Reply to: Day Rate

[CatOnMat]

When you get a chap in to install a new boiler, so you ask him what he charged his previous client and to show you the invoice etc?

well put

[fullyautomatix]

Thanks. So I assume then there is no way they can validate what your previous day rate was, and therefore unable to question why you want X% more?

When you get a chap in to install a new boiler, so you ask him what he charged his previous client and to show you the invoice etc?

[radish2008]

Normally charge? You charge what the agent is willing to pay and can negotiate.

Unless you're direct of course. And then you punt like a mad man.

[Blackbeard]

The figure I give them is what I want my next rate to be. Helps to know the advertised rate though first.

Thanks. So I assume then there is no way they can validate what your previous day rate was, and therefore unable to question why you want X% more?

[l35kee]

The figure I give them is what I want my next rate to be. Helps to know the advertised rate though first.

[Blackbeard]

Typical exchange for me has often gone like:

Agent: What's your day rate?
Me: Depends on the project and what's involved - have they got a range in mind?


IMHO there is no point pricing the next job based on the previous one - you might have valid reasons to have a higher or lower rate on your current job e.g. I would accept a lower rate if it was 15mins away from my house, or if working for a not for profit client co which I wanted to "support".

Thank you, this has been helpful and has validated my thoughts. Just being asked about previous rate made me think twice whether it had a bearing on what they'd be willing to pay.

[Blackbeard]

Sounds like you've been hoodwinked by an agent.

Actually no, I've been asked this in an interview (which I applied for directly) having already advertised what they would be paying.

Thanks

[Blackbeard]

Nope.
And they ain't your employers - if you don't understand that then go back to being permie.

Thanks, by Employer I meant Client.

[TheFaQQer]

Or when asked what your last rate was, increase it to the amount you want to be on, and then say you want a bit more than that - use that as your negotiating position.

As others have said though, it has no real baring on your application going forward

I never give the last rate - I laugh at the agent and tell them that they know better than to ask for a figure. If they keep pushing, I describe the rate as "competitive" or "market rate".

Two can play that game

[mattfx]

Or when asked what your last rate was, increase it to the amount you want to be on, and then say you want a bit more than that - use that as your negotiating position.

As others have said though, it has no real baring on your application going forward

[CatOnMat]

Typical exchange for me has often gone like:

Agent: What's your day rate?
Me: Depends on the project and what's involved - have they got a range in mind?


IMHO there is no point pricing the next job based on the previous one - you might have valid reasons to have a higher or lower rate on your current job e.g. I would accept a lower rate if it was 15mins away from my house, or if working for a not for profit client co which I wanted to "support".

[jmo21]

Sounds like you've been hoodwinked by an agent.

This.

A classic agency trick.

[BlueSharp]

My day rate from the last project will flex according to how much profit I want out of the the next project as agents are to dumb to understand different gigs have different costs to deliver (travel time, hotel costs etc). If you want to charge more no good telling the agent you were happy with x last month....

[BrilloPad]

Most contractors take a lower first rate to get established. Then increase to build a war chest.

[TheFaQQer]

If I was to accept a day rate less than what I normally charge (have charged for first contract role) could subsequent employers only pay me my last day rate?

They could - it depends on how well you negotiate.

Likewise, they could pay you significantly less or more than your last day rate - it depends on how well you negotiate.