Discussing current rate

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ddaft replied

30 August 2008, 11:53
Some good ideas - thanks for the advice everyone
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expat replied

29 August 2008, 09:07
Originally posted by ddaft View Post

I am about to start talking to agents about a new gig. I would like to get a 15% rise out of it and know that that would be a fair market rate. I am considering telling any agents that my current rate is 10% higher than it actually is to make the rise look more modest to them and clients.
Do agents confirm rates with previous agents as would happen with permie salaries? Has anyone had any experience of trying such a strategy that they could share?

Not answering agents' questions directly is a valuable contractor negotiating skill. I mean that: if they ask and you answer, it is they who are running your life.
Leave a comment:
cojak replied

29 August 2008, 08:55
Originally posted by TazMaN View Post

You could do that, and it might well work. I doubt very much that anyone could "confirm" your previous rate.

My way of negotiating is a little different... I simply state the rate I want and that I will be happy with. My previous rate should have no bearing on my next contract rate, as far as I'm concerned. After all, if you're not happy with the rate offered then don't take the contract.

If you want x+15%, then just tell the agency/client that rate. Don't say you're on x at current client but you want x+15% now from new client. State the rate you are happy with, and go from there.

WHS...

and dismiss the "and what is the lowest rate you'd be prepared to work for" tulipe.

Simply repeat the above...
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VectraMan replied

29 August 2008, 08:10
Just lie. They won't check.

I've found they tend to ask things in more general ways anyway, i.e. "what sort of rates do you work at", rather than specific roles. If they show too much interest in your current client, then chances are they're just fishing for business and wasting your time.
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NotAllThere replied

29 August 2008, 07:44
My current rate is rather higher than the industry average. I've no problem with disclosing it to agents. It means that they don't bother me with junior roles.
Leave a comment:
ChimpMaster replied

29 August 2008, 07:40
You could do that, and it might well work. I doubt very much that anyone could "confirm" your previous rate.

My way of negotiating is a little different... I simply state the rate I want and that I will be happy with. My previous rate should have no bearing on my next contract rate, as far as I'm concerned. After all, if you're not happy with the rate offered then don't take the contract.

If you want x+15%, then just tell the agency/client that rate. Don't say you're on x at current client but you want x+15% now from new client. State the rate you are happy with, and go from there.
Leave a comment:
ddaft started a topic Discussing current rate

29 August 2008, 07:12
Discussing current rate

I am about to start talking to agents about a new gig. I would like to get a 15% rise out of it and know that that would be a fair market rate. I am considering telling any agents that my current rate is 10% higher than it actually is to make the rise look more modest to them and clients.
Do agents confirm rates with previous agents as would happen with permie salaries? Has anyone had any experience of trying such a strategy that they could share?
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