Rate question

[BuGsBuNnY]

Hello all, long time lurker, just registered.

Quick question for the seasoned contractors among us...

I have started a contract a couple of months back, doing the same job as a fellow contractor. We started at the same time. Great chap, we get on very well, and over a pint, we discussed rates. He is getting £130 more pd at the moment, doing the same job as me.

Now I am thinking that I should have sold myself better to start with, but even at this moment in time, is it worth me mentioning it to the employer and trying to get them ot match the rate? I am fairly young and new to this game, only contracting for 2 years and the rate is good to start with.

The contract is due to finish in a couple of months and an extension is likely.

Cheers and thanks! :-)

[rsingh]

You say that you are both doing the same job but your skills and experience may not be comparable. If I was in your position, I would wait until renewal time to angle for an increase. However I do not know all the facts.

[badger7579]

I have 3 golden rules when talking about rates to fellow contractors.

1) Don't discuss your rate
2) Don't discuss your rate
3) Don't discuss your rate

If you do it's likely to create possible envy, annoyance that someone is getting more than you. In this situation you took the contract so I assume you were happy with the rate. Could this other contractor be telling porkie pies???

As said before you could try to up your rate at a renewal but usually you need to provide evidence that you are adding extra value to your role. The argument of "He's getting more than me" is unlikely to wash.

[NickFitz]

I'm assuming you're working through an agency, rather than contracting directly with the end client?

You'll have to play it carefully - if you examine your agency contract, there's almost certainly a clause forbidding you from discussing your rate with any of the employees or contractors at the client. So you can't reveal how you got the information, at risk of being terminated by the agency for breach of contract.

It's probably best to angle for an increase at renewal time. Also, the rate is a matter between you and the agency, so any discussion with the end client should be on an informal basis - rate negotiations should be done by the agent. Again, there may well be mention of this in your agency contract.

[BuGsBuNnY]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the replies.

More specifically:

I was happy with the rate and still am happy. A little extra never hurt anyone though no? I figured it maybe worth a try. As suggested, I was going to make the move come renewal time. Don't want to upset anyone, but you don't ask, you don't get... I was never going to use the " he is getting more than me" argument. I would like sone independent opinion of other contractrs and what you would do in my shoes.

Nothing on the agency contract. I know, because I re-drafted the whole thing more than a few times.

My colleague is not telling porkies and there is no rivalry between us whatsoever. It's one of those rare times that a professional relationship has developed to a very good friendly relationship. He is highly skilled, capable, and has a lot of experience.

The end client has been very approachable, and negotiated with me directly before talking to the agency(after the interview), offering me a better than advertised rate to tempt me to the contract, which I accepted. I know the budget is there as well for that sort of increase ;-).

[rootsnall]

First find out if the agency are the culprits and are taking the 130 a day themselves. You'll need to do this with an informal approach to the client. If they are then I'd kick up a big stink now with the agency and play hard and if they are making a packet out of you they'll probably give you a cut mid contract to stop you rocking the boat. This has worked for me in the past.

[TheFaQQer]

I have 3 golden rules when talking about rates to fellow contractors.

1) Don't discuss your rate
2) Don't discuss your rate
3) Don't discuss your rate

If you do it's likely to create possible envy, annoyance that someone is getting more than you. In this situation you took the contract so I assume you were happy with the rate. Could this other contractor be telling porkie pies???

As said before you could try to up your rate at a renewal but usually you need to provide evidence that you are adding extra value to your role. The argument of "He's getting more than me" is unlikely to wash.

WHS - if you didn't know the information, then would you be unhappy with the rate? If so, then why did you accept it in the first place?

[BolshieBastard]

Jesus! You dont just get repeats on tv, you get them on here now!

Repost from before christmas!!

[BuGsBuNnY]

Don't get me wrong. I was happy and still am with the rate. The question has been brought up after w discussed with my colleague and he suggested I did something about it. Renewal time is coming up fast too, another reason to do something about it. You don't ask, you don't get.

There is no competition, envy, or anything like that and he is definitely not telling me porkies.

I do know how much the agency is charging as the employer discussed it with me at the interview. The agency is playing fair, and I have no problems with them.

I was thinking of trying it on renewal, which seems to be the common sentiment from what I can see. I shall do that.

btw, nothing on the contract, I have re-drafted it a million times and I know how not to tie myself down.

[ratewhore]

...if you examine your agency contract, there's almost certainly a clause forbidding you from discussing your rate with any of the employees or contractors at the client. So you can't reveal how you got the information, at risk of being terminated by the agency for breach of contract.

Funniest thing I've read for a long while...