Agent Negotiation
Master bargaining strategies and reach mutually beneficial agreements
Your Progress
0 / 5 completedHow Agents Exchange Offers
The bargaining protocol defines the rules of engagement: who speaks when, how offers are communicated, and when negotiation ends. Different protocols create different strategic dynamics and efficiency profiles.
Three Major Protocol Types
Interactive: Protocol Comparison
Compare how different bargaining protocols handle the same negotiation scenario.
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Alternating Offers
Agents take turns making offers sequentially
NEGOTIATION TIMELINE
0s
🤖 A
Offers $80
1s
🤖 B
Rejects, offers $40
2s
🤖 A
Rejects, offers $65
3s
🤖 B
Accepts $65
✓ ADVANTAGES
- •Clear turn structure
- •Time for deliberation
- •Common in practice
✗ DISADVANTAGES
- •Can be slow
- •Strategic delays possible
Protocol Selection Criteria
Time Pressure
High urgency → Simultaneous offers
Privacy Needs
Sensitive data → Mediated negotiation
Complexity
Multi-issue deals → Alternating offers (more control)
Trust Level
Low trust → Mediated (neutral third party)
💡 Key Insight
Protocol choice shapes outcomes. Alternating offers give agents time to strategize but can slow down agreement. Simultaneous offers force honesty but risk misalignment. Mediated negotiation ensures fairness but requires trust in the mediator. The "best" protocol depends on your priorities: speed, privacy, control, or fairness.