What should I know or ask when negotiating a contract?

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I responded to an RFP (request for proposal) for a contracting position.



The RFP specified a 1 year contract, with a possibility of a second year.



I have reason to believe there's a reasonable chance that this position could transition to a full-time employed position.



In the proposal I sent, I mentioned a salary figure as my proposed contract compensation.



I'm a little worried that I may have come in a bit low; the figure is roughly 50% more than what I currently make in my full time position (which I would have to leave to take the contract position).



I've contracted before, but either through an agency, or for short term side work at an hourly rate.



For reference, I'm in the US, and I will be able to switch to my wife's health insurance policy (which is slightly more out-of-pocket cost for me, but it's a vastly better policy).



The interview seemed to go well. If they do decide that they want to hire me, what can I expect to happen? What questions do I need to ask?



Main concerns I have are:



  • salaried vs hourly compensation


  • sick/vacation time


  • how taxes will be handled







share|improve this question

















  • 1




    If this question is too broad or opinion based, I can edit to focus on specific areas. However, this is all new to me, so I'm really trying to get a feeling in general of what to expect, and what to watch out for.
    – Beofett
    May 13 '16 at 16:10











  • RFP mystery abbreviation?
    – zipzit
    May 13 '16 at 16:29











  • Request for Proposal
    – Chris E
    May 13 '16 at 16:32










  • @zipzit request for proposal. I've edited to define it.
    – Beofett
    May 13 '16 at 16:33










  • If you have medical coverage from another source, a 1099 contract employee has some nice other benefits. If you are an employee, you can't claim mileage. If you are an independent contractor working at a facility, your mileage from home to that office is deductible, etc...
    – zipzit
    May 13 '16 at 16:38
















up vote
3
down vote

favorite
1












I responded to an RFP (request for proposal) for a contracting position.



The RFP specified a 1 year contract, with a possibility of a second year.



I have reason to believe there's a reasonable chance that this position could transition to a full-time employed position.



In the proposal I sent, I mentioned a salary figure as my proposed contract compensation.



I'm a little worried that I may have come in a bit low; the figure is roughly 50% more than what I currently make in my full time position (which I would have to leave to take the contract position).



I've contracted before, but either through an agency, or for short term side work at an hourly rate.



For reference, I'm in the US, and I will be able to switch to my wife's health insurance policy (which is slightly more out-of-pocket cost for me, but it's a vastly better policy).



The interview seemed to go well. If they do decide that they want to hire me, what can I expect to happen? What questions do I need to ask?



Main concerns I have are:



  • salaried vs hourly compensation


  • sick/vacation time


  • how taxes will be handled







share|improve this question

















  • 1




    If this question is too broad or opinion based, I can edit to focus on specific areas. However, this is all new to me, so I'm really trying to get a feeling in general of what to expect, and what to watch out for.
    – Beofett
    May 13 '16 at 16:10











  • RFP mystery abbreviation?
    – zipzit
    May 13 '16 at 16:29











  • Request for Proposal
    – Chris E
    May 13 '16 at 16:32










  • @zipzit request for proposal. I've edited to define it.
    – Beofett
    May 13 '16 at 16:33










  • If you have medical coverage from another source, a 1099 contract employee has some nice other benefits. If you are an employee, you can't claim mileage. If you are an independent contractor working at a facility, your mileage from home to that office is deductible, etc...
    – zipzit
    May 13 '16 at 16:38












up vote
3
down vote

favorite
1









up vote
3
down vote

favorite
1






1





I responded to an RFP (request for proposal) for a contracting position.



The RFP specified a 1 year contract, with a possibility of a second year.



I have reason to believe there's a reasonable chance that this position could transition to a full-time employed position.



In the proposal I sent, I mentioned a salary figure as my proposed contract compensation.



I'm a little worried that I may have come in a bit low; the figure is roughly 50% more than what I currently make in my full time position (which I would have to leave to take the contract position).



I've contracted before, but either through an agency, or for short term side work at an hourly rate.



For reference, I'm in the US, and I will be able to switch to my wife's health insurance policy (which is slightly more out-of-pocket cost for me, but it's a vastly better policy).



The interview seemed to go well. If they do decide that they want to hire me, what can I expect to happen? What questions do I need to ask?



Main concerns I have are:



  • salaried vs hourly compensation


  • sick/vacation time


  • how taxes will be handled







share|improve this question













I responded to an RFP (request for proposal) for a contracting position.



The RFP specified a 1 year contract, with a possibility of a second year.



I have reason to believe there's a reasonable chance that this position could transition to a full-time employed position.



In the proposal I sent, I mentioned a salary figure as my proposed contract compensation.



I'm a little worried that I may have come in a bit low; the figure is roughly 50% more than what I currently make in my full time position (which I would have to leave to take the contract position).



I've contracted before, but either through an agency, or for short term side work at an hourly rate.



For reference, I'm in the US, and I will be able to switch to my wife's health insurance policy (which is slightly more out-of-pocket cost for me, but it's a vastly better policy).



The interview seemed to go well. If they do decide that they want to hire me, what can I expect to happen? What questions do I need to ask?



