Reply to: Submitted Rate Reduced Before 1st Interview

[SueEllen]

This. People saying walk away are probably sat in a contract so it's piss easy to say.



Actuall, ignore the quote above as it is supremely perposterous and yet more drivel. Doesnt matter if you've got 'decent skills' (and if you havent, what are you doing contracting?).

If you're on the bench, 90% of something is better than 100% of nothing.

I've actually walked away from contracts due to an agencies fecking around with rates or contract terms. Sometimes I've had more than one offer other times I've had to wait. I've learnt the hard way if something sounds tulip it probably is and 100% of nothing is better than 100% stress.

[Darren_Test]

This. People saying walk away are probably sat in a contract so it's piss easy to say.



Actuall, ignore the quote above as it is supremely perposterous and yet more drivel. Doesnt matter if you've got 'decent skills' (and if you havent, what are you doing contracting?).

If you're on the bench, 90% of something is better than 100% of nothing.

Exactly...

[washed up contractor]

Supply & demand in action & or they detect you need the role as you have only been a contractor 3 years.
As so many people are looking & the market is tight accept the 15% less get the role then 1st extension ask for the 15% back! Can you afford to be benched or not is the other factor only you will know the answer look at this mega thread to get a flavour for how bad the market is for some of us! http://forums.contractoruk.com/busin...arket-134.html

This. People saying walk away are probably sat in a contract so it's piss easy to say.

Ignore this.

If you have decent skills tell the agent that unless you are given the rate you agreed then they can foxtrot oscar.

Actuall, ignore the quote above as it is supremely perposterous and yet more drivel. Doesnt matter if you've got 'decent skills' (and if you havent, what are you doing contracting?).

If you're on the bench, 90% of something is better than 100% of nothing.

[TheFaQQer]

I'd say there are 2 options.

If you're confident you can get another gig at the rate you want, or you have others at interview at that rate etc. tell the agent that you're only interested in the original rate and walk away if they don't put you forward.

If you need the gig and the reduced rate is acceptable for you, I'd call the agents bluff and tell them they can put you forward for it and you'll discuss the rate reduction at the interview. Chances are they'll back down, but if not I'd consider actually asking the client at the end of the interview if you think it went well. Be careful though, if you don't do it right it could backfire. I'd maybe just say you'd like to clarify what the agent has told you, without mentioning figures. "I wouldn't normally discuss rates at an interview...." etc.

"I wouldn't normally discuss rates at an interview, but the sudden dramatic rate cut makes me question whether there are funding issues for the project" would be one approach. When they say "what dramatic rate cut?" then it becomes obvious where the idea came from.

[FrontEnder]

I'd say there are 2 options.

If you're confident you can get another gig at the rate you want, or you have others at interview at that rate etc. tell the agent that you're only interested in the original rate and walk away if they don't put you forward.

If you need the gig and the reduced rate is acceptable for you, I'd call the agents bluff and tell them they can put you forward for it and you'll discuss the rate reduction at the interview. Chances are they'll back down, but if not I'd consider actually asking the client at the end of the interview if you think it went well. Be careful though, if you don't do it right it could backfire. I'd maybe just say you'd like to clarify what the agent has told you, without mentioning figures. "I wouldn't normally discuss rates at an interview...." etc.

[Elliegirl]

I think it's pretty clear this isn't the client. And not work with them for trying to decrease the cost? You've never asked for more than an advertised rate or for an increase at renewal? It's called doing business.

Saying no to everyone that try bartering for your services isn't going to work well for you long term.

Ok let me see if I have this right. So it's not the client, it's the agent trying to increase his/her cut. If that's the case, I really don't think I would be inclined to allow that to happen on the back of my labour.

And actually, no I've never asked for more than the advertised rate or an increase at renewal. I've never been in a position where I felt I needed to but I wouldn't rule it out in the future. I'm pretty satisfied with my lot in life right now. My focus is on keeping my skills up to stay ahead of the game, recognising that the young whippersnappers are hot on my heels.

