Absolute newbie question...

[bluwale]

Hi all,

I am completely new to contracting. I am in a permanent role as I speak, but am seriously considering to go-it-alone ...

A question though; the rates that are typically quoted on job boards (e.g. GBP 500 p/day in London), is that plus or including expenses? Or is this negotiable on a case-by-case basis? Coming from the North West, it would be quite a significant difference if it would be a London contract.


Thanks,


Maurice

[cojak]

Every contract is different and depends on what the client is prepared to pay. But day rates plus exes have been a rarity lately so be prepared.

£500 and above are top-end rates requiring experienced contractors and consultants who are known for delivering what the client requires.

I can't see newbie contractors (however experienced they are in the permie world) being able to make those rates, unless they have very niche skills.

(Security and high-end Finance for example)

[stek]

Oh dear...

No, the 500 a day is all you get, and then for non-noobs but please, please read before you post, unless of course you are a troll then post away!

Factor in accountancy expenses, travel, only working nine months in a year, I always cost in my own travel time at half rate to get a real cost compared to perm...

[Lester]

I can't see newbie contractors (however experienced they are in the permie world) being able to make those rates...

Depends though.

My current ERP PM contract - my first after twenty years of the same in permiedom - is £500/day plus all travel expenses.

[cojak]

Depends though.

My current ERP PM contract - my first after twenty years of the same in permiedom - is £500/day plus all travel expenses.

That's the exception rather than the rule though Lester. And I suspect that they got you on the cheap as I know ERP PM's who are earning more than that.

[pmeswani]

Depends though.

My current ERP PM contract - my first after twenty years of the same in permiedom - is £500/day plus all travel expenses.

Give Cojak some credit. She did say something about niche skills.

I don't know how many ERP PM's are out there, but in my book, it is a niche skill.

Windows Support, MS Office Support, 1st line helpdesk, 2nd line helpdesk are not niche skills (yet).

[pmeswani]

That's the exception rather than the rule though Lester. And I suspect that they got you on the cheap as I know ERP PM's who are earning more than that.

Damn cross post. Sorry, didn't see this before I posted my response.

[Lester]

That's the exception rather than the rule though Lester. And I suspect that they got you on the cheap as I know ERP PM's who are earning more than that.

Indeed. As a first timer I was happy with accepting a reduced rate for a three month 'tester' for both sides.

Plus my actual travel expenses are £50/day so made sure they were included

[northernladuk]

Someone is starting longingly at rates and drooling at the mouth again I see...

Rose tinted spectacles mode firmly on LOL... Oh dear...

[expat]

Someone is starting longingly at rates and drooling at the mouth again I see...

Rose tinted spectacles mode firmly on LOL... Oh dear...

<taking the piss>
I see contract rates of £500 per day, so if I go contracting I'll earn £2500 per week, per year that's 52 times £2500 .....
</taking the piss>