Quick question can you help?

[strawberrysmoothie]

I had interesting incident happen to me and I would appreciate feedback on the best way to deal with this when it occurs.

Basically I was in a negotiation discussion with an agent regarding a contract and we discussed and agreed a rate. A few hours later she called to say the client is keen to confirm an interview but due to ‘budgetary issues’ the best they can offer is a reduced amount and starts pressurising me to agree.

I know b@0l$ks when I hear it, because she’s looking to increase her margin. I told her I would have to ‘get back to her ‘with an answer. I know this tactic is an old negotiation chestnut, I am wondering how other people have responded to this when it has cropped up because I came very close to tell her to ‘go procreate’ herself.

[NotAllThere]

Depends how desperate you are. I'd say - we agreed £x per day. How much are the client offering to pay you now?

[malvolio]

Work is work, in this climate. Get the interview, meet the client, get the gig,then argue about the rate. You can always haggle on the basis of additional responsibilbity, higher costs, higher risk of failure or something. Then if you get grief, you can ask the client to suggest the agent might like to consider not p*ssing everyone around.

Of course, the agent may just be tellng the truth (it has been known...). In which case you'll lose the gig for nothing. 6 months at £200 a day is better than three months at sod all.

[NotAllThere]

Whoops - missed the fact that they're dangling the interview. I'd agree to the rate, and then afterward tell the agent - sorry, my original agreed rate stands, because of x,y,z.

[malvolio]

Whoops - missed the fact that they're dangling the interview. I'd agree to the rate, and then afterward tell the agent - sorry, my original agreed rate stands, because of x,y,z.

Ermm... WIS?

[thunderlizard]

You don't need any more of an excuse than they had. Just tell them that due to "budgetary issues" you need to stick to the agreed amount.

[Not So Wise]

Work is work, in this climate. Get the interview, meet the client, get the gig,then argue about the rate. You can always haggle on the basis of additional responsibilbity, higher costs, higher risk of failure or something. Then if you get grief, you can ask the client to suggest the agent might like to consider not p*ssing everyone around.

Of course, the agent may just be tellng the truth (it has been known...). In which case you'll lose the gig for nothing. 6 months at £200 a day is better than three months at sod all.

^^WHS

[gingerjedi]

I try to avoid talking rates once I know the ball park figure (which will always be the lowest they mention), when you've got the gig in the bag you're the one in the driving seat so it's much easier bump it up.

[RichardCranium]

"There's little point us discussing rates until after the interview when I know what the gig entails".

[NotAllThere]

Ermm... WIS?

Yes. Reinforcing astounding words of wisdom.