Rate change between applying for the job and getting the contract?

[LondonManc]

You will not find out if the agency would like a higher margin or whether the customer is limiting the budget.

Negotiation is a game of chicken.

Do you feel lucky ?

I have to say when the agent originally says it's 550 it would not be unusual for this to happen. Personally I would be a lot tougher if the agent had originally said 575.

If the market is bouyant and you are confident you'll have something within a week, you can turn him down. If you are on the bench for two weeks however for a 6 month contract you will be out of pocket if you turn it down.

Hard nosed business decision optimising your income is probably to accept.

Agreed. I've had this situation in the past.

Agent has said I will put you in at £550 but don't be surprised if they won't move from £525. Not a shabby rate at all either way.

[pr1]

Agreed. I've had this situation in the past.

Agent has said I will put you in at £550 but don't be surprised if they won't move from £525. Not a shabby rate at all either way.

Easy way for the agent to make an extra £25/day - who blinks first!

[VillageContractor]

Looking at the numbers you should take it unless you have another offer at £575.

But the principal that you take a rate cut over sitting on the bench hands an advantage to the agent/client.

[LondonManc]

Easy way for the agent to make an extra £25/day - who blinks first!

Not really. The agent was on a flat 9% and while the 525 was a going rate, I'd done a good contract for the agent before. Thanks for your concern though.

[pr1]

Not really. The agent was on a flat 9% and while the 525 was a going rate, I'd done a good contract for the agent before. Thanks for your concern though.

Sorry, I was speaking generally (not specifically) - I was unconcerned