How to Decline A Contract Extension?

[Tealer]

Sorry if this is a bit of a numpty question.
Ok, been contracting for the past 2 years, and the first 3 contracts were all great, kept getting extensions etc.
Now, I took on an initial 1 month contract with a new company, and they have offered me an additional month.
In the meantime (same day as the extension offer), I have been offered a 6 month contract with another company.
Now, I know for business and personal reasons the 6 month is the better offer.
So, I need to politely decline the 1 month extension offer, which is just waiting for me to sign.
My question is, who do I approach to decline the offer, the client or the agency?
I've never been in the position where I've had to let the client down by not extending. I know I have to put my business head on, but just wonder how to handle the situation?
Any advice appreciated.

[eek]

Sorry if this is a bit of a numpty question.
Ok, been contracting for the past 2 years, and the first 3 contracts were all great, kept getting extensions etc.
Now, I took on an initial 1 month contract with a new company, and they have offered me an additional month.
In the meantime (same day as the extension offer), I have been offered a 6 month contract with another company.
Now, I know for business and personal reasons the 6 month is the better offer.
So, I need to politely decline the 1 month extension offer, which is just waiting for me to sign.
My question is, who do I approach to decline the offer, the client or the agency?
I've never been in the position where I've had to let the client down by not extending. I know I have to put my business head on, but just wonder how to handle the situation?
Any advice appreciated.

Tell both. The agency is the one you have the business relationship with, the client is one you may need for future work.

[northernladuk]

What Eek says. You need to end your contractual relationship by informing the agency and offer the client the professional courtesy of forewarning him from a business/relationship perspective.

[BolshieBastard]

Sorry if this is a bit of a numpty question.
Ok, been contracting for the past 2 years, and the first 3 contracts were all great, kept getting extensions etc.
Now, I took on an initial 1 month contract with a new company, and they have offered me an additional month.
In the meantime (same day as the extension offer), I have been offered a 6 month contract with another company.
Now, I know for business and personal reasons the 6 month is the better offer.
So, I need to politely decline the 1 month extension offer, which is just waiting for me to sign.
My question is, who do I approach to decline the offer, the client or the agency?
I've never been in the position where I've had to let the client down by not extending. I know I have to put my business head on, but just wonder how to handle the situation?
Any advice appreciated.

Your 6 month contract is only as long as the notice period within it. Dont assume your 6 months will last 6 months just because that is what the contract period is.

All you do is tell the agent you are not extending with the current client. I'd also tell the client you are not extending.

Dont get into any arguments with the agent (or client!). If they want to know the reason its up to you whether you say what you want or decline to give a reason.

[d000hg]

Definitely talk with the client not just the agent. Worth telling them you simply got a better offer, you never know they might respond with a new offer of their own.

[Tealer]

Your 6 month contract is only as long as the notice period within it. Dont assume your 6 months will last 6 months just because that is what the contract period is.

All you do is tell the agent you are not extending with the current client. I'd also tell the client you are not extending.

Dont get into any arguments with the agent (or client!). If they want to know the reason its up to you whether you say what you want or decline to give a reason.

BolshieBastard - speaking to my father in law, he also suggested not getting into the reasons. Just politely decline and say my circumstances have changed.

Thanks for the advice to you all. Just wanted another perspective as I'm sure you've been in the same boat at some point. You feel like you are letting your client down, but your business head decides what is best for you / your company.

[psychocandy]

What everyone says is right but why do feel you're letting them down by not accepting an extension?

Thats just weird. An extension is just that - no obligation from anyone. If the client had decided the original work would take longer they should have offered a longer period up front surely?

But then there are clients who think they can do this month thing because it suits them for whatever reason and then still expect the contractor to stay when THEY want. Then they get all aggrieved if said contractors says no thanks.

Hope yours is a bit more sensible than some.

and BTW - I'd tell agent first then maybe tell the client directly rather than letting them hear from agent.

[proggy]

Do everything contract related through the Agent, otherwise wire can get crossed. You don't have a contract with the client.

[Tealer]

What everyone says is right but why do feel you're letting them down by not accepting an extension?

I think this is maybe the mentality I need to get past. At the end of the day, when they are done with me, that will be it and vice versa. This is a business relationship after all!

[SueEllen]

Do everything contract related through the Agent, otherwise wire can get crossed. You don't have a contract with the client.

It doesn't work like that unfortunately loads of agencies are just sh*t and don't think their role involves communication.

With one client when I attempted to tell the agent first they are responded - "Tell the client" and they didn't bothered to contact the client at all.

This is why others on here get p*ssed off with agents doing nothing for their money apart from invoice factoring.

On the other hand with that particular client if they offered me a contract extension they told me first.

The agent then would arrange the extension two weeks before the current contract was up then hassle me to sign it immediately.