rate increases

[mudskipper]

I am probably more reasonable than most in this regard but all things being equal I pitch for a rise after 12 months and when a renewal is on the table.
If I want to stay it will be along the lines of, that's 12 months, can we discuss an increase in the rate ?I hope by this time I have some idea on how much the agent is creaming off, which tells me how hard to push. If they are on poor PSL, I know this will have to go through the client so act accordingly to avoid upsetting them too much i.e. only ask for 5%, which sounds like a fair COL increase.
If they are creaming 20%, I want 10%. I don't bother with justifying it, I just tell them I am looking to discuss and this is the level I am after.
I am used to all the fob offs that will come, being ignored, saying they have spoken to client when they haven't (I ask for it from their chunk in this case).
I DONT involve clientco if at all possible as it always comes out as grabbing.
I only play proper hardball if I am happy to leave, otherwise I will compromise on the rise but I DO want one, even a token amount or I am not happy (and dont fall for the 'we will see at next renewal' line, it is a fob-off)
So:
1 - tell agent as soon as he says renewal that you want to discuss a rise.
2 - DONT try to justify, especially if its after a reasonable time eg 12 months.
3 - Try not to annoy client/paint yourself into corner.
4 - It's business NOT personal.
Good luck...

Good advice - unfortunately my client tends to talk to me direct about renewal, then involve agent for paperwork. Perhaps I'll give agent a heads up that I'm anticipating a renewal and want extra dosh.

[diesel]

put my request in...agent said the issue could take "weeks" to resolve! oh well just see what they come up with

[Contreras]

put my request in...agent said the issue could take "weeks" to resolve! oh well just see what they come up with

Translation: give us a few weeks to see if we can find someone cheaper first.

[diesel]

Translation: give us a few weeks to see if we can find someone cheaper first.

I have a back up plan (just in case)