Hi all, first major post here.
I have been offered a contract by a client I've worked with in the past, but at the same time I have another one 'moving' that I expect to hear back from early next week. The second contract is from a new client with a more interesting role, and is more lucrative (plus it's just a better name to put on the CV).
The issue is, I got a call from the agent today (for the offered role) stating that I need to give an answer within 3 business days - and preferably today. I've told him in the past that I have another one moving, and that I expect to know within 4 business days. He seemed OK with this, but did state that he was concerned that the client would pull the role if I didn't get an answer to them ASAP.
The client has taken two months from the start of the process to now - scheduling issues, etc. I did contribute to that by being on holiday for 3 days, but even so - two months.
I haven't actually *seen* the contract yet - I've only contracted overseas before now, so I don't have a UK Ltd spooled up yet. I'm sorting that now, but until I have the Ltd they can't make out the contract to MyCo, so I don't know all the details. I do know that I won't actually be onsite and billing until early/mid January.
Now I'm confident that the client is only asking for a "Yes, subject to contracts" answer - they obviously won't want me to say yes to something and then be obligated to sign a contract I haven't yet seen. However, if I chose not to work with them, it wouldn't be because of the contract but rather because I'd got a better offer. I'm therefore reluctant to just say "Yeah, sure, send over the contract", because I'd then just end up saying something like "Oh I don't like this clause, and this clause, so er nevermind!" if the other client comes through. Seems dishonest.
I don't want to offend the client (worked with them before) or the agent (who has been great all the way through, put me in at a higher rate than the client normally offers and secured it), but at the same time I don't want to be in a situation where I have to decide on Tuesday to take this offer if the other, more attractive client is a day or two slower than expected.
I'm not too fussed about if the client is being reasonable or unreasonable here - it's business, after all. I'm just surprised that it's such a short turn-around time, and I'm wondering if it's a tactic to get me to commit, and in fact the role will still be available even if I delay them another few days.
Any thoughts? Is this normal? Does it sound like the client (or the agent) is pushing this to get me to commit, and is exaggerating the risk?
I have been offered a contract by a client I've worked with in the past, but at the same time I have another one 'moving' that I expect to hear back from early next week. The second contract is from a new client with a more interesting role, and is more lucrative (plus it's just a better name to put on the CV).
The issue is, I got a call from the agent today (for the offered role) stating that I need to give an answer within 3 business days - and preferably today. I've told him in the past that I have another one moving, and that I expect to know within 4 business days. He seemed OK with this, but did state that he was concerned that the client would pull the role if I didn't get an answer to them ASAP.
The client has taken two months from the start of the process to now - scheduling issues, etc. I did contribute to that by being on holiday for 3 days, but even so - two months.
I haven't actually *seen* the contract yet - I've only contracted overseas before now, so I don't have a UK Ltd spooled up yet. I'm sorting that now, but until I have the Ltd they can't make out the contract to MyCo, so I don't know all the details. I do know that I won't actually be onsite and billing until early/mid January.
Now I'm confident that the client is only asking for a "Yes, subject to contracts" answer - they obviously won't want me to say yes to something and then be obligated to sign a contract I haven't yet seen. However, if I chose not to work with them, it wouldn't be because of the contract but rather because I'd got a better offer. I'm therefore reluctant to just say "Yeah, sure, send over the contract", because I'd then just end up saying something like "Oh I don't like this clause, and this clause, so er nevermind!" if the other client comes through. Seems dishonest.
I don't want to offend the client (worked with them before) or the agent (who has been great all the way through, put me in at a higher rate than the client normally offers and secured it), but at the same time I don't want to be in a situation where I have to decide on Tuesday to take this offer if the other, more attractive client is a day or two slower than expected.
I'm not too fussed about if the client is being reasonable or unreasonable here - it's business, after all. I'm just surprised that it's such a short turn-around time, and I'm wondering if it's a tactic to get me to commit, and in fact the role will still be available even if I delay them another few days.
Any thoughts? Is this normal? Does it sound like the client (or the agent) is pushing this to get me to commit, and is exaggerating the risk?
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