Rate increase - how much to ask for?

[jsnetman]

I asked for a 25% increase on my last renewal, was told by other contractors no way would I get it and should ask for somwhere between the inflation rate and 10% extra. My argument was that my rate was well below published daily rates, it was my first contract and took it on on a fairly low rate. The client agreed and gave it to me, if you don't ask you won't get.

Have to admit though 40% sounds a bit steep.

[speling bee]

I got a 33% increase at renewal at my last gig. But... they got me cheap - I accepted as I had been on the bench for a while - and at renewal they understood that I was worth the extra. Have been doing other work for a couple of months and am now trying to negotiate an extra 10% to return for a small piece of consultancy, but my expenses will be considerably higher because I can't get season tickets for the long journey for the odd days they want me for.

[d000hg]

If they feel they can't manage without you they may feed they have to accept. However I doubt they'd be happy and would likely try to make sure you are no longer irreplaceable for next time.

[dmo]

I asked for a 25% increase on my last renewal, was told by other contractors no way would I get it and should ask for somwhere between the inflation rate and 10% extra. My argument was that my rate was well below published daily rates, it was my first contract and took it on on a fairly low rate. The client agreed and gave it to me, if you don't ask you won't get.

Have to admit though 40% sounds a bit steep.

I find myself in this very situation. Accepted a rate well below market, renewed at the same unchanged rate, now I'm looking for more (although not 25% or even 40%, I was thinking 2x what I'm currently on, as I bring a lot more to the table now). It was my first contract experience, so took what I could.. not sure how to go about it all though

[Antman]

I find myself in this very situation. Accepted a rate well below market, renewed at the same unchanged rate, now I'm looking for more (although not 25% or even 40%, I was thinking 2x what I'm currently on, as I bring a lot more to the table now). It was my first contract experience, so took what I could.. not sure how to go about it all though

Ooof at least your agent will have got the sports trim on his A3 instead of the standard kit.

[Scrag Meister]

If I knew I could get a 40% increase and it was actually truly available, then I'd be off like a shot and then take 4 months off once the contract finished and enjoy all the extra mula I had earned with the wife.