Reply to: Clients requesting evidence of rate

[Epiphone]

Nothing new. I found out some months ago what Comp Futures were being paid and what I was getting. Worked out to something like 45% mark up for them. I told them what I thought of them and terminated my contract. I would never deal with any of the S3 group of agencies again.

But you were happy with the rate before you find that out so what's the issue?

[NibblyPig]

I'm a bit fuzzy on the thread but someone mentioned it might be worth doing so the client can check the agent isn't ripping off the contractors. That would mean the client is paying say £500 and the agent is paying £300. The client is getting cheaper guy for his money.

That sounds like it's up to the client to negotiate with the recruiter though, for example by asking the recruiter for a 300/day contractor and offering them 10% so paying the recruiter 330/day.

And your usual advice is, are you happy with your rate, so I'd give that to the end client.

Then again, perhaps the client did do this and the agent is pulling a fast one by taking more than the agreed 10%...

My last gig someone saw the purchase order and told me unprompted, I was quite surprised actually as the recruiter was getting a smidgen under 10% which seemed quite low.

[sravs]

In that case I would not permit it, to the extent that I would reject the contract rather than hand that information over.

I set my rate depending on demand and location and it's none of their business what my old rate was.

This is what I have decided to do, because it should have no bearing on the future rate once they are happy with my employability for the role concerned. Glad to know I wasn't being too much of a maverick with my thoughts.

[SlipTheJab]

Nothing new. I found out some months ago what Comp Futures were being paid and what I was getting. Worked out to something like 45% mark up for them. I told them what I thought of them and terminated my contract. I would never deal with any of the S3 group of agencies again.

Aah good old Computer Futures, seems to be a running theme with the S3 lot, ditto I would never go near them either.

[kingcook]

Thanks for the replies, everyone! It helps to know I wasn't alone in my thinking.

In this case, there isn't an agent so it is actually the client asking straight. This is baffling but I don't see why I should furnish any documentation at all.

LMAO!!!!

EDIT: Didn't realise that it's potential/future clients asking for previous rate.

[FRR]

Nothing new. I found out some months ago what Comp Futures were being paid and what I was getting. Worked out to something like 45% mark up for them. I told them what I thought of them and terminated my contract. I would never deal with any of the S3 group of agencies again.

[d000hg]

Some banks require this so HR can sign off on the agreed rate.

Either politely decline or tell the truth.

They will check

How would they be able to check your previous day rate, unless your old client tells them?

[sociopath]

In that case I would not permit it, to the extent that I would reject the contract rather than hand that information over.

I set my rate depending on demand and location and it's none of their business what my old rate was.

Yes. The Op should politely state this is the rate they typically charge for the works required to be undertaken under the terms and conditions offered. Previous contract has no bearing as different scope of works and t's and c's.

[cojak]

Ah sorry, I see where this went wrong. This is a prospective client asking about evidence of current rate the contractor is on!

In that case I would not permit it, to the extent that I would reject the contract rather than hand that information over.

I set my rate depending on demand and location and it's none of their business what my old rate was.

[LondonManc]

The way I read this there is no agent in the middle and the Op will be contracting directly with the client? If this is the case then negotiations should be around the rate put forward by the Op. If this is the case was previous contract direct too or via an agent?

Ah, yes, missed that post at the bottom of the first page. Other posts about agency led me astray.

Yes, then, I'd suggest they simply don't know market rate. If they're not sure, explain about the concept of agents chucking £100 a day on while offering little value other than admin and wouldn't it be nice to split the difference because unless they're going to do weekly pay runs for you then you'll be in a financially riskier position.

[sociopath]

The way I read this there is no agent in the middle and the Op will be contracting directly with the client? If this is the case then negotiations should be around the rate put forward by the Op. If this is the case was previous contract direct too or via an agent?

[LondonManc]

Sounds like AgentCo have tried to cream too much.

Ask ClientCo directly what you've been put forward add (including whether that's with or without VAT). If they tell you that, you'll be able to tell how much margin AgentCo will be getting (which they'll hate) and it may be the case that between you then you can squeeze AgentCo's margin.

e.g There's a 550 budget and you're happy with 500 but agentco wants you to go in at 400. They're trying to get you in on 650 to maintain their £150 margin.

[SueEllen]

This is getting common now for both permy and contract partially banks, seem they are in it together and want to manage / control rates / salaries indirectly, I know of one guy who before they would even make the permy offer had to give 3 years hist of pay etc.

I would tell them to politely go away.

You are paying for someone's knowledge, skills and experience. If it's so easy to recruit someone with what you want then put the rate down. If you then can't get someone or who you have walks out, then what you are paying isn't enough.

[ELBBUBKUNPS]

This is getting common now for both permy and contract partially banks, seem they are in it together and want to manage / control rates / salaries indirectly, I know of one guy who before they would even make the permy offer had to give 3 years hist of pay etc.

[Milkyway]

Interesting this one!

So lets say someone is usually on a very high rate... and if he takes a low-ish paid gig now, that will affect his future gigs' rates?.. going by the OP's potential client's request?

So basically, if he takes a low paid one just because the market is not being kind for a while and he does want to be on the bench for long and hence accepts (with heavy heart) to a low paying one (just until the market is up/running well), then this new low rate will be the basis of rate for the future gigs?

Worrying trend, indeed!

My question is: so does the clientco base their offer rate based on the candidate's current rate????