Stating your rate

[wonderboy]

^ this...you need to talk in terms of "value-added" (well in my work area it's something which I need to do)...otherwise they will just consider you an expensive resource/provider/whatever.

OK thanks for this advice and everyone else's. I added a short preamble outlining the "value added" and set the rate a few quid higher.

[jmo21]

Contractor rates only look expensive.

Very true. Permies can't get their heads round paying Joe Contractor £X00 / day, but don't bat an eye lid when a so called 'real consultancy' quotes £X000 / day