Reply to: Computer Futures

[Georgey48]

Near the bottom of the food chain I'd say

They're always phoning and emailing but rarely anything comes of it. Often, there is an extremely vague spec or a spec that has clearly been written by someone with no software knowledge.

[Tasslehoff]

I echo the sentiment in this thread. Dealt with some right tools via Computer Futures and I know their mark-up is crazy. However my favourite agent (we all have one!), works through Real Staffing (Real staffing are part of S3) and she is bloody brilliant.

[SussexSeagull]

28/30 day terms are becoming more common so far as I can see. I guess if we want to be seen as proper business we need to start accepting it.

[Kess]

I'm on monthly invoicing and then 60 day terms

Wow, I'll stop grumbling!

[TheFaQQer]

I just had a call from a CF agent about a possible role and literally the first thing she did was explain their 28 day payment terms (even before saying anything about the role). I thought that was a bit odd; perhaps they're feeling a bit self-conscious about it.

Anyway, I'm currently on 21 day terms which is bearable but 28 days is getting silly. Anyone know if CF are willing to negotiate on the payment terms, or is it a case of take it or leave it?

I've had plenty of non-CF contracts on a weekly invoicing and 28 day payment terms - I don't see anything unusual there.

Currently direct and I'm on monthly invoicing and then 60 day terms, so weekly and 28 days seems fantastic to me.

[Kess]

I just had a call from a CF agent about a possible role and literally the first thing she did was explain their 28 day payment terms (even before saying anything about the role). I thought that was a bit odd; perhaps they're feeling a bit self-conscious about it.

Anyway, I'm currently on 21 day terms which is bearable but 28 days is getting silly. Anyone know if CF are willing to negotiate on the payment terms, or is it a case of take it or leave it?

[ASCII]

Happy to look into it for you ASCII, I have sent you a PM.

Many thanks for all your help Andy much appreciated.

[Scratch It]

What does your contract say about payment terms?

If it says 28 days then that's what it is. You signed it.



I hate to be defending CF , but...

It's a known tactic that some agents will put forward the candidate that gets them the biggest margin. You could have asked for more but then maybe now you wouldn't be on site. As long as the client is happy with your work (for the price they are paying) then put this one down to experience and do a better job of negotiating next time - at renewal perhaps.

Hypothetical situation then - agent has three candidates for a job. First one wants 300 a day, second 400 a day and third 500 a day. Client is prepared to pay 550 a day. All candidates suitable for role though 300 a day candidate has less experience than other two. Agent happy to put first candidate to client and client happy. Just good business on behalf of agent. If candidate one throws toys out of pram demanding a better rate I think I woukd be pissed off as an agent. Agents are difficult people to work with, but cant fault them for you accepting a job at your agreed rate.

[Andy Hallett]

I don't feel sorry for any profession where there whole business model is screwing people over.

'their'

Believe it or not, we'd be out of business if that was our business model. Our model relies on giving our clients and contractors a good service, in our market place we have thousands of competitors and our customers will vote with their feet if we fall short.

I've not heard anything from the poster that bumped this thread. To clarify, our payment terms are 28 days for limited companies and we do a daily payment run each working day. The majority of our UK contractors are on a weekly worksheet cycle and our portal allows contractors to see when their payments have been approved and then they will be paid.

My offer to review this issue remains open ASCII.

[Wanderer]

Indeed. Sometimes I actually feel a little bit sorry for agents. It's all in the contract, everyone signs and is happy and then they have to deal with people who didn't read not understand their contracts. Must be soul destroying at times.

I don't feel sorry for any profession where there whole business model is screwing people over.

OK. 10 seconds have passed and don't feel sorry anymore. F### em.

Ahhh, normal service has been resumed.

[jmo21]

For what's it's worth my last contract was with CF and it was fine, always paid on time.

I was told up front it was 30 days billing but weekly invoicing.

[Andy Hallett]

Happy to look into it for you ASCII, I have sent you a PM.

[northernladuk]

I was not sent the full contract with terms only a 2 page summery outlining rates etc the actual contract was sent once I started.

So you didn't get it reviewed by QDOS and don't really know your IR35 situation then either?

[TheFaQQer]

I was not sent the full contract with terms only a 2 page summery outlining rates etc the actual contract was sent once I started.

Well there's a lesson to learn there - don't start work until you see the contract, get it reviewed and signed.

[Contreras]

Just started a contract with CF beginning to regret it as no point was I told about having to wait 28 days before I get paid. I have told them and they are not willing to budge on this.

What does your contract say about payment terms?

If it says 28 days then that's what it is. You signed it.

Further more I think they are taking a lot more money from the client than I am being paid, I'm sure the margin is very high. Do you think it is a good idea to discuss this with the client ? I am thinking of walking away from this contract, though cannot fault the client just the terms of every thing is a bit of a mess.

I hate to be defending CF , but...

It's a known tactic that some agents will put forward the candidate that gets them the biggest margin. You could have asked for more but then maybe now you wouldn't be on site. As long as the client is happy with your work (for the price they are paying) then put this one down to experience and do a better job of negotiating next time - at renewal perhaps.