How long can the pimp play this game with my rate?

[SlipTheJab]

Hmm. I think that's a bit of a gamble. I know on this gig and one previously contractors have tried to speak to the client and they don't like it. It's not for them to discuss rates with contractors or get involved in disputes.

I'm open to opinions of others here though. I'd say it's not a good idea but then I wouldn't have put myself in the position of the OP either so interested on others thoughts.

I would only do this if I had decided not to accept the gig as a parting gift to the agent if he's trying it on, if you can't agree, decline and ping the client thanking them for the offer and state that you can't accept as the agent has moved the goalposts at the 11th hour.

[Macavity]

Quick question...
Have you gone back to the agent with a lower rate than your original, or have you just said nothing?

Pimp actually txt'ed me on Friday to say the rate should be fine. Yesterday he called to say client won't raise to it (which shouldn't make a difference as it's a consultancy arrangement). Then to say client is trying to raise to it but it would help if he knew my bottom line.

All sounds like agency tactics to me.

[LondonManc]

Pimp actually txt'ed me on Friday to say the rate should be fine. Yesterday he called to say client won't raise to it (which shouldn't make a difference as it's a consultancy arrangement). Then to say client is trying to raise to it but it would help if he knew my bottom line.

All sounds like agency tactics to me.

Text back your original day rate, because Stone Cold says so, and that's the bottom line.

What a plum. I wouldn't move on rate, they're trying it on.

[Macavity]

If you want a long read on similar shenanigans

Age-old issue of Agents trying to bump their margin, which - of course - is what we all do when we aim for best rate too. That said, Agents can often be sneaky and we are all lovely

As others have said, set your price and compare to your attitude to risk (on possibly losing gig)

Your "similar shenanigans" tale makes me feel sick to the stomach. Wonder if that's what my guy is up to? Wonder if it's the same chap?

[kevpuk]

Your "similar shenanigans" tale makes me feel sick to the stomach. Wonder if that's what my guy is up to? Wonder if it's the same chap?

It was fun
Still, won't be the same chap as the bod in question was a chap-ess (not sure if that is still politically correct)

For me, looks like a duck, walks like a duck, is a _ _ _ _ .......of course, who comes out with result they want is undecided; there is risk, depends on your attitude to it!

[ChimpMaster]

Pimp actually txt'ed me on Friday to say the rate should be fine. Yesterday he called to say client won't raise to it (which shouldn't make a difference as it's a consultancy arrangement). Then to say client is trying to raise to it but it would help if he knew my bottom line.

All sounds like agency tactics to me.

Tell the agent to arrange a meeting (or a call) with the client so that you can explain why you are worth the rate you are asking for.

If agent is telling the truth then he should be willing to do this to secure the sale.
If the agent is bullsh1tting, he'll avoid setting up this meeting at all costs.

[bobspud]

Hmm. I think that's a bit of a gamble. I know on this gig and one previously contractors have tried to speak to the client and they don't like it. It's not for them to discuss rates with contractors or get involved in disputes.

I'm open to opinions of others here though. I'd say it's not a good idea but then I wouldn't have put myself in the position of the OP either so interested on others thoughts.

I'd still go straight for the Agents balls via this route... Most end clients hate agents with a passion and if they think for one moment that they are going to end up having to interview a dozen more knob ends because the agent is messing around it won't end well for the agent regardless of what happens to you...

Plenty more gigs in the sea.

[kevpuk]

I'd still go straight for the Agents balls via this route... Most end clients hate agents with a passion and if they think for one moment that they are going to end up having to interview a dozen more knob ends because the agent is messing around it won't end well for the agent regardless of what happens to you...

Plenty more gigs in the sea.

Certainly was the case in my example - Agent was suspended from PSL for 3 months.....and, I am still with Client, happily invoicing 2yrs later

[WordIsBond]

Never undercut yourself. Just ask them what do they offer and that you can negotiate/comment after you know.

This.

"I've told you my rate, you haven't made an offer at that rate, and I'm looking at other roles. If you make a counter-offer, I might be willing to consider it, but there are other contracts out there, so it would have to be the right role for me to go lower."

Why undercut yourself? Why would you ever do that? If you are willing to enter into negotiations on rate, let them make an offer and negotiate against them. Don't negotiate against yourself.

[LondonManc]

Certainly was the case in my example - Agent was suspended from PSL for 3 months.....and, I am still with Client, happily invoicing 2yrs later

So you ended up going through a different agent?