Website design By BotEap.comIndependent contractors may feel they don’t have much bargaining power. They are told what the hourly rate is and the number of hours expected and feel like there is not much, if anything, to negotiate. They also have the idea that if they don’t agree to the terms, someone else will and they lose the business. However, I believe that everything is negotiable. Here are some tips to keep in mind when trying to negotiate the best deal for your independent contractor assignment.

Website design By BotEap.comEverything is Negotiable.

Website design By BotEap.comAlthough at first glance it may seem that you do not have much influence in the negotiation; look again. While each company understandably has its own rates or standards and is reluctant to make changes to those rates, try to determine what can be negotiated before accepting an assignment.

Website design By BotEap.comA. Failures per hour.

Website design By BotEap.comEven if you think the hourly rate is non-negotiable, you should review it. If you have many years of experience, are certified and highly respected, then it may be time to ask for an increase in your hourly rate. You can also try to get a flat rate for the job instead of an hourly rate. However, even if you’re happy to stick with the offered hourly rate, keep an eye out for other things that can be negotiated.

Website design By BotEap.comB. Meals.

Website design By BotEap.comWe know that many companies don’t want you to eat at work, and their philosophy is that customers shouldn’t watch their contractors eat. However, some companies give a per diem rate for meals based on the hours the contractor has worked. Even if you don’t meet that threshold, you may want to request payment or reimbursement for meals, if you are working during a period of time to eat.

Website design By BotEap.comC. Bonus.

Website design By BotEap.comIf you get a call at the last minute to do a job, ask for a bonus or a big assignment in the future to accept the assignment. “I’ll make some phone calls and change my plans, but I’m hoping for an extra $50 bonus” or “I’ll take this job, but next time I have an important assignment, I hope you’ll call me.”

Website design By BotEap.comD. Assignments.

Website design By BotEap.comYou know which tasks you love and which ones are heavy. Try to figure out how to get the assignments you really like. You have to pay your fair share, but be so good at all the assignments that you’ll be the one they call.

Website design By BotEap.comE. Telephone calls or out-of-pocket expenses.

Website design By BotEap.comSince any money you pay out of pocket is money taken out of your paycheck, see if you can afford these costs. If you are expected to use your cell phone, you must be reimbursed.

Website design By BotEap.comG. Heavy lifting.

Website design By BotEap.comFind out ahead of time if there are any heavy lifting or other requirements you may not find out about until the day of the assignment. I found out the hard way when I ended up carrying a very heavy and cumbersome box. If you have a bad back or don’t want to insult your good back, you need to know the task requirements beforehand so that you can decline or accept it. If you accept, ask for a bonus.

Website design By BotEap.comH. Hours of Work.

Website design By BotEap.comSome people like to work those early shifts and others are night owls. If you dread those early assignments or don’t like driving late at night, order what you want. If you continually take on those unwanted assignments, let it be known that you expect something in return later.

Website design By BotEap.comI. Convenience.

Website design By BotEap.comConsider convenience before accepting an assignment. Sometimes there is a task closer to home that will save you travel time. You may be willing to accept a lower rate because it’s close to home. On the other hand, if you’re taking an assignment away, especially at the last minute, ask for a rebate for your gas money.

Website design By BotEap.comAs you start to think about what is tradeable, the list is endless. Soon you’ll be negotiating like a pro.