agency margin

[Another Dodgy Agent]

It helps you to know where you stand in the scheme of things so I would advise you to make it your business, unless of course you are working through "Dodgy Enterprises" in which case it is none of your business.

I would agree BUT split opinion between DA and RateWhore. Whilst being "none of your business" and also "helping you to know where you stand..." it is not unreasonable to expect the agency to have "an open book policy" - largely because the agency should have nothing to hide. I am always open on my margins as I find this works best with both candidate and client.

[Paddy]

hey all,

is it allowed to ask an agency for how much margin they charge on my rate?

I hear some agents saying stuff like the more money you get, the more I get so i will negotiate the best rate for you.

I have found that most agencies up up-front about this these days. 8% to 12.5% is good but it can go up to 25% beware of contractors being hired out at £1000 per day and only getting £200-£300 from the agent.

as long as you are happy with what you get don't worry about what the next guy gets.

[Ken Dodd]

don't forget the difference between......

Margin and mark-up.

Apparently there is a difference and you need to ask the right questions if you want to know the answer. When you say,
"I though your commission was 10%? It looks like 15% on this invoice I have seen to client."
and they say,
"No! you are mistaken my foolish friend. When I said 10%, I meant mark-up, this means 15% margin. That is why it looks as though I have lied through my teeth to you about a dozen times. God you are stupid."

Er, thanks. That's ok then.

You know who you are. Revenge will be so sweet. Even when served cold......

[expat]

IMHO - If I’m happy with the rate – then a huge margin means if anyone is getting ripped off, it is the client, not me.

If the client is getting ripped off on your contract, do you really think that will not reflect on you?

[XLMonkey]

Margin and mark-up.
"No! you are mistaken my foolish friend. When I said 10%, I meant mark-up, this means 15% margin. That is why it looks as though I have lied through my teeth to you about a dozen times. God you are stupid."

wrong way round. 15% markup = 13% margin.

[agent]God you are stupid.[/agent]

[DodgyAgent]

wrong way round. 15% markup = 13% margin.

[agent]God you are stupid.[/agent]

WHS

[Another Dodgy Agent]

I have found that most agencies up up-front about this these days. 8% to 12.5% is good but it can go up to 25% beware of contractors being hired out at £1000 per day and only getting £200-£300 from the agent.

as long as you are happy with what you get don't worry about what the next guy gets.

WHS!