Declining an offer politely

**lambrini_socialist** · 2 October 2008, 15:56

Originally posted by Ashwin2007 View Post

After I accepted one contract, I received another offer today.

How can I decline this offer politely without getting caught into any legal issues?

don't decline it and hire a subcontractor?

**ratewhore** · 2 October 2008, 15:59

If you've accepted but not signed then find a clause you are not happy with and try to get it changed. If you insist on, for example, a completely unfettered substition clause, you'll probably find they won't agree entirely. Use this to refuse the contract.

But I like Lambrini Socialists suggestion...

**d000hg** · 2 October 2008, 16:01

Don't agencies get miffed by this? Or the company for that matter - it kind of makes a mockery of having to have an interview doesn't it? I know your MyCo is technically dealing company-to-company with the agency but...

**MPwannadecentincome** · 2 October 2008, 16:04

Why is there a legal issue, this would only be the case if you had signed it and then want to decline?

Otherwise its a case of not upsetting the client or the agency. This sort of thing must happen all the time, so you should just thank the agency or client for giving you the opportunity and that whereas it is of great interest to you unfortunately it has come too late as you have already accepted another contract however if the other one does not work out then you would be happy to contact them to see if you can still assist them.

or words to that effect - the point is you do not know when you will cross paths again with this agent or client however you need to make it look good that you have been snapped up by someone else so you must be a good and valuable contractor etc.

A previous reply says to provide a subcontractor in your place, perhaps this looks tongue in cheek but actually recommending someone in your place may help soften the blow to them and you could get a referral fee if they are hired.

**Sir_Edward_Matheson** · 2 October 2008, 16:06

Originally posted by lambrini_socialist View Post

don't decline it and hire a subcontractor?

Good in theory but a lot of agents and clients get "funny" at this sort of thing as they are really looking for a temp rather than a contractor.

Did you manage to do sub your contract? If so, how did you talk agent and client round if at all?

**Ashwin2007** · 2 October 2008, 16:13

Originally posted by ratewhore View Post

If you've accepted but not signed then find a clause you are not happy with and try to get it changed. If you insist on, for example, a completely unfettered substition clause, you'll probably find they won't agree entirely. Use this to refuse the contract.

I am yet to receive the full contract document for the second offer. The Agency (for the second offer) is asking me to confirm the acceptance of the offer before they send the full contract.

I want to decline the second offer as I had accepted another contract. My worry is, would it cause any problem since I went through the client interview, and I am declining at the offer stage.

Subcontacting is a good option as suggested by lambrini_socialist, but it appears that the client prefers me to do the work.

**blacjac** · 2 October 2008, 16:17

No at all problems if you haven't ever actually said "yes" yet......

**d000hg** · 2 October 2008, 16:18

Originally posted by Ashwin2007 View Post

I want to decline the second offer as I had accepted another contract. My worry is, would it cause any problem since I went through the client interview, and I am declining at the offer stage.

An interview is a 2-way thing surely - either party can decide they don't want to work with the other. In normal employment it's quite common to say "sorry I had a better offer", why would this be different?

**ratewhore** · 2 October 2008, 16:19

Originally posted by Ashwin2007 View Post

I am yet to receive the full contract document for the second offer. The Agency (for the second offer) is asking me to confirm the acceptance of the offer before they send the full contract.

I want to decline the second offer as I had accepted another contract. My worry is, would it cause any problem since I went through the client interview, and I am declining at the offer stage.

Subcontacting is a good option as suggested by lambrini_socialist, but it appears that the client prefers me to do the work.

You're in a good position then. Tell the pimp for the second offer that you cannot accept it until you see the contract as the acceptance is subject to the terms and conditions of that contract.

When he starts moaning tell him to foxtrot oscar.

Job done...

Declining an offer politely