transparent about your max offer lets anyone else come back with new numbers without having to ask for a specific number.

Another is to ask for additional benefits in monetary value. IE if one company that provides parking/commuter/better health coverage benefits, ask for an additional $X per year to the companies that don't.

That also make it like you're trying to equalize total comp instead of asking for an arbitrary higher number.