[byoung2]

Where is this company located? If it's Silicon Valley, those numbers are very low. If it's Idaho, that's a different story. So we need to know that, and more importantly, we need to know what salary you want (is the $100k and 0.22% what you really want, or what you thought they'd agree to?).

First of all, I hope you didn't tell them that $96k number before they offered $100k. If so, you screwed yourself by anchoring your offer to a low previous salary.

Second, if they are even discussing salary, it means they like you and they have already mentally committed to you. Going back to the drawing board will mean weeks or months of reading resumes, interviews, negotiations, and possibly recruiting fees which will cost easily $20-40k. In that light, giving you $20k extra would be a bargain. The fact that they went from $96k to $106k proves that.

Third, I wouldn't let equity be the deciding factor (that could just be me), since it could be worth $0 (and 90% of the time it probably is).

As far as negotiating, I suggest you read this post in full: http://www.kalzumeus.com/2012/01/23/salary-negotiation/

[verite]

Thanks for your help! I am certain that they like me -- I mean, I have an official paper offer that I can sign.

It is in Silicon Valley. I haven't disclosed salary history.

I thought they may agree to 100k and 0.2%, and/or I could use that as leverage to ask for more salary instead.

I would be happy with 100k and 0.2%, 120k and 0%, or anything scaled in between.

I had already read that post.

[logn]

But 100K at .2% and 120K at .0% means you value them at $10m. Their counter to you revealed they value themselves at $60m. And their valuation of record is $50m. I'd counter with .05% and $120K which they might counter with .05% and $118K.

[verite]

the salaries are yearly and the % is over 4 years

[verite]

Er, nevermind I guess. My (written) offer got rescinded.

[rgovind]

Did they take it back because of this post in hacker news or because they didn't like the higher salary request.

[verite]

i'm not sure i will ever get to find out why they took it back. but i think it is very unlikely that it is this post in HN. someone would have to be checking HN very religiously.

[crazypyro]

You did provide a great amount of detail that could probably be used to identify you. Giving (real?) exact numbers doesn't help either. I would be more careful about disguising career questions in the future, even if this post wasn't the cause.

[rgovind]

You should she them just to find out why :P Btw, now that you don't care, can you please tell which company this is.

[verite]

This is a really frivolous reason to sue. I don't currently want to out the company; if in the future I do, it would probably not be in a random HN comment :).

[byoung2]

Yeah that's probably for the best. They sound like cheapskates anyway. Next job offer, tell them you want 130k and let them offer 110k. Show them you're a team player by offering to meet in the middle on salary at 120k, but ask for more equity to make up for the 10k you're giving up!

[andrewhillman]

While I was reading your 'ask,' I was thinking... too much info, someone at the company is going to see this. I hope this isn't the case and I am sure you will find another position.