Think the agent may be ripping me off...what to do?

[LouC]

So this contract came up, and I wasn't particularly interested because the rate was low, but because I'm out of work I said to the agent to put me forward. At the time it was advertised, I saw the same job advertised by a different agency for about £40 more a day. I asked my agent about it and he said they weren't even representing the client, and were clearly just fishing for leads.

I forgot about it all, but a few days ago got a call from my agent - the client wanted me in for an interview. I went in, and during the interview saw another candidates CV, but with the OTHER agencies headed paper.

So, my agent was obviously lying to me about the other agency being involved...and in that case he may also have been lying about the rate (although the other agency could conceivably been lying about the rate...)

Any ideas what I should do? At the moment, probably nothing. But what if I get the role? Is it worth speaking to him then? Asking about his margin? Maybe even asking the client directly?

Anyone been in a similar situation?
Cheers
Lou

[Gonzo]

The time to play hard-ball with the agent is when the client tells them that they want you.

If there is room for the agent to move on their commission then that is the time to try it on.

That said, how badly do you want the gig? There is no point trying to play hard-ball if you are going to be the first one to buckle.

[nomadd]

The time to play hard-ball with the agent is when the client tells them that they want you.

If there is room for the agent to move on their commission then that is the time to try it on.

That said, how badly do you want the gig? There is no point trying to play hard-ball if you are going to be the first one to buckle.

WHS.

So, over to you. Do you feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?

[northernladuk]

Well you seem to be using some pretty strong words and might being a tad unfair on the agent. It is possible he wasn't lying and genuinely didn't know. He also isn't ripping you off.

The rate is agreed between the agent and the client. The agent then decides what portion of HIS money you get. There is then no expectation of rate and cannot therefore be techincally ripping you off. He maybe holding on to a bigger margin and paying you less but not ripping you off.

Also at the end of the day he only, to use your terminology, rips you off if you accept the contract and pay. You are in or will be in a position to make a difference to your own situation by negotiating.

I think if you bear these points in mind you will go in with a much more professional attitude, see the situation for what it is and have a better chance of turning it to your favour.

[NotAllThere]

If you get the contract offered, you can negotiate with your agency, pointing out the other agency was offering £40 a day more, and therefore you want more than the rate originally agreed.

Of course, the other agency might advertise the contract at £40 a day more without any intention of actually paying it.

[The Agents View]

Believe it or not, clients often give a range of rates out to agencies as well - trying to play hard ball, they'll tell one agent £60 less than the next, to hedge their bets.

Yes, I know its hard to believe for you contractors, but clients sometimes don't WANT to pay you all of that money......

[TheFaQQer]

Any ideas what I should do? At the moment, probably nothing. But what if I get the role? Is it worth speaking to him then? Asking about his margin? Maybe even asking the client directly?

Oh, FFS - you either accept the rate, negotiate a better rate, or walk.

Until the client wants you, then there is no point even considering doing anything. NEVER discuss the rate you get paid with the client - they don't give a crap about what you get paid.

[DodgyAgent]

What agencies advertise to pay and what they actually pay are totally different.

[TheFaQQer]

What agencies advertise to pay and what they actually pay are totally different.

In other news, Pope confirmed as a practising Catholic and bears have been seen heading into the woods with a roll of Andrex.

[Bright Spark]

You are only worth what somebody else is willing to pay and what you
are prepared to accept, only you can work out this out, good luck.