6 weeks after interview - get an offer

[psychocandy]

Jeez NLUK change the record, you don't have to disagree with everything.

Sounds like the client is trying to bypass the agent to save some costs. Did you talk rates? Be careful here, it could turn nasty. On the one hand saving the cost of you could secure the contract but if the agency gets wind could scupper all chance of the contract as client won't be willing to put up with pressure of agency hassling them

Just found out client got my number from the agency today. Bit weird that agency still haven't phoned me though - would have thought they'd be all over this if they can smell commision. Oh well, no worries all looking good speaking to client directly.

First person I spoke to was, I think, the PM who let on the rate that they were paying the agency LOL. When I took on the first interview I did agree to go for a rate that was a little low. But, now found out that they agency were adding a 25% markup which is a bit much.

So now I know how much they would get out of the deal what to do? Keep schtum and use the info to my advantage to get a higher rate (and lower cut) from agency? Or tell them I know, so they know they've been rumbled and take it from there?

[psychocandy]

Why is it so strange? They can either ring you which takes 5 mins or they can get the agent to do it which will take 3 days. Agencies provide a service to help the client, they are not the only possible route of information.



No they won't.

I guess if the agent had rung you instead of the client you would have posted about that so we can't win either way <sigh>

Most agents would rather not give out contractors phone numbers/addresses etc for the very reason discussed. They're afraid that client/contractor will do a deal and cut them out of the loop.

[JoJoGabor]

Be open about what you know, say you think it's a bit steep. See what you can get. Asually mention you've been offered a bit higher elsewhere for a similar role

[northernladuk]

Just found out client got my number from the agency today. Bit weird that agency still haven't phoned me though - would have thought they'd be all over this if they can smell commision. Oh well, no worries all looking good speaking to agency directly.

Agent has agreement to do resourcing for that role. Client is speaking to you direct so agent has **** all to do. He sits there and just waits for his phone to ring and send paperwork. Try understand the situation better. Agent works on behalf of client so if client wants to do legwork then so be it. Agent will still get his cut.,

Are you sure you got the bit in bold the right way round?

First person I spoke to was, I think, the PM who let on the rate that they were paying the agency LOL. When I took on the first interview I did agree to go for a rate that was a little low. But, now found out that they agency were adding a 25% markup which is a bit much.

So now I know how much they would get out of the deal what to do? Keep schtum and use the info to my advantage to get a higher rate (and lower cut) from agency? Or tell them I know, so they know they've been rumbled and take it from there?

You really have to ask this question?

[northernladuk]

Most agents would rather not give out contractors phone numbers/addresses etc for the very reason discussed. They're afraid that client/contractor will do a deal and cut them out of the loop.

I don't think this is wholly true and it if is the reasons are not as you say. Maybe to keep tight reigns on rate talks or to be seen to be adding value to the client but I would expect any decent agency to have legal documentation in place to stop clients poaching contractors from them. Doesn't save the client any money and he ends up with the hassle so why do it?

I haven't come across agents not giving out numbers and I certainly make sure a client has mine via business card or copy of my CV as soon as I meet them. Agent can't stop that.

[northernladuk]

Be open about what you know, say you think it's a bit steep. See what you can get. Asually mention you've been offered a bit higher elsewhere for a similar role

I think if you go down that route you will shoot yourself in the foot. Agents do this for a living. Trying to bluff one off with a stupid comment that will unravel underneath you won't end well. Just deal with it as business. Client wants you and agent needs easy money. No need to lie in this case I wouldn't have thought.

[d000hg]

Did the client mention you'd got the gig because their first choice won't stay over at weekends to avoid paying for flights?

[psychocandy]

Agent has agreement to do resourcing for that role. Client is speaking to you direct so agent has **** all to do. He sits there and just waits for his phone to ring and send paperwork. Try understand the situation better. Agent works on behalf of client so if client wants to do legwork then so be it. Agent will still get his cut.,

Are you sure you got the bit in bold the right way round?



You really have to ask this question?

Fixed that bit. Yes I do.

[psychocandy]

I don't think this is wholly true and it if is the reasons are not as you say. Maybe to keep tight reigns on rate talks or to be seen to be adding value to the client but I would expect any decent agency to have legal documentation in place to stop clients poaching contractors from them. Doesn't save the client any money and he ends up with the hassle so why do it?

I haven't come across agents not giving out numbers and I certainly make sure a client has mine via business card or copy of my CV as soon as I meet them. Agent can't stop that.

Yeh they do give out phone numbers otherwise phone interviews could be problematic. Every CV of mine I've ever seen on desk during interview has had address removed though.

[psychocandy]

I think if you go down that route you will shoot yourself in the foot. Agents do this for a living. Trying to bluff one off with a stupid comment that will unravel underneath you won't end well. Just deal with it as business. Client wants you and agent needs easy money. No need to lie in this case I wouldn't have thought.

Right. So I've got an advantage in that I know what the agency plan to charge the client. As I see it, the important thing here, as a business, is, in order or importance:-

1. Keep the client happy. If I do something to upset them it could all go wrong. i.e. If I tell agency I know how much they're getting then its surely going to impress the agency not at all that client told me. Might be nothing they can do about it but last thing I want is hassle.

2. IF its in the bag, maximise the amount I can get out of the deal. If agency get less than they planned, so what. I have information, its about how best to use it to my advantage.