Barstewards!

[mudskipper]

Could go in really naive -

"Great news - the client has told me they're increasing my rate to x+£150! That's got to be worth a drink - mine's a Bollinger."

[norrahe]

Basically the client was under the impression that I was on £150 a day more than I was, as the agency had put me forward at that rate.

Its the first time I've come across this as the majority of agencies are up front about rates between me and client.

[northernladuk]

Basically the client was under the impression that I was on £150 a day more than I was, as the agency had put me forward at that rate.

Its the first time I've come across this as the majority of agencies are up front about rates between me and client.

Hurts like stink but it is up to you to get he best rate from the agent, you are getting a cut of his rate. What client pays agent isn't any of your business (until you find out and then it is your turn to screw the pimp over). What agent pays you isn't any of client business.

Obviously if you want to leave because of rates or affects your work it becomes a client issue but that isn't a good situation to be in at all.

[norrahe]

They are.. It's a Hot Lunch

[NotAllThere]

So the agency said to the client "Norrahe's rate is £450 a day. With our markup, that'll be £500 a day to you". Client says - fair enough. But agent tells Norrahe - it's £300, take it or leave it.

If I were the client I'd be a little teed off.

[Gentile]

Just found out that there is a £150 a day "discrepancy" between my rate and what the client thinks I'm getting.

Have lunch with the pimp today, not sure whether to bring it up then or just email.

They must be idiots to think I wouldn't find out given I'm the one producing the budget.

How have people handled this in the past?

1. Order the most expensive item on the menu.
2. Eat half.
3. During their first mouthful say "the client thinks I'm being paid £150 more than is the case. So, my rate will now be going up by £75, yes?".
4. When they nod feebly, say "thank you for lunch", stand up and leave.

Alternatively, don't let it bother you in the slightest. If you got the rate that you asked for, the agent's done their job. What you've found out since about what your skills are actually worth should inform what you ask for on your next contract / at the time of your next extension. Don't let it poison your mind about what you're being paid right now. In the meantime, just see it as school fees and a really good reason for the agency to keep you sweet.

[northernladuk]

So the agency said to the client "Norrahe's rate is £450 a day. With our markup, that'll be £500 a day to you". Client says - fair enough. But agent tells Norrahe - it's £300, take it or leave it.

If I were the client I'd be a little teed off.

But not enough to wade in and start sorting the issue out on behalf of a contractor.

I would certainly be giving the agent some stick to make sure I am not getting 300 value contractors for 500. If the person I got was worth 500 then fair enough.

[northernladuk]

Alternatively, don't let it bother you in the slightest. If you got the rate that you asked for, the agent's done their job. What you've found out since about what your skills are actually worth should inform what you ask for on your next contract / at the time of your next extension. Don't let it poison your mind about what you're being paid right now. In the meantime, just see it as school fees and a really good reason for the agency to keep you sweet.

+1... and don't go round speaking to the other contractors. If you find out your mate is getting the extra £150 it will eat you alive and potentially ruin the gig for you.

[fullyautomatix]

If you are getting the rate that you wanted and demanded, what is the problem ? What the agent gets and pockets is irrelevant surely ?

[BoredBloke]

But not enough to wade in and start sorting the issue out on behalf of a contractor.

I would certainly be giving the agent some stick to make sure I am not getting 300 value contractors for 500. If the person I got was worth 500 then fair enough.

By the same token, if the client is paying 500 a day his expectations will be a lot higher than perhaps the 300 a day person can deliver. I had one where I was being stiffed for that sort of money and left as soon as the end of the contract came. I made the client and the pimp aware as to my reasons.