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

[NonnyMouse]

same thing just happened to me

Role advertised at £400-450 but I was told it was paying £350, and just been offered it at £350, agent claims that he always advertises roles as paying more, oh and on top of that apparently client has pushed back on rate so agent is making less. I don't think this is the same role as the op mentioned though as its a really short-term role.

I think that's not on really, either they lied in the advert or they are pocketing the extra hundred quid. Thinking about telling him I want the £450 and being prepared to walk away if it doesn't happen.

[kal]

Role advertised at £400-450 but I was told it was paying £350, and just been offered it at £350, agent claims that he always advertises roles as paying more, oh and on top of that apparently client has pushed back on rate so agent is making less. I don't think this is the same role as the op mentioned though as its a really short-term role.

I think that's not on really, either they lied in the advert or they are pocketing the extra hundred quid. Thinking about telling him I want the £450 and being prepared to walk away if it doesn't happen.

Its common for agents to advertise a range when what they really mean is that the rate on offer is the bottom of that range (e.g. £400 - £450 pd = rate of offer is £400 a day) but to then turn around and say that actually the maximum he's prepared to pay you is £350 a day and that he was lying about the rate smells a bit fishy to me.

I would stand firm on asking for what you were originally put in for, be prepared to walk though (and if no cigar hint that you will be emailing the client thanking them for the offer and explaining why you cannot accept).

[Scrag Meister]

If you don't mind wasting a day, I would be inclined to go to the interview and if offered quote whatever you want to quote as a daily rate. If it gets knocked back, you could always send the client thanking them for their time and for their offer of work, which you would have been happy to accept at the advertised daily rate of £450 pd, but you completely understand their commercial position and wish them all the best in filling the role and bringing the project to a successful conclusion. Etc.

Interview
Get offer
Say to agent you have assessed the contract and thinks it worth £450 per day
Agent says No, £400
WIN.

At the end of the day it is YOUR choice.

I always check that the agent is on the Client's top level PSL AND they are on a fixed rate over and above my rate. That way the more you get the more they get and they are moderately motivated to get you the highest rate possible.

[TheFaQQer]

Try to get the contact details of the interviewer while you have the chance.

Get the offer, then tell the agent you want the £450

If it falls through, contact the interviewer, thanking them for the opportunity and expressing an interest in working with them in the future. Slip in that it was a shame that the agent reneged on the rate that they were advertising so much as you would have been flexible, but good luck with the project.

Then wait for the agent to ring you to tell you that the client have reviewed their budget etc.

[NonnyMouse]

update

Well - i asked for a rate in line with what was advertised and the agent agreed straight away, however paperwork wasn't forthcoming and in the meantime i was offered something else with paperwork appearing within half an hour, i'd figured that the first agency had just been mucking me around and with no sign of the contract I was quite happy to go with the other one.

At the last minute the paperwork did appear but by then it was a bit late, so agent not best pleased and I think looking to see if he has any comeback e.g. charge me - I doubt he does but I think there will be a stern email headed my way next week.

[Wanderer]

Well - i asked for a rate in line with what was advertised and the agent agreed straight away, however paperwork wasn't forthcoming and in the meantime i was offered something else with paperwork appearing within half an hour, i'd figured that the first agency had just been mucking me around and with no sign of the contract I was quite happy to go with the other one.

At the last minute the paperwork did appear but by then it was a bit late, so agent not best pleased and I think looking to see if he has any comeback e.g. charge me - I doubt he does but I think there will be a stern email headed my way next week.

Drop a polite email to the agency and the client explaining that due to the delay in getting a written contract drawn up you have accepted another opportunity which pays a better rate. Thank them for their time and tell them to contact you if they have any opportunities available in the future.

The client will be disappointed and the agent will probably bluster to you but they know it's just business...

[NonnyMouse]

tempting

[SueEllen]

tempting

Don't be tempted do it.

There are some canny clients out there and they don't all take agency bull.

Oh and the agency cannot do anything to you and make it stick because there is no signed contract.

[TheFaQQer]

Don't be tempted do it.

There are some canny clients out there and they don't all take agency bull.

Oh and the agency cannot do anything to you and make it stick because there is no signed contract.

Unless there was a verbally agreed contract...

[SussexSeagull]

Unless there was a verbally agreed contract...

In principle yes, but tends to be one person's word against the other.