Prolongation of contract offered but want a rise - did I play this one optimally?

[Gym beast]

It's a negotiation, they are never optimal.

The only thing missing from your tale is the bit about when you spoke to client and how you were going to ask for a rate rise. You did discuss it directly with the client?

Right after the offer. Politely told another member of staff who happened to be along to the meeting I wanted to discuss 'Business, nothing about you". I'm sure he knew what about though.


I just said I'd talking to the agency about a rise, and the fact I am on less than market rates is not the client's concern YET, but a heads-up, there may be some negotiations involved. He thanked me for letting him know.


He (client) has confirmed the agents have been in touch and asked me for numeric details, I have told him what increase I want (both in £&%). He's gonna chat to his boss.



To the other poster - yes, perfectly happy to walk out if I don't get the increase.

[JRCT]

I don't understand. It sounds like you're in a win-win. You're happy to stay if they give you £x. If not, then you're happy to walk.

Unless you'd really be happy with £Y, but you said £X.

[TheFaQQer]

Anything else I could say next time for a stronger case?

Maybe add in some justification of why you deserve a rise, so that when they go back to the client and tell them you are demanding an increase before you walk, they have something to negotiate with.

[flipFlop]

One Wishes to Prolong

Anything else I could say next time for a stronger case?

You "gonna" say this: "I wish to prolong my offered contract with an optimal rise, my dear boy."

[TestMangler]

Prolongation ????? Seriously ???

Think you need to perform updation on your thread title.

[Gym beast]

Got dragged into a meeting and told I have another piece of (similar) work to get done for another month.


If I want it.


However, that takes me into the sunnier months, which I despise working, and my SC is getting close to years end so needs renewal. (Current contract non-SC).


Sent a note saying, "Gonna need X or it's my last week". Despite almost nobody hating the scummier 85% of agent timewasters more than I do, I see no point being harsh and abusive on the phone to the other 15% who DO get me work.


He phones up, friendly chat but I make it clear that the rate wasn't great for market, I have other projects in pipeline, added it all up in my head so that's the figure, happy to take it and continue or leave it after doing a wholehearted handover to my successor....


He gave me the usual crap about, "Oh we're on a razor thin markup, our accounts are transparent", yeah yeah course they are.


Well aware I need to be prepared to walk - in fact I AM.


So, the ball's in their court. Anything else I could say next time for a stronger case?