negotiating greater cut of agents % at renewal

[kingcook]

I was tidying some of my files on the server, and saw some with my name on and thought "oh, don't remember leaving those there but I'll move them anyway". Turned out they were the purchase order things to the agent.

Nice. I spotted the same on my client's server but didn't have permissions!!

Anyway... it's surprising what paying for lunch + a few beers can achieve

[psychocandy]

Not being funny but I'd be a bit concerned about using information that wasn't meant for my eyes in this way. Fair enough you know now so you've got an advantage. But keep this info to yourself.

But to go to client/agent and say you know the cut because you 'found' a file on a server may cause you some issues. Privacy and all that. To go steaming in and say you KNOW their margin - not cool.

Of course, up to client if they want to tell you, nothing agent can do. Just can't imagine client being too pleased if they find out you've been divulging company confidential information.

[SeaBass]

Oh, don't worry, the client had mentioned in passing what the agency were paid anyway...
No-one knows I had this information already apart from you random strangers

[jezosaurus]

IMHO, the agencies options are to give you the 15%, or to watch you walk at the end of the contract.

The first option 1/2s their income from you, the second option cuts it down to 0.

The client, of course, will want to know why you're leaving, and is very unlikely to re-use an agency who is taking an unfair share of their money, so the agency risks loosing the client alltogether.

Unless they have a cast iron sole supplier deal with the client, they don't have an option.

[psychocandy]

Oh, don't worry, the client had mentioned in passing what the agency were paid anyway...
No-one knows I had this information already apart from you random strangers

OK. Like I said if client wishes to tell you anyway then thats up to them.

I just know my client would go nuts if I were to poke around and try and find out this information and then try to use it.

[Wanderer]

I just know my client would go nuts if I were to poke around and try and find out this information and then try to use it.

And rightly so too. If you ever find this information out by illegal means then you have to be very careful how you use it.

Many clients are quite happy to reveal it if you ask though.

[The Agents View]

FYI, your agent is taking a 22.5% margin (give or take a pound or so), not 30%.

[psychocandy]

And rightly so too. If you ever find this information out by illegal means then you have to be very careful how you use it.

Many clients are quite happy to reveal it if you ask though.

You reckon? Not so sure. My clients attitude (admitedly a large multi-national) would be 'not your business'

[captainham]

You reckon? Not so sure. My clients attitude (admitedly a large multi-national) would be 'not your business'

+1. Mine is large multinat too, very relaxed atmosphere to work in, but if I asked, I'm pretty sure I'd get slapped down very quickly indeed. And their Service POs are held in a system I have no reason to have access to, dammit...

[AnonAgent]

This agent sounds like a smaller operation, they wouldnt work at less than 15% "margin" for a standard client. i should know, I would never run a contract, regardless of how long it had been running, for less than 15% margin.

Which at £450/day all inclusive, is £382.50.

£100 into £450 is 22%.

Remember that many agents think at margin percentage and think mark up is an insult, so remember this in any negotiation. Agents care about % of the client rate, not the candidate rate, because they "sell" themselves on providing more than just finding a candidate for role, they run and payroll the contract as well.

If one of my contractors rang me up and said that the client thought it was at 15% and I want a £30/day increase so that we are closer to that mark, then I would probably agree. Though my clients rarely care what I am taking as long as the contractor is happy.