How can you figure out what kind of rate is on offer?

[neilmcl]

IMHO everything's up for negotiation.

[d000hg]

Oh, OK. I don't actually care what the client is paying... just whether the figures agents say are actually likely to be rigid or negotiable.

[BolshieBastard]

From reading posts here, I got the impressions agents are likely to tell you a lower figure to increase the % they get to keep? If I was sure the agents were on the level, I wouldn't have this question in the first place

But you've only considered part of my suggestion!

You ask what the agent is prepared to pay to get the agent to suggest a ball park figure. Depending on the reply you either say you wanted £x per day or will be happy with what the agent said.

Too many people are obsssessed with what they asked for of £x per day when the agent knew the client was prepared to pay £y per day.

If you get the rate you wanted, so what? Just because the client would have paid up to £y per day doesnt mean you'd have got the job at that rate.

[Liability]

It depends on the deal they have with there client - some work on fixed fee on invoiced amount others work on "here is what we will pay" so it's in their interest to give you a lower rate

As an example - a well known UK Accountancy were advertising for a role 3 weeks ago for an Architect - I know the rate was £650 a day that theyd give - but I had an agency call me for £500 a day.

[d000hg]

Just ask what the client is looking to pay. Agent will then give a figure. You then know the range. If its not enough say 'I would be looking for £x per day.

From reading posts here, I got the impressions agents are likely to tell you a lower figure to increase the % they get to keep? If I was sure the agents were on the level, I wouldn't have this question in the first place

[d000hg]

Work out the rate that you want to get paid to do the job.

After that, all other thoughts on the subject are irrelevant, surely?

Surely if you took a job and you were OK with £30K and they offered £32K, you'd still try to negotiate the best you could get? Or if you wanted to buy a house and thought it was worth what it was advertised, you'd still make a lower offer if you weren't scared of other buyers?

[BolshieBastard]

Just ask what the client is looking to pay. Agent will then give a figure. You then know the range. If its not enough say 'I would be looking for £x per day.

If the agent knows client would pay that they'll tell you. If agent says client wont pay £x per day hold out for what you want or end the conversation.

But remember, the market IS getting tight out there!

[TheFaQQer]

Work out the rate that you want to get paid to do the job.

After that, all other thoughts on the subject are irrelevant, surely?

e.g. You ask for £600 a day. Agency says £500 a day. You are happy, and take the job. What does it matter after that if the rate could have paid £700 a day? You set the price, and then if they want to pay it, they will.

[zara_backdog]

The best way is to get a similarly-skilled mate to go in first and hardball them until they give up. Then you can pitch in at the 'correct' figure.

I like your style

Just may use this one.

[thunderlizard]

The best way is to get a similarly-skilled mate to go in first and hardball them until they give up. Then you can pitch in at the 'correct' figure.

[zara_backdog]

Silly question did you ask what the rate was, especially if they were going to forward you CV to the Client?

Agents normally ask me what I would work for. Almost got my fingers burned once when we did not discuss the rate beforehand which was a lot less then I expected.

[d000hg]

So an agent rang up and mentioned a gig (quite specific on work and location, didn't ask anything about what I'm currently doing). I had a question he was going to pass on to the client before going further, so he didn't mention rates, but I asked what kind of ball-park figure they were looking at.

Is there a set 'dance' that contractor and agent normally go through, like asking for 2X as much, feigning lack of interest, etc? Or do we play it by ear each time?

If it makes any difference he seemed a decent guy, helpful and no fishing questions...

Snide/rude comments about agents are welcome (and probably inevitable) but please post something relevant too