rate negotation

[TheFaQQer]

Cheers luke, im somewhat surprised at getting useful responses instead of the usual derision.

Should I approach the client then? Its not as if im asking for a huge rise just a measly £20/hr instead of £18.85/hr. When I rang the agent she seemed uninterested and basically said the onus was on me to ask for more from the client. I expect she'll gain interest as it gets closer to contract end.

If i'm expected to negotiate with the client directly i don't really see the point of the agency I might as well just say I'll work directly for the client when my contract with the agency runs out and cut out the middle man.

Drivel - it's not your responsibility, it's hers.

See if you can find out how much commission they are on, then work out what market rates are.

My last rate negotiation, I told the client I wanted more money than I was currently on, but left all the numbers to the agency and client to agree.

[Swiss Tony]

What do people think is a "fair" % margin for an agent? Currently the agent is taking 15% for me.

No such thing as a 'fair' margin. What rate you want is what matters, if you are getting the right rate what does it matter what the agent gets paid? Yes I agree that they should not be pillaging you, but again, stick with what you’re happy at.

It’s up to you to make sure you are comfortable with your rate. As always it is business, don’t take it personally, do set some objectives and if achieved stick to them.

[assclown]

well the plot thickens, I've spoken to my umbrella company and they agreed that it was unethical and unprofessional of the agent to suggest I approach the client directly to negotiate rates.

On top of that I asked the agent for an electronic copy of my current 6 month contract and she has sent me the new contract that has a start date of 1 week ago! Strange. I've queried her on it and am awaiting a response.

[MrRobin]

ould you reveal the name of your agency? Clearly this sounds like one we'd wish to avoid...

[Epiphone]

well the plot thickens, I've spoken to my umbrella company and they agreed that it was unethical and unprofessional of the agent to suggest I approach the client directly to negotiate rates.

Why are the unbrella involved? They just procecss your pay, not have anything to do with contracts.

On top of that I asked the agent for an electronic copy of my current 6 month contract and she has sent me the new contract that has a start date of 1 week ago! Strange. I've queried her on it and am awaiting a response.

You have a contract with the brolly, they have a contract with the agency. The brolly might let you have a copy of that though.

[thunderlizard]

It's always best to negotiate with the end client direct if that's an option. You are in luck. You're better able to explain the benefits you can bring, and you get to influence people who are closer to the source of the cash.

[lukemg]

You are being messed around by the agency - your company works on a contract for them NOT the end client.
Since they are d1cking you around, have no qualms in doing the same. Send the AGENT a note telling them you want £22/hour for any further contract. Don't ask, say can we discuss etc etc just tell them.
Start looking for another contract NOW and if they phone or write, state that is your position.
If you don't feel able to do this/too worried/no idea where next job might come from - suck it up and keep the lower rate

[assclown]

here is the email response to a query of the changed date on the electronic copy of my contract.

_________________________
Hi Assclown

Yes you did start in March but the date on the contract is from when the

new purchase order number starts from, am I also right in thinking that

your contract has now been extended to January?

Agent
________________


Eh im just getting more confused. Why would the start date on a contract be from when the purchase order starts? Shouldnt it be from when employment commenced? She mentions the "extension" which I have yet to put pen to paper on as well. I'm getting a bit fed up with the evasiveness & the contract ain't anything special so I think i'll go with your advice luke and get awkward. Thanks for following my sagal..

[ilgitano]

My current contract prohibits my discussion of rates with the client or other contractors here - it's not uncommon.

Discussions should be with the agent - but knowing what the customer is paying may help you out!

Is that enforceable - I would be unable to take that seriously. Not discussing with the client, ok. But not discussing with other contractors on site ??

In my previous contract, my line manager decided I would do a little admin. Went along with it - turned out the admin meant I had a clear view of all contractors rates. I'm pretty sure it was deliberate - but couldn't swear to it

Helped a lot at renegotiation time - squeezed the agent quite hard.

[TheFaQQer]

Is that enforceable - I would be unable to take that seriously. Not discussing with the client, ok. But not discussing with other contractors on site ??

In my previous contract, my line manager decided I would do a little admin. Went along with it - turned out the admin meant I had a clear view of all contractors rates. I'm pretty sure it was deliberate - but couldn't swear to it

Helped a lot at renegotiation time - squeezed the agent quite hard.

No idea if it is enforceable or not - can't see them enforcing it. Given that the contract also had (until I removed it!) a clause that prohibited me from slagging the agency off, and if I did and they lost business I was liable for their loss, I severely doubt that this is enforceable.

Probably not best to discuss rates with other contractors though.