Job is highly specialized in robotics and they were super into me. I'd like to stay professional and let them try again, but make it clear I do not want to play this game
This is what I gut typed out but it's definitely too much. Help me take the edge off?
“I appreciate you spending the time speaking with me and putting this together. While I did not expect to be given an offer at the upper end of my indicated range, you still surprised me how far outside it you are.
If you gave me this offer with the intent of being negotiable please try again, otherwise I wish COMPANY the best and hope you find another candidate more within your budget. “