Negotiation with Agencies

[Hawkeye]

Does anyone else have issues when negotiating with agencies around rates, contracts, payment terms etc?

I have found recently that I get a very bitter response when I do this. Only yesterday was I told about the contract etc that they had 260 contractors on their books and it is tough if I did not like it what was on offer.

Just would like to hear other people's experiences of it.

[MarillionFan]

Not really. I apply for a contract. Tell them what I want for it & thats it.

If it's too high, I aint on the list unless they reckon I'm a cert for a role and then we negotiate a little, otherwise NEXT!

[BolshieBastard]

Does anyone else have issues when negotiating with agencies around rates, contracts, payment terms etc?

I have found recently that I get a very bitter response when I do this. Only yesterday was I told about the contract etc that they had 260 contractors on their books and it is tough if I did not like it what was on offer.

Just would like to hear other people's experiences of it.

It is unfortunately a sign of the market. Agents can dictate the terms to a large degree since jobs are few and unemployed contractors number many.

When a market is like this, the business selling the work can ask what they want because if you dont comply, another unemployed contractor will. Which is kind of why I started the 'Pragmatic' thread ie if you want a job, better be prepared to lower your demands.

Still there will always be those who say they stick to their guns no matter what and dont have problems securing contracts.

Not really. I apply for a contract. Tell them what I want for it & thats it.

If it's too high, I aint on the list unless they reckon I'm a cert for a role and then we negotiate a little, otherwise NEXT!

See what I mean!

[Jeebo72]

Does anyone else have issues when negotiating with agencies around rates, contracts, payment terms etc?

I have found recently that I get a very bitter response when I do this. Only yesterday was I told about the contract etc that they had 260 contractors on their books and it is tough if I did not like it what was on offer.

Just would like to hear other people's experiences of it.

Thy're doing their job, using the "you're lucky, there's another 250 people waiting if you don't accept routine" so that you accept the terms and conditions.

My last rate rise I got all sorts of crap from them like that (credit crunch/loads of cheap labour about yadda yadda), but you've got to hold firm. After all if a company has chosen you, or you've got a track record with them, wouldn't they rather move a little than go for second choice/unknowns. Decide what you want, and be firm. If you're prepared to walk away, that will come across, and will strengthen your position. But as always, you have to be prepared to walk.

[NotAllThere]

Never negotiate or agree to anything until you've been offered the role.

[Not So Wise]

Never negotiate or agree to anything until you've been offered the role.

^^This, before role is offered be vague on everything and agree to nothing in writing (basiclly same as agencys do)

Once you have been offered the role you are negotiating from a position of strength, before that you have nothing to bargain with. Agents are loath to tell client that contractor they picked will not be taking the role, especially if it means another agency might get the placement.

[Hawkeye]

Ok sorry for strange reply as am typing on my phone. Contract has been offered. Passed all the banks required checks. Director I will be working for has said he is very impressed by me and my interview. Agency advised he is very hard to please and he never compliments anyone so they were very desperate for me to sign.

Just surprised at the attitude. I asked for 7 day payment arrears and also to review the contract from an IR35 perspective.

Good responses and handy so thanks.