"What rate are you looking for?"

[MB1983]

I recently applied to an advert that had a day rate of "market rate". The agent got in touch by e-mail to ask what rate I'm looking for. Usually there's a rate on an advert so I responded by asking him roughly what the rate would be and he said that he wasn't "given a rate to work with". Should I reply with an overestimation of the rate I'd work for? How do you usually respond when asked about rates? I don't really like to declare what rate I'm looking for in case there is actually a higher rate available and the agent then pockets the difference. Maybe I'm too cynical?!

[stek]

I recently applied to an advert that had a day rate of "market rate". The agent got in touch by e-mail to ask what rate I'm looking for. Usually there's a rate on an advert so I responded by asking him roughly what the rate would be and he said that he wasn't "given a rate to work with". Should I reply with an overestimation of the rate I'd work for? How do you usually respond when asked about rates? I don't really like to declare what rate I'm looking for in case there is actually a higher rate available and the agent then pockets the difference. Maybe I'm too cynical?!

I just tell them the rate I want.

[MyUserName]

I recently applied to an advert that had a day rate of "market rate". The agent got in touch by e-mail to ask what rate I'm looking for. Usually there's a rate on an advert so I responded by asking him roughly what the rate would be and he said that he wasn't "given a rate to work with". Should I reply with an overestimation of the rate I'd work for? How do you usually respond when asked about rates? I don't really like to declare what rate I'm looking for in case there is actually a higher rate available and the agent then pockets the difference. Maybe I'm too cynical?!

There might be a higher rate there might not - either way just say the rate you want and be prepared to negotiate.

[riffpie]

I recently applied to an advert that had a day rate of "market rate". The agent got in touch by e-mail to ask what rate I'm looking for. Usually there's a rate on an advert so I responded by asking him roughly what the rate would be and he said that he wasn't "given a rate to work with". Should I reply with an overestimation of the rate I'd work for? How do you usually respond when asked about rates? I don't really like to declare what rate I'm looking for in case there is actually a higher rate available and the agent then pockets the difference. Maybe I'm too cynical?!

You should have a fair idea what the going rate for your skillset, in the relevant location, is. Use that as a guide. There's always a risk you're going to undercut yourself and the agent pockets the difference, but in reality does that matter? As long as you're getting what you want out of it, that's what counts. By all means high-ball your rate, just be prepared to come down.

[SpontaneousOrder]

I had 2 interviews for a particular client in the city last autumn ( Ididn't get the role in the end). The asked what rate I wanted when she first contacted me, and then said "ok, they're actually offering a lot more than that so that's fine", which surprised me.

I suppose it depends on whether it's a buyer's or seller's market at the time.

[riffpie]

I had 2 interviews for a particular client in the city last autumn ( Ididn't get the role in the end). The asked what rate I wanted when she first contacted me, and then said "ok, they're actually offering a lot more than that so that's fine", which surprised me.

I suppose it depends on whether it's a buyer's or seller's market at the time.

They were probably on a fixed margin.

[BlueSharp]

They were probably on a fixed margin.

This, I have had an agents up the rate for me if they think the client will pay it and their on a fixed margin.

[SpontaneousOrder]

They were probably on a fixed margin.

Makes sense.

[Mulder]

Going with the earlier advice, I know roughly what the current market rate is for my area of expertise is and the area I work in, and slightly highball the agent. But am prepared to come down to the more average range.

So I echo just say what you are happy to work for, pitch slightly higher if you want, and be willing to negotiate.

[doodab]

This, I have had an agents up the rate for me if they think the client will pay it and their on a fixed margin.

On my first ever contract back in the 90s, I had absolutely no idea, I asked for less than half what they offered, which was "on the low side cos of my lack of experience". I had to sit down when the agent told me, I was utterly gobsmacked.

These days I go for the high end of the market rate for what I do. Usually I get it, sometimes I have to come down a bit but I never come down so much it hurts.