Boom! ..... and the negotiation begins.....

[CheeseSlice]

Nothing makes me cringe more than rate negotiations via an Agent. They're genetically programmed to ensure that the client co is happy, and that client co likes the agency.

For me, rate negotiations have only really worked when starting a contract, ideally when playing two offers against each other. I once managed to get the agent to give up some margin at renewal time, and that was only when faced with a counter offer - the client just couldn't stump up any more cash. Renewal can also be a dicey time to negotiate, as you're faced with running close to the wire if negotiations take time or the renewal comes through on the last day. Like others have said, you really need to be prepared to walk.

Congrats on the renewal, and good luck with your negotiations!

[BolshieBastard]

Nothing makes me cringe more than rate negotiations via an Agent. They're genetically programmed to ensure that the client co is happy, and that client co likes the agency.

For me, rate negotiations have only really worked when starting a contract, ideally when playing two offers against each other. I once managed to get the agent to give up some margin at renewal time, and that was only when faced with a counter offer - the client just couldn't stump up any more cash. Renewal can also be a dicey time to negotiate, as you're faced with running close to the wire if negotiations take time or the renewal comes through on the last day. Like others have said, you really need to be prepared to walk.

Congrats on the renewal, and good luck with your negotiations!

Yep I know what you mean. I was submitted for a role pre christmas at a specific rate. Last week, they came back with a request to interview.

Had a 2 hour interview, everything going fine. Now, the agent says the client is offerring less than I was submitted for plus wanting an increase in hours.

I've said no. Agent been back in touch claiming client will move on hours but not rate, will I accept?

Said no. I was submitted for the role at a rate (was the minimum I'd consider).

There have been a few hiccups and to be frank, Im getting ready to walk away from this because of the way its starting to unravel.

Still time for the agent & client to resolve it but my patience is being sorely tested now. Oh and I havent got anything in hand but Im not going to be shafted either.

[Zippy]

Yep I know what you mean. I was submitted for a role pre christmas at a specific rate. Last week, they came back with a request to interview.

Had a 2 hour interview, everything going fine. Now, the agent says the client is offerring less than I was submitted for plus wanting an increase in hours.

I've said no. Agent been back in touch claiming client will move on hours but not rate, will I accept?

Said no. I was submitted for the role at a rate (was the minimum I'd consider).

There have been a few hiccups and to be frank, Im getting ready to walk away from this because of the way its starting to unravel.

Still time for the agent & client to resolve it but my patience is being sorely tested now. Oh and I havent got anything in hand but Im not going to be shafted either.

This happened to me recently. Told the agent what rate I wanted, they agreed, I got the job and they came back with a rate of 20% less. I said no way and they wouldn't budge an inch so I turned it down. Got something at my required rate the following week.

I strongly suspect the cv was submitted at the rate that was eventually offered as the client seemed v. keen. Grrrr - another one on my 'chiselling tossers' list.

Good luck with getting the rate rise.

[psychocandy]

WHS but don't forget we're all here to make a living and it's all about progressing, this is my first contract and I accepted a standard rate and eventually when it's due to end if should they choose to renew I would cite the fact that I stay down here all week as why I need extra

Good luck Spartie. You'll need it.

I find that once a client has got you in at a rate they dont want to increase ever if they can help it. You might get a few quid off the agents cut though if you ask nicely. I got 10 euros/day recently cos I moaned about the euro rate. great, eh? ;-)

Not sure how much weight is gonna be gained by throwing the living away thing? Werent you doing this from the beginning anyway and they know it?

Of course, if you're willing to stick to your guns and walk if they dont cough up then fair does to you. But client/agent will probably know if you're not.

[The Spartan]

Thanks for the advice, but the time it comes around I'll hope to have something else in the bag as well so I've got an option if needed. My rate is pretty average at present it being my first contract but it was a 6 month role and my first contract so it was a given. Now I'm a lot wiser to everything I'll try and get extra but if it's a no and I bag something else I'm outta here

[jmo21]

Yep I know what you mean. I was submitted for a role pre christmas at a specific rate. Last week, they came back with a request to interview.

Had a 2 hour interview, everything going fine. Now, the agent says the client is offerring less than I was submitted for plus wanting an increase in hours.

I've said no. Agent been back in touch claiming client will move on hours but not rate, will I accept?

Said no. I was submitted for the role at a rate (was the minimum I'd consider).

There have been a few hiccups and to be frank, Im getting ready to walk away from this because of the way its starting to unravel.

Still time for the agent & client to resolve it but my patience is being sorely tested now. Oh and I havent got anything in hand but Im not going to be shafted either.

I think a lot of roles are being advertised like that now, higher rate, when in reality, the client/agent were never going to pay that.

[The Spartan]

Realistically they're all snakes in suits

[psychocandy]

Thanks for the advice, but the time it comes around I'll hope to have something else in the bag as well so I've got an option if needed. My rate is pretty average at present it being my first contract but it was a 6 month role and my first contract so it was a given. Now I'm a lot wiser to everything I'll try and get extra but if it's a no and I bag something else I'm outta here

Good for you mate.....

[The Spartan]

You've got to have brass cohones being a contractor that way when you walk down the corridor all the permies can hear the sound of them clanging together and think damn he's got Balls brass balls lol

[jmo21]

just had the call with my agent about my 2 month extension.

Told him the rate increase I want, he is off to talk to his superiors.

fingers crossed.

Always nervous with this part though, especially as first negotiation of this type with this agent/agency.

Asked for X extra, will be happy with half of that.

Bosh! met at the halfway point, everybody happy!