Switching Agencies

[danjericho]

I have an interview for a job lined up with an agency who have quoted me a daily rate. Another agency have just called me about the same job but they are quoting me a much higher daily rate.

What are my options? If I get accepted for the job can I switch agencies or do I play hard ball with the agency that got me the the interview to get the same rate. One agency is taking a 33% cut and the other 25%.

Thanks

[Pondlife]

I have an interview for a job lined up with an agency who have quoted me a daily rate. Another agency have just called me about the same job but they are quoting me a much higher daily rate.

What are my options? If I get accepted for the job can I switch agencies or do I play hard ball with the agency that got me the the job to get the same rate. One agency is taking a 33% cut and the other 25%.

Thanks

The 2nd option.

You can't switch agents as they will kick up a massive fuss with the client making you too much effort to deal with and the work will go elsewhere.

You can however work on getting the agent to reduce their margin. Or get a shorter contract length and renegotiate once you've got your feet under the table and the client likes you.

[danjericho]

The 2nd option.

You can't switch agents as they will kick up a massive fuss with the client making you too much effort to deal with and the work will go elsewhere.

You can however work on getting the agent to reduce their margin. Or get a shorter contract length and renegotiate once you've got your feet under the table and the client likes you.

Is it feasible that I call the agency and tell them Im no longer interested and the contact the employer direct and tell them Im switching agencies. Would they ever find out?

[TheFaQQer]

Is it feasible that I call the agency and tell them Im no longer interested and the contact the employer direct and tell them Im switching agencies. Would they ever find out?

It's feasible to do that, yes.

Of course, you'd then be relying on the client to (a) be interested; (b) break their contract with the first agency; and (c) keep quiet. You'd have to ask why they would do that to help you out, rather than just bin your CV to avoid any hassle down the line.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[Pondlife]

Is it feasible that I call the agency and tell them Im no longer interested and the contact the employer direct and tell them Im switching agencies. Would they ever find out?

Assuming they have any sort of relationship with the client, then yes, they'll find out. Why do you think the client would accept this behaviour?

[danjericho]

Assuming they have any sort of relationship with the client, then yes, they'll find out. Why do you think the client would accept this behaviour?

There are a lot of agencies working on the contract. Anyhow, just seeing what my options are and where I stand. I guess if (if) I get the job I can negotiate with the first agency to reduce their margin or I'll walk.

[Pondlife]

There are a lot of agencies working on the contract. Anyhow, just seeing what my options are and where I stand. I guess if (if) I get the job I can negotiate with the first agency to reduce their margin or I'll walk.

Exactly.

[TombRaider]

33% cut and the other 25%

These margins are excessive - the agency should only be taking around 11-12% so you should negotiate with agency 1.

[TheFaQQer]

One agency is taking a 33% cut and the other 25%.

How do you know what the client is paying?

[stek]

Some agents are fond of bigging-up the rate to get you hooked, then tell you 'client had to cut back on rate, blah, blah, could only get you £xxxx.....'

Ask yourself why the difference in rate, it's not necessarily down to margin...