About to negotiate a new contract... advise on rate.

[Helpdesk67]

Went for an interview yesterday, looked promising, 3 month contract, of which one month will be working at the other end of the country and mean living in a hotel all week.
Now, the company will obviously cover the expenses for the hotel, that is a given, my question is, I obviously do not want to price myself out of the market, but I do want to maximise my income.
My daily rate of x is based upon on an 8 or so hour day, after which I go home, if I am staying away, I feel I should charge a premium, or am I living in cloud cookoo land bearing in mind the market. If I should be charging a premium, what should I be requesting?

[kingcook]

Went for an interview yesterday, looked promising, 3 month contract, of which one month will be working at the other end of the country and mean living in a hotel all week.
Now, the company will obviously cover the expenses for the hotel, that is a given, my question is, I obviously do not want to price myself out of the market, but I do want to maximise my income.
My daily rate of x is based upon on an 8 or so hour day, after which I go home, if I am staying away, I feel I should charge a premium, or am I living in cloud cookoo land bearing in mind the market. If I should be charging a premium, what should I be requesting?

What makes you think that the client will cover expenses when you do the one month at the other end of the country? Was this discussed at the interview? Whether it was or wasn't, you MUST ensure that this is written into the contract - never assume something as important as that. If they do not want to pay expenses then you must increase your rate to reflect the reality.

I always charge a premium for longer distances away from home, it would be insane not to. Just remember that the client or agent might not give 2 tulips about where you live nor care about your travel time. Best just to say your daliy rate and if you hear umm'ing and ahh'ing, then just mention that you need to account for the distance travelled.

[cojak]

Are you in 1st line or 2nd line support?

Is this your 1st or 2nd contract?

What makes you think that you're worth the premium to the client - what's your USP?

[Helpdesk67]

they have agreed to cover hotel costs etc.
I just need to know if it is common practice to pay / charge a higher rate if you are away from home overnight / for extended periods.

[cojak]

they have agreed to cover hotel costs etc.
I just need to know if it is common practice to pay / charge a higher rate if you are away from home overnight / for extended periods.

No, it's not, that should be considered at interview and during initial negotiations.

[Helpdesk67]

No, it's not, that should be considered at interview and during initial negotiations.

ok cheers... I guess I should have asked the question beforehand... this is new territory for me.

[rurffy]

ok cheers... I guess I should have asked the question beforehand... this is new territory for me.

Remember there are loads of even more experienced guys out there looking for that same role at a very low rate - so you need to know how to ask for your premium rate or what ever you call it..
Dont get knocked out because you think they like you(They might not actually) ...