Agent asks for current rate

[unixman]

Sometimes an agent will ask what rate you are currently on. I don't blame them for wanting to know, but I tend not to tell them if possible. Apart from it being confidential and non of client B's business what you charged client A, I think it can be misleading. Eg. I charge more for architecture and design than day-to-day administration. Also expenses can differ depending on location.

Anyway what's your attitude?

[TheFaQQer]

Market rate.

[uk contractor]

Always lie tell them its more than it is but your willing to negotiate they do this all the time to see who is cheapest! Just say its way more but you will do it for less to get the role usually does the trick they love contractors who will work for slightly less it increases their margin.

[SueEllen]

Tell them the rate you want.

To be honest most of those who do that know the rate they are offering is too low.

[TheFaQQer]

Always lie tell them its more than it is but your willing to negotiate they do this all the time to see who is cheapest! Just say its way more but you will do it for less to get the role usually does the trick they love contractors who will work for slightly less it increases their margin.

I like your thinking - they want the cheapest person, so whack your rate up way more than it is and tell them that you'll be cheaper because they can talk you down.

Genius.

[TykeMerc]

Tell them the rate you want.

To be honest most of those who do that know the rate they are offering is too low.

True on both counts.

I will negotiate a bit on rate if the location is nice or the project looks really interesting, but I won't tell them that up front.

[psychocandy]

If current is a bit low, lie and tell them market rate.

Got bitten when I was a newbie. Rate was v low and I owned up to pimp. They're answer oh client wont pay for that much of an increase then. Despite last 2-3 contracts being at this rate.

[northernladuk]

If current is a bit low, lie and tell them market rate.

Got bitten when I was a newbie. Rate was v low and I owned up to pimp. They're answer oh client wont pay for that much of an increase then. Despite last 2-3 contracts being at this rate.

Why do even have to lie? It's a negotiation. Just tell them what you want.

[TheFaQQer]

Why do even have to lie? It's a negotiation. Just tell them what you want.

Because despite what your parents might tell you, honestly is never the right policy

Nothing sets the expectations of the relationship so clearly as starting off with a needless lie.

[sal]

Why do even have to lie? It's a negotiation. Just tell them what you want.

What's the difference between telling what you want and telling a lie?

Personally i just tell them the amount i'm looking for from my next role