Contract negotiation advice - forcing a higher rate

[Scoobos]

We've spoken before in the past, and I've been (am in) exactly the same position with being the countries SME on a dead product.

I also went through a similar phase, but I found the very last gig and charged 200% my usual rate - then I've just fallen into a bog standard role that exposes me to the skills I need to become competitive enough to charge those rates again.

Not really the answer you want to hear, but I'd say look for a new client and fleece them, you're only going to sour the relationship you have with perhaps your last one, before you need those brilliant refs for the new job.

[ChimpMaster]

We've spoken before in the past, and I've been (am in) exactly the same position with being the countries SME on a dead product.

I also went through a similar phase, but I found the very last gig and charged 200% my usual rate - then I've just fallen into a bog standard role that exposes me to the skills I need to become competitive enough to charge those rates again.

Not really the answer you want to hear, but I'd say look for a new client and fleece them, you're only going to sour the relationship you have with perhaps your last one, before you need those brilliant refs for the new job.

Hey Scoobos! Yeah I'm glad things worked out for you.

This is very, very likely my last contract in this product and probably my last contract for a very long time thereafter. I need to get myself on a learning path for something better and I can only do that as a permie. I don't rely on references per se, but I see what you mean.

I'm just getting to that point now where there is nothing else here for me except the money (actually it's been like that for 6 months or so). But the problem is that the money isn't driving me any more. £1,000/day wouldn't drive me either, but it'll give me a reason to stay that bit longer.

You know my story. I'll be out of work anyway in a few months and although another 6 monther might add £50k to my bottom line, it's damn hard being motivated to keep on peddling the same tulip for those 6 months.

Ah maybe it's just a phase I need to fight my way through

Do tell me how that job abroad might have worked out though - I might enjoy trying that option.

[ChimpMaster]

Just an update:

I was renewed for 6 months, and didn't ask for a higher rate. Admittedly my current rate is the highest I've ever been on and I can bill double time etc. so I am generally happy with the income. I was just trying to gauge where I might have stood with this and I know I could have achieved a rise but it would have meant souring a very good business relationship with the client IT director.

Instead, I negotiated working from home on a flexible basis, which will mean 2 or 3 days a week from my home office. This is more valuable to me as it avoids a daily 3 hour round-trip and means I get time with the wife and kids over summer.

Happy days.

6 months of this, and then we'll cross the next bridge.

Thanks all ... time for

[psychocandy]

Agree, 25% is just ridiculous and will be treated as such. That type of rate rise is for a different level (or location altogether) No one is going to py £500 for £400 role on principle let alone the fact it will just blow his budget out of the water. As we all know budget is king, critical or not if the budget says no it means no regardless of fall out or costs in the long run.

I would say Mal's figures are reasonable.

I would agree with NLUK here. Sometimes if budget says no theres no-one on hell or earth who will be able to agree it for you regardless of the fallout.

Local IT Director might know the whole thing is going to fall apart but chances are he wont be able to convince sign off on additional cost if things are tight anyway.

Might seem stupid but most companies are and don't think that an extra few £K could save them £10Ks in hassle if person leaves.

[psychocandy]

If you can get away with it then why not? But be prepared to walk if it doesnt work out. If it was me I'd ask for a moderate increase though and not take the piss too much.

Bollacks about this justifying your rate. Have a look at what NCP are doing during the Olympics....

NCP punishes Londoners with Olympics car park price hike

Because the service is better? Bollax. Because they can and they know they'll get away with it.

[BS1397]

Just a thought? Have you considered an option where you ask for a 25% increase but accept to work 4 Days a week only? That way the Client pays you exactly the same, and you get that extra day to study...etc? By your admission the work load has tailed off and you like the Client so why not try and balance the equation so everybody wins?

[Gentile]

Just an update:

I was renewed for 6 months, and didn't ask for a higher rate. Admittedly my current rate is the highest I've ever been on and I can bill double time etc. so I am generally happy with the income. I was just trying to gauge where I might have stood with this and I know I could have achieved a rise but it would have meant souring a very good business relationship with the client IT director.

Instead, I negotiated working from home on a flexible basis, which will mean 2 or 3 days a week from my home office. This is more valuable to me as it avoids a daily 3 hour round-trip and means I get time with the wife and kids over summer.

Happy days.

6 months of this, and then we'll cross the next bridge.

Thanks all ... time for

Sounds like you've negotiated a good deal. Congratulations.

[Scoobos]

Pleased to hear it !

The 6 months is worth it, I'll PM you with some detail regarding the carribean, I just turned my opportunity down as my wife couldn't get work and its unlikely that the (foreign) government will change it's stance against migrant workers

[BS1397]

Just an update:
Instead, I negotiated working from home on a flexible basis, which will mean 2 or 3 days a week from my home office. This is more valuable to me as it avoids a daily 3 hour round-trip and means I get time with the wife and kids over summer.

Happy days.

Well done, You have no excuse now not to hoover the carpets and clean up after the kids at home. Enjoy

[ChimpMaster]

Pleased to hear it !

The 6 months is worth it, I'll PM you with some detail regarding the carribean, I just turned my opportunity down as my wife couldn't get work and its unlikely that the (foreign) government will change it's stance against migrant workers

Thanks mate, appreciate it. Will discuss more on reading your PM