Reply to: Rate lowered halfway through contract

[P1mpAndPr0ud]

...the other option is to use it to get away from the agent and get the contract via another agency on the clients PSL or go direct... state that you hold them in breach of contract...

But don't do the two things together! Don't forget that your contract is with the Agency, and there will undoubtedly be a handcuff clause in there. If you "go direct" or to another agency, it'll be YOU who is in breach of contract... tread VERY carefully.

[Old Greg]

Sorry I missed this - what a fun thead.

If you really wanted revenge, phone the agent to say that you want a 10% increase. Then deny it to the end client and say that the agent must now be trying to pull a fast one in the opposite direction.

[Svalbaard]

I had it once where i contacted the agent to advise them of the markup they were making. They swore blind that they were making much less.

I reminded them that I was the PM and I was receiving their invoices for me. Told them that at renewal I would charge the same and they would get less - after all I had a budget to think about

Client was also happy as I didn't increase my £££ which I could have alternately done so was happy to offer more work.

I did exactly the same thing on my last contract SP. Having this sort of information is one of the advantages of being a PM.

[Sockpuppet]

I haven't even had to dig around this time to find out what the client is getting charged, so I can see if the agent is taking a bigger cut than I'd like, and squeeze them at renewal.

The PM (who happens to be a tasty MILF) has mentioned on more than one occasion in meetings I've had a one to one with her: "so if it's going to take x days for you to do the work, then that's xxxx pounds from the budget, ok no problem".

Just hope I get a renewal so I can use this knowledge to my advantage!

I had it once where i contacted the agent to advise them of the markup they were making. They swore blind that they were making much less.

I reminded them that I was the PM and I was receiving their invoices for me. Told them that at renewal I would charge the same and they would get less - after all I had a budget to think about

Client was also happy as I didn't increase my £££ which I could have alternately done so was happy to offer more work.

[BrilloPad]

Sometime next year.

Not about to line myself up for a deluge of junkmail from the dodgy agents on here.

Merry christmas all you agents.

eh?

you have no email address available. will they all PM?

My last day of contract is 12th Oct : please feel free to PM me with job offers......

[PAH]

When is contract up?

Sometime next year.

Not about to line myself up for a deluge of junkmail from the dodgy agents on here.

Merry christmas all you agents.

[tim123]

I haven't even had to dig around this time to find out what the client is getting charged, so I can see if the agent is taking a bigger cut than I'd like, and squeeze them at renewal.

The PM (who happens to be a tasty MILF) has mentioned on more than one occasion in meetings I've had a one to one with her: "so if it's going to take x days for you to do the work, then that's xxxx pounds from the budget, ok no problem".

This may not relate to how much you cost though.

I have worked for many companies where contractor internal hourly rates charged to a project were marked up to includ fixed costs

tim

[BrilloPad]

I haven't even had to dig around this time to find out what the client is getting charged, so I can see if the agent is taking a bigger cut than I'd like, and squeeze them at renewal.

The PM (who happens to be a tasty MILF) has mentioned on more than one occasion in meetings I've had a one to one with her: "so if it's going to take x days for you to do the work, then that's xxxx pounds from the budget, ok no problem".

Just hope I get a renewal so I can use this knowledge to my advantage!

When is contract up?

[PAH]

Some of them believe that contractors don't talk to their client about the rates as well.

I haven't even had to dig around this time to find out what the client is getting charged, so I can see if the agent is taking a bigger cut than I'd like, and squeeze them at renewal.

The PM (who happens to be a tasty MILF) has mentioned on more than one occasion in meetings I've had a one to one with her: "so if it's going to take x days for you to do the work, then that's xxxx pounds from the budget, ok no problem".

Just hope I get a renewal so I can use this knowledge to my advantage!

[pmeswani]

Do these numpties really think that clients don't talk to the consultants they use?

tim

Some of them do. Some of them believe that contractors don't talk to their client about the rates as well.

[tim123]

Spoke to client last week, they said the rate hadnt changed which is what I had suspected, spoke to agent who said they are still waiting for reply from client, so went back to client who contacted agent, client not happy with agent, agent not happy with me bt its thier fault for trying to pull a fast one, wont use them again once this contract is up!
Just goes to show it pays to get both sides of the story

And what does the agent think would have happened if you had said:

"no I won't take the discount, I'd rather leave" and he said "OK" (which is presumably what he would have little option but to say).

The client would then come to you and ask "Why are you leaving?".

Do these numpties really think that clients don't talk to the consultants they use?

tim

[Liability]

If you've caught the agency out in a lie I would get it documented and then use that as leverage to get a rate increase to REDUCE their margin, ideally to zero.

Since the client has backed you up the other option is to use it to get away from the agent and get the contract via another agency on the clients PSL or go direct the agency that lied can't very well take you to court as they're proven liars.

Whatever happens write a letter to the board members of the Agency with a copy to the individual agent that tried it on and clearly accuse them of lying and sharp practice, state that you hold them in breach of contract as they've proven themselves to be untrustworthy.

Good advice - I agree this is just sheer craziness! [not like it hasnt happened before] but the fact that you have evidence AND your end clinet probably onside is enough for you to make the most of it.

Good on you for find out and catching the bastards

[TykeMerc]

Spoke to client last week, they said the rate hadnt changed which is what I had suspected, spoke to agent who said they are still waiting for reply from client, so went back to client who contacted agent, client not happy with agent, agent not happy with me bt its thier fault for trying to pull a fast one, wont use them again once this contract is up!
Just goes to show it pays to get both sides of the story

If you've caught the agency out in a lie I would get it documented and then use that as leverage to get a rate increase to REDUCE their margin, ideally to zero.

Since the client has backed you up the other option is to use it to get away from the agent and get the contract via another agency on the clients PSL or go direct the agency that lied can't very well take you to court as they're proven liars.

Whatever happens write a letter to the board members of the Agency with a copy to the individual agent that tried it on and clearly accuse them of lying and sharp practice, state that you hold them in breach of contract as they've proven themselves to be untrustworthy.

[Beefy198]

Been caught lying...... they're not happy but who cares

Name and shame.... but probably best to wait until after your contract

[kutsu]

Spoke to client last week, they said the rate hadnt changed which is what I had suspected, spoke to agent who said they are still waiting for reply from client, so went back to client who contacted agent, client not happy with agent, agent not happy with me bt its thier fault for trying to pull a fast one, wont use them again once this contract is up!
Just goes to show it pays to get both sides of the story