Reply to: Need some "rates" advice please!

[The Lone Gunman]

Once I've clocked up another 6 months contracting experience, I've told them I'm going to review my rates again
VBM

Now that is a good attitude, shame it wont get you anywhere. If you can get 30 an hour elsewhere then go elsewhere.
They want you because you are the cheapest way of getting the job done.

You have to be mercenary in this game. Nobody else is looking out for your welfare.

[VBM2]

The contract I did last week that I've already mentioned involved me writing a macro script in VBA/SQL/ADO to export data from Excel workbooks into a big Access database that the companies clients' use. So it is proper programming work.

Well.. I have proposed that my wage fourthcoming shall be between £8-£10 an hour and the company has accepted it. They made it quite clear they wanted to use moi again so... Thanks for your help guys, I appreciate it. Once I've clocked up another 6 months contracting experience, I've told them I'm going to review my rates again and they were happy for me to do that so all good

VBM

[BoredBloke]

"He's 19 FFS!"

And what difference should that make? If he is doing the work he should get the rate. Why should the fact that he is 19 mean that he has to accept £35 per day. I would say £100 is on the low side.

Obviously it depends on what he is actually doing. Is he programming in VBA or is he just recording macros?

[The Late, Great JC]

Oh right I see what you mean now haha. I paid via cheque to IR

How did you calculate your contributions?

Anyway, get yourself on a .NET course, form a PLC (Only paupers use a Ltd.) and then start charging £6.5k a day.

[VBM2]

Anyways, I've made meh decision. Thanks for all your help

[VBM2]

Oh right I see what you mean now haha. I paid via cheque to IR

[The Late, Great JC]

I have just been invoicing the companies once the jobs are complete. In April, I didn't even need to fill out a self assessment form because IR told me I didn't need to - came as a bit of a shock I must admit.

I don't trade under a limited company. I assume... I should though?

How are you paying your Tax & NI?

[VBM2]

I have just been invoicing the companies once the jobs are complete. In April, I didn't even need to fill out a self assessment form because IR told me I didn't need to - came as a bit of a shock I must admit.

I don't trade under a limited company. I assume... I should though?

[The Late, Great JC]

Maybe you should have a word with "Pop", he likes eager young boys!

[The Late, Great JC]

Are you running the contract through a limited company?

If not, how are you paid?

Have you got Public Liability Insurance?

Are you just a doley who's getting a few quid on the sly?

[The Lone Gunman]

Come on guys stop this thread.

Its very easy to find out, go to the Job Search page and put your skills in then search.
See what comes back.

Did a quick look.
VB6 and VBA skills
Min 20 per hour, some 270 a day max 400 in the city.

Do the research FFS

[Bagpuss]

£35 per day - and all the pi55 taken out of you for free. I would say that you should be on a minimum of £100 per day.

He's 19 FFS!

[BoredBloke]

£35 per day - and all the pi55 taken out of you for free. I would say that you should be on a minimum of £100 per day.

[VBM2]

Haha! I'm amazed at how companies take advantage of the whole "age" thing. They think the younger and inexperienced you are, the more reason it gives them to pay you less, regardless of your skills. One reason why I've HAD to charge so little was because I wanted to attract more customers to use moi frequently and I didn't really have a contractors reputation. Had to build myself up kinda thing.

I'm from East Midlands by the way...

[xoggoth]

Depends on sector and location. In sticks VB6/VBA in excel/access for longer term contracts can be as low as £12 ph, do same work in city (but I assume financial knowledge is an at least as important part of this) and can be more like £45. You have to be able to get the clints of course but what you are charging seems crazily low. I would think of at least £10ph.