How do I deal with rate?

[Clippy]

Errm, bit harsh, the OP was only looking for advice. It doesn't hurt to pass on experience rather than be demeaning to someone.

Anyhow back to the OP. Personally you have two choices. You can offer "your rate" during interview but typically your end client will not be interested in discussing it...WHICH is why you need to be clear when dealing with the agency representing that prior to interview YOU confirm the rate you are looking for. Don't bother with bottom line figures, tell the agent what figure you want (and be confident). If you think you are worth 600GBP per day then that is what you want, its then down to the agent to negotiate with the client and if necesary bend their (the agent's) margin as a compromise. I've done this in the past to make sure the contractor got their rate.

It does on this board.

[tim123]

You could tell the client...if you don't want the contract. There's nothing they will do to improve your rate. .

Utter twaddle.

I agree that you don't volunteer the information, but if they want to get involved there is everything that they can do to increase the rate.

They are the ones that if they say "jump" the agent will say "how high", if you say it he will say "piss off".

(and don't come back with the twaddle about the margin not being of interest to the client)

tim

[NotAllThere]

Some clients aren't aware that the rate they're paying isn't the rate you're getting. So it's worth educating them on that score.

Yes, the rate is between you and the agency, but some agents don't want you discussing rate, in case you or the client discover the hefty margin they're on.

Of course, some contractors don't care what the margin is, some clients don't either (though it should be a matter of interest to both parties, as it can directly affect renewals, expectations, quality of contractors ). But many do.

Also, it's not be unknown for agencies to lie to the clients and the contractors about the margin.