Agents!! Why do they try this on every time?

[MikeC1408]

I must be in the minority.

I went for the interview for my current contract at £x/day and was offered the role the next day.

When the paperwork came through from the client the agent called to say it was now £x + £30/day

Who know's maybe it was +£50 and the agent pocket £20 but at least they passed on the £30

[NotAllThere]

... negotiate 50-100 quid off, and you have a budget for a PA

I wish I'd thought of that I'm no longer a hiring manager.

I did once have an interesting rate discussion (back in '99).
agent: what's your rate
me: £80 an hour - that's £640 a day.
agent: £640? That's a bit high, can you go a bit lower?
me: OK, I'll do it for £620.
agent: great...

Then I got the contract. 7.5 hour day for £620 = £82.66 an hour.

[questiontime]

Admittedly, this hasn't happened to me for a number of years. I suspect that the more specialised the skillset that you have and therefore the smaller the number of potential available candidates, the less likely it is that the pimps will try to screw a few quid off the rate.

well said

[questiontime]

Agents!! Why do they try this on every time?

because there are loads who fall for it, especially the noobs

[Jeebo72]

because there are loads who fall for it, especially the noobs

That's why discussions on here like this are useful!

[Fred Bloggs]

well said

It's certainly my experience, I've tried to develop a niche skill set and haven't been bothered by these tactics from the pimps.

[Mephisto]

...my rate is £450...... After that it's £500

I feel ......small

[northernrampage]

I feel ......small

Same here, I feel microscopic when I read the daily rates on here.

I just had an agent come back to me with a daily rate and then slash it by a tenner. Was pitiful to begin with. I'm in no position to argue though at the moment.

On the plus side, I'd had more calls/contacts about job opportunities in the last week than I have in about 3 months. I'm hoping budgets have come through for next year.

[northernladuk]

Same here, I feel microscopic when I read the daily rates on here.

I just had an agent come back to me with a daily rate and then slash it by a tenner. Was pitiful to begin with. I'm in no position to argue though at the moment.

On the plus side, I'd had more calls/contacts about job opportunities in the last week than I have in about 3 months. I'm hoping budgets have come through for next year.

Way to go NR. It is about time you had a break isn't it!!!

[contractor79]

I guess agents and clients are now playing the recession card to line their own pockets. Some people have no shame.