Agent takes 33%

[t0bytoo]

Just been entering my timesheet on a coporate time tracker thingy and had the opportunity to read the billing rates for all the contractors on site.

Glad to say that I am one of the higher earners, but a litte disappointed the see that the agency is getting 1/3rd.

Smarmy git. I can't wait to tell him what i discovered when he drops my next week "so see how i'm doing".

So. 33% is that typical of a smarmy git agent? Sounds like excessive money for nowt for him.

[MisterGoof]

if your happy with your rate whats the problem

btw. Name and shame if you please

[t0bytoo]

There's no problem - I'm fine with my rate.

Just surprised that charges the client so much.

I'm in the US, so name+shame won't make much difference on this board.

[WageSlave1]

That is high. My last agency took 14%. No idea what the current bunch claim, but as they haven't wined and dined me, it's the last time they'll make money from me.

[DimPrawn]

The highest margin I've ever heard of was 75%

Incredible.

These days 7% - 20% is the usual range.

Your client still thinks Y2K is on and India doesn't have any programmers then?

I would "ask" your agent to organise a regular, no expense spared piss up at a nice hotel for all the hard working contractors, after mentioning you know the cut they are taking. :evil

[thunderlizard]

"Glad to say that I am one of the higher earners" - interesting psychology there. In those circumstances I'd be disappointed to find that out, because it suggests the likelihood of increases is lower.

Otherwise I'd say your point of view is similar to mine. You don't have a moral objection to the agent's margin, but all the same if there's that much cash to play with I'd sure want more of it to be going in my pocket. Best plan is probably to tell the client about the fat margin so you can both do the 2 way squeeze routine next time you're negotiating. (Nearly) everybody wins.

[BlasterBates]

Agents cut

I wouldn't say nowt mate, US managers are like mafiosi, incredibly friendly to your face, whilst arranging for your "disappearance" behind your back.

You didn't see any confidential information did you. If your happy with the rate keep your mouth shut, and be thankful your agent isn't running some sort of protection racket as a sideline.

[threaded]

One place I worked there were two contractors getting 20% of what the agency was paid.

When client discovered this they terminated both both contractors and black listed the agency.

Small wonder the agency had a clause to specify that rates should not be discussed with clients...

[Heinzbenes]

Or

You could sort all this out before you start the contract, or alternatively find your own contract and don't use an agent, like a real business

[tim123]

Re: Or

I don't actually see how a US contract relates to the UK?

The formalities are different.

Are you a Visa holder or did the company have to sponsor you?

Are you one of these pseudo employee contractors or a genuine Corp to Corp contractor? If the former then don't forget that out of the agent's cut he has to pay your 'employee' benefits and costs (and TBH I'm suprised he can do that out of a 33% margin) and if it's the latter then you're lucky to have this status via an agency, most C2C people find their own work.

tim