Reply to: ever lost a contract after negotiation started

[MrMarkyMark]

It's been a few days now and agent's now saying the client can't even stretch to the min rate offered. Agent's all 'take it or leave it'

Blimey.

Either the agents a lying git or you have a multi tiered agency arrangement where things can go this way.

[kaiser78]

WHS

If the offer is for an acceptable rate and you are on the bench, your best bet is to take it. Once on site you will eventually find out how much the client is paying for you, if they too played you, negotiate rate increase on renewal.

A week on the bench will cost you more money than 10% rate drop for 3m contract

It's been a few days now and agent's now saying the client can't even stretch to the min rate offered. Agent's all 'take it or leave it' <modsnip>

Sal is completely right - you need to take it buddy, otherwise will lose out totally. Is that really what you want ?

[bikeman]

It's been a few days now and agent's now saying the client can't even stretch to the min rate offered. Agent's all 'take it or leave it' <modsnip>

[sal]

If you're working for minimum acceptable, take it. You'll often be able to find out what the agent is fleecing you and the agent for a month down the line. There are some great fun and games to be had after you've proved yourself to the client and they want to extend you. I've know one client manager absolutely cripple the agent to £40/day after taking the mickey and blagging their way to around £200 commission.

WHS

If the offer is for an acceptable rate and you are on the bench, your best bet is to take it. Once on site you will eventually find out how much the client is paying for you, if they too played you, negotiate rate increase on renewal.

A week on the bench will cost you more money than 10% rate drop for 3m contract

[LondonManc]

If you're working for minimum acceptable, take it. You'll often be able to find out what the agent is fleecing you and the agent for a month down the line. There are some great fun and games to be had after you've proved yourself to the client and they want to extend you. I've know one client manager absolutely cripple the agent to £40/day after taking the mickey and blagging their way to around £200 commission.

[VillageContractor]

TBH I was focusing more on the fact the OP has been on the bench. If you're in a role and/or have other roles lined up then definitely pull the agent up on this trick.

But if I was desperate I probably wouldn't want to rock the boat.

[TheGreenBastard]

One of the most common agent margin increasing tactics - which is why it's odd to hear so many recommend the submissive approach.

Do you honestly trust they made a mistake on the role listing?

All that time to correct it, but only do so after interviewing...

[squarepeg]

Cashflow is king. I'd take it.

[adubya]

Nothing worse than this.

IF you can play hardball, I'd be tempted to say something like "Oh I've just connected Mr ClientInterviewer on LinkedIn. I'll ping him a message and find out what the story is as they didn't mention any issue with the rate at the interview".

Wouldn't be surprised if that changes things with the agent.

^^^ I'd be tempted with that as a first response to try and flush out the agent BS.

[jmo21]

Agent calls back later saying the range in job spec was a bit high and client's range now tops out at the bottom end of the advertised range.

Nothing worse than this.

IF you can play hardball, I'd be tempted to say something like "Oh I've just connected Mr ClientInterviewer on LinkedIn. I'll ping him a message and find out what the story is as they didn't mention any issue with the rate at the interview".

Wouldn't be surprised if that changes things with the agent.

[VillageContractor]

Like others have said it's better to be in a contract that out of one. Not worth losing a contract, especially when it's over the rate

[uk contractor]

Take whatever is being offered hardball = no contract unless you have massive leverage!

[MrMarkyMark]

Any tips for negotiating?

Had interview, client obviously interested because agent's called and asked me to confirm rate, which I do.

Agent calls back later saying the range in job spec was a bit high and client's range now tops out at the bottom end of the advertised range.

I assume that they've actually already agreed a rate and he's just working on me for more margin.

Thing is I'm idle at the moment so I'm apprehensive about playing hardball and losing the contract.

There's your answer just there.

[BlasterBates]

If you're idle and you need it I'm afraid you don't have much negotiating clout. Get your rate up at the next renewal is my advice. No harm in a "feeble" ask for more, but you can't afford to play hard ball.

[northernladuk]

First question you should have asked is if the agent is on a fixed rate and got that confirmed in a mail. That way you know the agent isnt trying to rip you off.

What figures are we talking here. Way under market rate? 100s of pounds? "How much would you do gig for? No point pushing 20 to 50 quid if you are losing days billing. It's just a short term gig, if it's a little under market it's not exactly going to put you on the breadline and it's only for a short period. Get a good warchest sorted and then you can play hardball with the next gig.