I've not seen any discussion around this.

Sabine Morrow

July 6,2022 at 3:24PM UTC

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I've not seen any discussion around this. When recruiters reach out for contract roles, they always say the client won't go any higher than x. But they are quoting you the retail price. There is likely 35-50% margin that the recruiter makes if they place a candidate. What is the best approach to negotiating that rate and making the recruiter reduce their margin?

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AnonymousJuly 6,2022 at 3:37PM UTC
The recruiter has many options for candidates to present to their end client. You’d be better off asking for a shorter contract so the company can scoop you up as an employee sooner.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 6,2022 at 9:15PM UTC
Not all contracts are contract to hire.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 6,2022 at 6:00PM UTC
Sometimes they can go higher, sometimes they can't.
You can ask "can they (meaning the end client, not the staffing company - I don't let on that I know it's actually the staffing company that would be increasing the rate) do better on the rate?"
Personally, I'm not afraid to walk away from a rate that's too low so I just tell them "that rate is too low - what's the maximum?". I'd say about 60% of the time they come up on the rate.
AbbyJuly 6,2022 at 6:53PM UTC
I really recommend the book Never Split the Difference as an incredible guide to negotiating regardless of the situation!