Rate Negotiations Advice

[Ketto]

Until the client starts wondering why they're paying £2x for a contractor who only appears to be providing £1x of value (because that's their rate).

Keeping an eye on commission rates is definitely worth doing.

Same with Inside roles..... "He's on £1,000 a day!" when half of it goes to Hector.

[ladymuck]

I'm with many of the comments above. My day rate fluctuates quite a lot between one contract and the next. All I ask myself is (a) do I want the job / does it seem interesting, and (b) will the rate cover my living costs with some left over for a rainy day.

If yes to both then I don't lose much sleep over it.

[malvolio]

Late to this thread but if the client is who i think it is they have a strict rate card. Negotitions are very limited...

[TheDude]

Until the client starts wondering why they're paying £2x for a contractor who only appears to be providing £1x of value (because that's their rate).

Keeping an eye on commission rates is definitely worth doing.

So how do you keep an eye on commission rates then?

[northernladuk]

So how do you keep an eye on commission rates then?

Ask the agent via email. Nowadays most agents are on a fixed percentage and they'll generally happily tell you as there is nothing to hide. In fact it's in their best interests to disclose as it will stop contractors coming back and trying to negotiate. If it's a fixed percentage across the board then there is next to no room to negotiate. It's not like the old days where the agent could name their rate and rip the contractor off.

It's close to the first thing I ask when applying for a gig. Are you on a fixed percentage with the client and if they say yes then no need to go down the negotiation route. I can't remember an agent that hasn't told me when they are on fixed and I ask. If they start umming and ahhing then there is a chance they are setting their own commission and an attempt at negotiating a better rate at some point is on the cards.

I say ask by email as they are less likely to lie if it's written down.

[TheDude]

Ask the agent via email. Nowadays most agents are on a fixed percentage and they'll generally happily tell you as there is nothing to hide. In fact it's in their best interests to disclose as it will stop contractors coming back and trying to negotiate. If it's a fixed percentage across the board then there is next to no room to negotiate. It's not like the old days where the agent could name their rate and rip the contractor off.

It's close to the first thing I ask when applying for a gig. Are you on a fixed percentage with the client and if they say yes then no need to go down the negotiation route. I can't remember an agent that hasn't told me when they are on fixed and I ask. If they start umming and ahhing then there is a chance they are setting their own commission and an attempt at negotiating a better rate at some point is on the cards.

I say ask by email as they are less likely to lie if it's written down.

I never thought of asking - I just assumed I wouldn't get a straight answer.

However in this market maybe it just isn't worth asking irritating questions when there is a long queue of people looking for work.

[jmo21]

Its luck sometimes.

An agent called me once and asked my rate. I said £X.

He said "oh we can get your £X+50". I got the role. I was at client Z for 18 months.

Finished up, started new contract. 6 months later as that was almost up, the old client boss at Z calls me. Straight offer, same rate, happy days, but needs to be new agent, "I'll get them to call you".

New agent calls, rate is £(X+50)+50..... me: sounds good!

[quackhandle]

Me: What is the the role paying?

Pimp: Market rate. What is your daily rate?

Me: You tell me what you think market rate is, and see if we agree.


Sometimes I agree (v rare) and sometimes I don't as they are waaaaay off the mark.

qh