Why do Indian recruiters always want to knock $5.00 of my asking rate?

Question

Why do Indian recruiters ask me if the rate is negotiable and offer me $5.00 off the asking rate, no matter what the asking rate is, (within the first minute of the call) ?

MrGuts · Accepted Answer

Good question!Maybe they are trying to show due diligence to a supervisor? Or maybe they are working from a script?Or, maybe they are "passing you through" to another agency? They take the $5 off as part of their cut, then re-represent you at your full rate downstream? It might be their way to collect a headhunter fee. Normally a company pays a headhunter fee, but these cats may be working both ends.Here's an idea: tell them you'd turn down the $5 cut, but would accept a $4.37 cut to the rate. Get them off their script or budget, and see what happens.

tsol · Answer

This may sound ridiculous.. but why don't you ask one? You'd be surprised what people will just tell you if you ask nicely and nonchalantly enough

didntknowya · Answer

I would just raise my rates. It's probably so they can show their boss they tried negotiating and got a special rate lower than the advertised one.Everyone wants to feel like they got a good deal.

icedchai · Answer

Just raise your rate before you talk to them, then you won't care.