Advertised wrong rate? Quick reply - how to play this one

**stek** · 18 March 2014, 08:59

Cancel interview making sure client knows the reason and watch the agent panic and back down.

**Ticktock** · 18 March 2014, 09:28

Originally posted by stek View Post

Cancel interview making sure client knows the reason and watch the agent panic and back down.

I would say go to the interview, try to win it. Then when the agent phones you with the offer say that you want the £450 (or at worst the £400 if you're determined to settle) and refuse to back down. Backing out of the interview means they'll just send some other chump in your place. Getting an offer out of the client first and then negotiating the rate is a stronger play.

**Magpie252** · 18 March 2014, 09:37

Originally posted by stek View Post

Cancel interview making sure client knows the reason and watch the agent panic and back down.

Ace the interview & get an offer, then screw your pimp for the agreed rate

The client was obviously unfazed by the original cost submitted by the pimp (based on your £450/day) & has offer you an interview, this is obvious pimp tactics to increase their margin

You have to play hard-ball & be prepared to walk away

**psychocandy** · 18 March 2014, 09:40

My opinion. Its either:-

1. Pimp didn't even know the rate but wanted it advertised as soon as they could so just guessed and made it high so they got some interest.

2. Pimp knew rate but deliberately lied on advert so they got some interest.

3. It is this rate but pimp is thinking they can screw a huge margin out of this now.

4. Client has decided they really can't pay this and have knocked the rate down.

Could be any of them?

**Anubis** · 18 March 2014, 09:53

Hmmm...this is my problem. I applied thinking its £450 but could have settled at £400 if it meant getting the job.

Tbh, it's a rare role which on paper looks perfect, so I am still listening at £350 (any other roles I'd of said don't bother). I know for a fact I can get £400 because I have another interview elsewhere at this rate and it's market rate.

It's a big decrease in take home at -£100 per day. My last role using same skills was £450. The one before that was £400.

£350 just seems a huge step backwards. I really want the job (couldn't get a better fit if you tried) but it's boiling down to the extra £50. I'm really conflicted...

**Anubis** · 18 March 2014, 10:08

Good coincidence. The job posting was re-advertised exactly the same again £400 - £500 today. It's been about a week since the post I saw (exactly the same).

If she could only pay up to £350 why allow it to re-advertise at the 'wrong' higher rates?

I'm getting the feeling I'm being conned....

Still appreciate people's opinions. Interview is late this afternoon.

**BlasterBates** · 18 March 2014, 10:11

You're in a good position so my advice stick to the rate. Until you have an alternative offer though follow up, 350 is better than 0. If the interviews continue to roll in then perhaps turn down.

When you negotiate you don't know whether there are alternative candidates and what rates they'll accept, so you just have take a guess.

Your "rate" is what you get offered. I wouldn't get too fussed about the fact that the advertised rate is higher than what the agent is offering, you need to know what rate you'll accept. Your current rate is a good guide. Sometimes the market does go sour and then your competing with contractors who are prepared to go down.

It's poker! are you feeling lucky?

**Anubis** · 18 March 2014, 10:25

Thanks for the reply.

I'm going to play them at their own game - getting someone else to call and confirm the rate and pretend they're interested before sending cv (which they obviously won't do).

Time to see if pimp is decking the cards in her favour with low offers or if the advert was genuinely wrong. Two can play this game....

**Gordon Ice** · 18 March 2014, 10:36

Pimpology Volume 1

Originally posted by Anubis View Post

Hi folks, any honest quick opinions will be appreciated.

Got an interview later today but job was advertised at £450 per day. I've now been told by the recruiter that they can only pay £350 per day max after CV was sent; I'm still going for it as I'm sure I can get the role but obviously want £400+ for it if I'm honest, which reflects market rates. It's a good company, ideal location, etc etc.

I'm not sure if the pimp is being honest or trying to cash in the difference. The reason I have doubts is that I also contacted another agency about the same role when advertised and he stated he didn't know the rate yet. I went with the other pimp that advertised a rate since I knew what I was getting - CV forwarded at £450.

So it seems my pimp either advertised at higher rate to harvest more CVs / make it seem more attractive or she has decided to low ball me and make quite a bit more mark up for herself.

So what's the deal? What am I asking?

How would you ask (pending being offered the role) for the additional extra without jeopardising the job? I'll be honest and say £350 is absolute bottom for me but I know after a few months other roles will start catching my eye, which I don't want since this is a solid 12+ month contract.

I'm looking to say "thanks but it was advertised at £450 but then prior to interview was topped at £350. Let's meet in the middle at £400 without risking the job?"

How would you play this one?

1. The Pimp is just trying to increase their margin - therefore the normal rules of engagement apply..
2. Go to the interview and win the gig (or at very least get some interview practise); make sure you get the Client's phone number (see below [4] for why)
3. Tell the Pimp to stop fooling around and you won't accept anything less than £4nn per day
4. If the Pimp won't back down express disappointment and let them know that you'll contact the Client directly to tell them why (i.e. rate & Pimp nonsense)
5. Don't forget this is a game of poker, whoever flinches first loses

Good luck!

Advertised wrong rate? Quick reply - how to play this one