Possible dealbreakers in upcoming contract?

**kal** · 27 June 2014, 10:17

Originally posted by Gym beast View Post

Here's what I've seen in one I've got to make a decision on today, in increasing order of likely concern....

1) Bob agency (worked with their techies for years with very mixed results, but never had one for agent so unknown territory)
2) Established 2007
3) Awarded contract Tuesday this week, wanted me to start, in Germany near Swiss border, on Thursday (WTF?!?!?) , finally relented and agreed Monday;
4) Bob's Manager called Wednesday and tried to shave 25Euros off my rate (promptly told him what he could do with his little reduction LOL) ;
5) Contract not yet released as they are still waiting for the Work Order to be raised!!

Smells fishy to me but rather like the location, speak the lingo so would be cool from a lifestyle perspective. Plus side is it's 50% increase in rate even after allowing for accommodation.

Don't walk away, run!

**tractor** · 27 June 2014, 10:20

...

Originally posted by Gym beast View Post

Here's what I've seen in one I've got to make a decision on today, in increasing order of likely concern....

1) Bob agency (worked with their techies for years with very mixed results, but never had one for agent so unknown territory)
2) Established 2007
3) Awarded contract Tuesday this week, wanted me to start, in Germany near Swiss border, on Thursday (WTF?!?!?) , finally relented and agreed Monday;
4) Bob's Manager called Wednesday and tried to shave 25Euros off my rate (promptly told him what he could do with his little reduction LOL) ;
5) Contract not yet released as they are still waiting for the Work Order to be raised!!

Smells fishy to me but rather like the location, speak the lingo so would be cool from a lifestyle perspective. Plus side is it's 50% increase in rate even after allowing for accommodation.

Talk about the perfect storm.

**Batcher** · 27 June 2014, 10:26

Don't book and pay for any travel or accomodation until you have the contract signed. You could turn up on Monday to find the work order has been cancelled and you have no comeback.

Tell them this to put pressure on them to get everything in place before you travel.

**Gym beast** · 27 June 2014, 10:30

Shyte I forgot to add that they ARE a LTD company (checked Companies House) registered here, so I do have someone to sue if needed.

Still think I should tell them to do one?

**MyUserName** · 27 June 2014, 10:36

Originally posted by Gym beast View Post

Still think I should tell them to do one?

No but treat it as unconfirmed until you have the signed contract etc. Keep applying to other places. If it transpires you are unable to start on Monday because of how late they got the paperwork to you then you can explain to the client (or contact them now and explain the situation?).

**craig1** · 27 June 2014, 10:38

It could be legit but you better make sure you have everything nailed down before you fully commit yourself. If they can't get things fully nailed down but "promise it's on the way and could you please just travel anyway" then ask them to have a duly authorised officer sign a letter confirming that they'll pay for all known expenses (list them in advance) and also reasonable unknown expenses (such as local travel, extra contract-specific items, etc.) if the contract does not fully realise or that you do not earn at least the amount of your expenses in fees.

Sometimes risky contracts can be quite lucrative as many people avoid them like the plague. It's a risk though and it all depends on your attitude to such risk.

Edit: If they won't sign that expense cover letter then they're not confident that the contract really is on its way and are hoping you'll spend lots of money off your own back just in case the client actually does sign it off.

**lukemg** · 27 June 2014, 10:41

Originally posted by Gym beast View Post

Shyte I forgot to add that they ARE a LTD company (checked Companies House) registered here, so I do have someone to sue if needed.

Still think I should tell them to do one?

Weekly payment terms - limit your exposure

**Gym beast** · 27 June 2014, 10:57

Originally posted by craig1 View Post

It could be legit but you better make sure you have everything nailed down before you fully commit yourself. If they can't get things fully nailed down but "promise it's on the way and could you please just travel anyway" then ask them to have a duly authorised officer sign a letter confirming that they'll pay for all known expenses (list them in advance) and also reasonable unknown expenses (such as local travel, extra contract-specific items, etc.) if the contract does not fully realise or that you do not earn at least the amount of your expenses in fees.

Sometimes risky contracts can be quite lucrative as many people avoid them like the plague. It's a risk though and it all depends on your attitude to such risk.

Edit: If they won't sign that expense cover letter then they're not confident that the contract really is on its way and are hoping you'll spend lots of money off your own back just in case the client actually does sign it off.

Seems like a sound idea. Do you mean a signed actual letter (paper and ink, not email) ? That would have to be sent off recorded/registered post by 3pm for a chance to arrive here.

Only other problem is knowing just WHO at the agency is a 'Duly Authorised Representative/Employee', I'd have to go digging through *ck knows where for their director's name. Otherwise they could just claim, "Oh young Sonal is just an Office Junior and got a bit above herself"...

**tractor** · 27 June 2014, 11:04

Originally posted by Gym beast View Post

Seems like a sound idea. Do you mean a signed actual letter (paper and ink, not email) ? That would have to be sent off recorded/registered post by 3pm for a chance to arrive here.

Only other problem is knowing just WHO at the agency is a 'Duly Authorised Representative/Employee', I'd have to go digging through *ck knows where for their director's name. Otherwise they could just claim, "Oh young Sonal is just an Office Junior and got a bit above herself"...

Most agency contracts have a clause that states only authorised directors can vary the contract. It's not hard to identify directors of a limited company. Less than 5 minutes.

Possible dealbreakers in upcoming contract?