My day rate from the last project will flex according to how much profit I want out of the the next project as agents are to dumb to understand different gigs have different costs to deliver (travel time, hotel costs etc). If you want to charge more no good telling the agent you were happy with x last month....
- Visitors can check out the Forum FAQ by clicking this link. You have to register before you can post: click the REGISTER link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. View our Forum Privacy Policy.
- Want to receive the latest contracting news and advice straight to your inbox? Sign up to the ContractorUK newsletter here. Every sign up will also be entered into a draw to WIN £100 Amazon vouchers!
Day Rate
Collapse
X
-
-
This.Originally posted by ChimpMaster View PostSounds like you've been hoodwinked by an agent.
A classic agency trick.Comment
-
Typical exchange for me has often gone like:
Agent: What's your day rate?
Me: Depends on the project and what's involved - have they got a range in mind?
IMHO there is no point pricing the next job based on the previous one - you might have valid reasons to have a higher or lower rate on your current job e.g. I would accept a lower rate if it was 15mins away from my house, or if working for a not for profit client co which I wanted to "support".Comment
-
Or when asked what your last rate was, increase it to the amount you want to be on, and then say you want a bit more than that - use that as your negotiating position.
As others have said though, it has no real baring on your application going forwardComment
-
I never give the last rate - I laugh at the agent and tell them that they know better than to ask for a figure. If they keep pushing, I describe the rate as "competitive" or "market rate".Originally posted by mattfx View PostOr when asked what your last rate was, increase it to the amount you want to be on, and then say you want a bit more than that - use that as your negotiating position.
As others have said though, it has no real baring on your application going forward
Two can play that game
Comment
-
Thanks, by Employer I meant Client.Originally posted by SueEllen View PostNope.
And they ain't your employers - if you don't understand that then go back to being permie.Comment
-
Actually no, I've been asked this in an interview (which I applied for directly) having already advertised what they would be paying.Originally posted by ChimpMaster View PostSounds like you've been hoodwinked by an agent.
ThanksComment
-
Thank you, this has been helpful and has validated my thoughts. Just being asked about previous rate made me think twice whether it had a bearing on what they'd be willing to pay.Originally posted by CatOnMat View PostTypical exchange for me has often gone like:
Agent: What's your day rate?
Me: Depends on the project and what's involved - have they got a range in mind?
IMHO there is no point pricing the next job based on the previous one - you might have valid reasons to have a higher or lower rate on your current job e.g. I would accept a lower rate if it was 15mins away from my house, or if working for a not for profit client co which I wanted to "support".Comment
-
The figure I give them is what I want my next rate to be. Helps to know the advertised rate though first.Comment
-
Thanks. So I assume then there is no way they can validate what your previous day rate was, and therefore unable to question why you want X% more?Originally posted by l35kee View PostThe figure I give them is what I want my next rate to be. Helps to know the advertised rate though first.Comment
- Home
- News & Features
- First Timers
- IR35 / S660 / BN66
- Employee Benefit Trusts
- Agency Workers Regulations
- MSC Legislation
- Limited Companies
- Dividends
- Umbrella Company
- VAT / Flat Rate VAT
- Job News & Guides
- Money News & Guides
- Guide to Contracts
- Successful Contracting
- Contracting Overseas
- Contractor Calculators
- MVL
- Contractor Expenses
Advertisers
Contractor Services
CUK News
- Should a new limited company not making much money pay a salary/dividend? Yesterday 08:43
- Blocking the 2025 Loan Charge settlement opportunity from being a genuine opportunity is… HMRC Feb 12 07:41
- How a buyer’s market in UK property for 2026 is contractors’ double-edge sword Feb 11 07:12
- Why PAYE overcharging by HMRC is every contractor’s problem Feb 10 06:26
- Government unveils ‘Umbrella Company Regulations consultation’ Feb 9 05:55
- JSL rules ‘are HMRC’s way to make contractor umbrella company clients give a sh*t where their money goes’ Feb 8 07:42
- Contractors warned over HMRC charging £3.5 billion too much Feb 6 03:18
- Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for umbrella company contractors: an April 2026 explainer Feb 5 07:19
- IR35: IT contractors ‘most concerned about off-payroll working rules’ Feb 4 07:11
- Labour’s near-silence on its employment status shakeup is telling, and disappointing Feb 3 07:47

Comment