[northernladuk]

No. Straight up.
If this is even true I wouldn't want to work for this client. What's next; they'd like to make you an offer but they can't decide between three people so it goes to the lowest bidder?
In the last six months I've been contacted by a couple of agencies needing to replace people who haven't come up to the mark because they got them on the cheap.
Stand your ground. Say no to dodgy agents/clients.

I think it's pretty clear this isn't the client. And not work with them for trying to decrease the cost? You've never asked for more than an advertised rate or for an increase at renewal? It's called doing business.

Saying no to everyone that try bartering for your services isn't going to work well for you long term.

[Elliegirl]

No. Straight up.
If this is even true I wouldn't want to work for this client. What's next; they'd like to make you an offer but they can't decide between three people so it goes to the lowest bidder?
In the last six months I've been contacted by a couple of agencies needing to replace people who haven't come up to the mark because they got them on the cheap.
Stand your ground. Say no to dodgy agents/clients.

[TheFaQQer]

But at very late stage pimps might loose out as well as they may not be able to find a replacement. But if it is early stage they can project another candidate to next interview stage.

It's not hard for the agent to say to the client that you've pulled out at the last minute, but candidate number two is still available. Or to tell the client that you've asked for an increase beyond the rate agreed, so would they like to pay more or to take candidate number two.

It might work, but I'm not sure that it's blaggable without having that second role available to fall back on.

[Darren_Test]

It could if you can convince the agent you mean it, which most newbies won't be able to do. That said nor would many seasoned guys. Normally you need the gig more than the agent needs you.

But at very late stage pimps might loose out as well as they may not be able to find a replacement. But if it is early stage they can project another candidate to next interview stage.

[northernladuk]

I think best option is 'reluctantly' agree what ever the rate pimp says and complete interview process and convince client your worth. If possible get 'Linkedin' with interviewers as well. Most of the clients will not ask contract rates these days.

Get the offer and contract documents in your hand take a bit of time and ignore couple of calls from pimp. Then 'turn the table' by telling him you have higher offer so can't accept this one.

will this work..??

It could if you can convince the agent you mean it, which most newbies won't be able to do. That said nor would many seasoned guys. Normally you need the gig more than the agent needs you.

[Darren_Test]

will this work..??

I think best option is 'reluctantly' agree what ever the rate pimp says and complete interview process and convince client your worth. If possible get 'Linkedin' with interviewers as well. Most of the clients will not ask contract rates these days.

Get the offer and contract documents in your hand take a bit of time and ignore couple of calls from pimp. Then 'turn the table' by telling him you have higher offer so can't accept this one.

will this work..??

[TheFaQQer]

Insist on the rate you asked for or walk away. The money from the end client is not determined by how many applicants there are. If it is, you don't want to work there anyway.

Other views are available...

The only other view I can think of is if you cannot afford to walk away. If you can't then you need to work out how you are going to maximise your rate from here.

[northernladuk]

More likely the OP will lose the gig entirely. It happened to me once with agents fighting. Late 1990. Recession time. I was very upset.

That would be what my money would be on as it is exactly what happened to me,

Amazingly I have not repeated my mistake since. Usually I repeat mistakes several times just to be sure.

LOL. You've said that before so I believe you now

[BrilloPad]

This isn't going to work and is more likely to cause more harm that good. The second agent will get in to you and quite likely put you forward for the gig which put's you in an awful position. Also remember the second agent will say exactly what the first would and then (if he's got any sense) contact the OP and drop the rate later so you aren't gaining anything except the potential for a world of problems.

Playing agents off against each other when it's them that hold the gig you want is probably the very last idea you want to try. They are good at this. The OP probably not so. Grow some and deal with the situation with the one agent and get on with the gig.

More likely the OP will lose the gig entirely. It happened to me once with agents fighting. Late 1990. Recession time. I was very upset.

Amazingly I have not repeated my mistake since. Usually I repeat mistakes several times just to be sure.