6 weeks after interview - get an offer

[Old Greg]

Not knowing a host of factors about the attitude of agent and situation I would say stick a rate to the agent lower than you will take with a figure in mind and barter with him until you are satisfied. If he really wants to play hardball and you are in stalemate with him refusing to budge then as a last resort I would 'out' him and point out his rate is too much he is taking the piss.

I think outing him is the only real option. Say you want £50 pd more and the agent will say that the end client won't pay any more. You then need to say that you're not asking the client to pay any more. You'll probably need to explain why.

[Damon]

So is this Moneysupermarket?

[d000hg]

I think outing him is the only real option. Say you want £50 pd more and the agent will say that the end client won't pay any more. You then need to say that you're not asking the client to pay any more. You'll probably need to explain why.

WHS. Increasing your rate this late looks unprofessional otherwise IMO.

[psychocandy]

I think outing him is the only real option. Say you want £50 pd more and the agent will say that the end client won't pay any more. You then need to say that you're not asking the client to pay any more. You'll probably need to explain why.

Yep. Thats how I see it going. I'll ask for more, agent will tut and say I'll have to speak to client but don't think they'll pay any more thereby protecting his huge cut. And of course, he won't go to client at all.

I guess I could say that client has hinted that rate is high and that I wonder what his cut is? Would rather not come straight out and say, client told me, your busted, now lets do a deal.

[Old Greg]

WHS. Increasing your rate this late looks unprofessional otherwise IMO.

It is pretty sharp business practice in any case (not saying it's wrong). You gave a quote to the agency, the agency gave a quote to the client and everyone was happy. Now you're not happy. By all means renegotiate if you think you can increase your profit, but be up front about it, because renegotiation at this stage deserves an explanation.

[d000hg]

Yep. Thats how I see it going. I'll ask for more, agent will tut and say I'll have to speak to client but don't think they'll pay any more thereby protecting his huge cut. And of course, he won't go to client at all.

I guess I could say that client has hinted that rate is high and that I wonder what his cut is? Would rather not come straight out and say, client told me, your busted, now lets do a deal.

I think coming out with it is easier and less duplicitous personally. But you'll just have to pick a tactic and stick to it.

Can't be arsed to read back, is this a definite offer with start date, duration, rate all specified - do you have a contract ro read through, etc?

[eek]

I cannot see what the problem is.

surely its a short conversation with the agent.

I've been offered the contract starting Jan 16th for which the company is paying your agency £500 a day. While I'm happy to accept the contract and I've told the end client as much I need £425/£450 to make it worth my while leaving where I currently am.

[Old Greg]

I cannot see what the problem is.

surely its a short conversation with the agent.

I've been offered the contract starting Jan 16th for which the company is paying your agency £500 a day. While I'm happy to accept the contract and I've told the end client as much I need £425/£450 to make it worth my while leaving where I currently am.

But it's not that short. The agency says the client won't budge on rate. You say they should look at their margin. They say yadda yadda etc. You say FFS I know what your margin is.

Just skip to the end.

[eek]

But it's not that short. The agency says the client won't budge on rate. You say they should look at their margin. They say yadda yadda etc. You say FFS I know what your margin is.

Just skip to the end.

Did you not see me quoting the figure Clientco is paying the agency in the first bit of the paragraph.

[psychocandy]

I cannot see what the problem is.

surely its a short conversation with the agent.

I've been offered the contract starting Jan 16th for which the company is paying your agency £500 a day. While I'm happy to accept the contract and I've told the end client as much I need £425/£450 to make it worth my while leaving where I currently am.

Certainly a direct approach....

Obviously, owning up that someone at client has spilled the beans to me. :-)