How many contractors get repeat business from clients...

[Scrag Meister]

I'm back at a previous client at the moment. So it does happen.

Not all companies are happy to take contractors so wise to at least try and part amicably with the ones that do.

Came direct this time, although ClientCo inisted on throwing an agency for their non-PSL suppliers into the mix.

[Sands of Time]

Yep - this and the last client were repeat business...



Bing!

[RSoles]

Absolutely does happen.
I've been to one place five times now.
Causes 24-month rule issues but doesn't half look good on the cv.

edit: and always go direct second time onwards.

[VectraMan]

Last year I went back to my first client, from 5 years previous. It was almost all new people and a new location, so the "better to move on" argument didn't really apply.

Whilst I was there I got an email from another previous client offering me a 6 month contract, but I had to say I wasn't available. Then when I finished with previous client A, I emailed previous client B, who said no, they had no current needs, but then came back a few weeks later saying "well we do have this small project...".

A known quantity is worth a lot in any business, and certainly when it comes to something like software development the difference in cost between someone you know you can count on and someone who ticks all the boxes, does well in the interview but turns out to be incompetent, is huge.

[Doggy Styles]

It's not hard to leave on good terms, why make a fuss or give any reason for them to not ask you back?

Exactly. I can't see the point in that.

If nothing else this is about earning money, so I'd have thought it made sense to keep your options open. It has paid off many times.

Besides, I like to get on with people and leave on good terms.

[Spacecadet]

Exactly. I can't see the point in that.

If nothing else this is about earning money, so I'd have thought it made sense to keep your options open. It has paid off many times.

Besides, I like to get on with people and leave on good terms.

I don't think the OP was making a point that the client should be left with a half arsed job or that anything should be done to purposefully piss of the client.

More about whether or not to go the extra mile at the end of the contract and give the client something special, either some extra documentation you've done with recommendations/guidance or a custom application which you built on the side to help you and you think will help them.

[Sysman]

In my industry people move jobs a lot. Leaving on good terms means that they think of you when they start at their new company. Even if nothing comes of it, there's a good chance of bumping into them in future at industry dos.

That reminds me of a conversation I had at a computer exhibition many years ago as a permie. A chap from a direct competitor approached me and when I expressed reticence about swapping ideas he came out with "Forget that, we share technical interests and could be working together for another company anyway in a couple of years". A good contact was made.