Main concerns I have are:



  • salaried vs hourly compensation


  • sick/vacation time


  • how taxes will be handled









share|improve this question












share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited May 13 '16 at 16:34
























asked May 13 '16 at 16:08









Beofett

1,87821523




1,87821523







  • 1




    If this question is too broad or opinion based, I can edit to focus on specific areas. However, this is all new to me, so I'm really trying to get a feeling in general of what to expect, and what to watch out for.
    – Beofett
    May 13 '16 at 16:10











  • RFP mystery abbreviation?
    – zipzit
    May 13 '16 at 16:29











  • Request for Proposal
    – Chris E
    May 13 '16 at 16:32










  • @zipzit request for proposal. I've edited to define it.
    – Beofett
    May 13 '16 at 16:33










  • If you have medical coverage from another source, a 1099 contract employee has some nice other benefits. If you are an employee, you can't claim mileage. If you are an independent contractor working at a facility, your mileage from home to that office is deductible, etc...
    – zipzit
    May 13 '16 at 16:38












  • 1




    If this question is too broad or opinion based, I can edit to focus on specific areas. However, this is all new to me, so I'm really trying to get a feeling in general of what to expect, and what to watch out for.
    – Beofett
    May 13 '16 at 16:10











  • RFP mystery abbreviation?
    – zipzit
    May 13 '16 at 16:29











  • Request for Proposal
    – Chris E
    May 13 '16 at 16:32










  • @zipzit request for proposal. I've edited to define it.
    – Beofett
    May 13 '16 at 16:33










  • If you have medical coverage from another source, a 1099 contract employee has some nice other benefits. If you are an employee, you can't claim mileage. If you are an independent contractor working at a facility, your mileage from home to that office is deductible, etc...
    – zipzit
    May 13 '16 at 16:38







1




1




If this question is too broad or opinion based, I can edit to focus on specific areas. However, this is all new to me, so I'm really trying to get a feeling in general of what to expect, and what to watch out for.
– Beofett
May 13 '16 at 16:10





If this question is too broad or opinion based, I can edit to focus on specific areas. However, this is all new to me, so I'm really trying to get a feeling in general of what to expect, and what to watch out for.
– Beofett
May 13 '16 at 16:10













RFP mystery abbreviation?
– zipzit
May 13 '16 at 16:29





RFP mystery abbreviation?
– zipzit
May 13 '16 at 16:29













Request for Proposal
– Chris E
May 13 '16 at 16:32




Request for Proposal
– Chris E
May 13 '16 at 16:32












@zipzit request for proposal. I've edited to define it.
– Beofett
May 13 '16 at 16:33




@zipzit request for proposal. I've edited to define it.
– Beofett
May 13 '16 at 16:33












If you have medical coverage from another source, a 1099 contract employee has some nice other benefits. If you are an employee, you can't claim mileage. If you are an independent contractor working at a facility, your mileage from home to that office is deductible, etc...
– zipzit
May 13 '16 at 16:38




If you have medical coverage from another source, a 1099 contract employee has some nice other benefits. If you are an employee, you can't claim mileage. If you are an independent contractor working at a facility, your mileage from home to that office is deductible, etc...
– zipzit
May 13 '16 at 16:38










2 Answers
2






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
2
down vote













Don't think of it as a possible full-time position or plan for that. It's a contract. Even if a manager tells you off-the-record "we'd like for this to be permanent at some point" you have to remember that until you actually get an offer for that, it's still a contract. Contracts end.



As for your taxes, you'll need to pay your own social security and any state and local taxes. There are other things you'll need to pay as well. For that you need to talk to an accountant qualified to advise you on these things, if you don't know one already.



You may have indeed come in a bit low but at least it's more than what you're getting. Unfortunately, your offer is your offer and that told them that it is what you'll accept. They really have no incentive to renegotiate.






share|improve this answer




























    up vote
    0
    down vote













    I think you can probably assume that it's a W-2 contract. And depending on the environment you're in, contract vs fulltime may not make a huge difference except for who sends you a check every two weeks.






    share|improve this answer





















    • If it's not, the recruiter has more at risk by not disclosing that up front, because far more people will be 1099-averse than W-2 averse. The recruiter would be foolish to go thru the interview process, get the candidate hooked, and then have the candidate bail because of a sudden announcement that it's 1099.
      – Xavier J
      May 13 '16 at 18:01










    • To clarify, there is no recruiter. The RFP was issued directly by the company on their website. I replied directly to it. I honestly have no idea if it's w-2 or 1099, which sounds like the type of information I should find out if I'm offered the position (which is why I asked the question, after all).
      – Beofett
      May 13 '16 at 18:09






    • 2




      As someone who knew nothing about the distinction between a 1099 contract and a w2 contract, I found this article quite helpful: fool.com/investing/general/2015/05/20/…
      – Lumberjack
      May 13 '16 at 19:27










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    2 Answers
    2






    active

    oldest

    votes








    2 Answers
    2






    active

    oldest

    votes









    active

    oldest

    votes






    active

    oldest

    votes








    up vote
    2
    down vote













    Don't think of it as a possible full-time position or plan for that. It's a contract. Even if a manager tells you off-the-record "we'd like for this to be permanent at some point" you have to remember that until you actually get an offer for that, it's still a contract. Contracts end.



    As for your taxes, you'll need to pay your own social security and any state and local taxes. There are other things you'll need to pay as well. For that you need to talk to an accountant qualified to advise you on these things, if you don't know one already.



    You may have indeed come in a bit low but at least it's more than what you're getting. Unfortunately, your offer is your offer and that told them that it is what you'll accept. They really have no incentive to renegotiate.






    share|improve this answer

























      up vote
      2
      down vote













      Don't think of it as a possible full-time position or plan for that. It's a contract. Even if a manager tells you off-the-record "we'd like for this to be permanent at some point" you have to remember that until you actually get an offer for that, it's still a contract. Contracts end.



      As for your taxes, you'll need to pay your own social security and any state and local taxes. There are other things you'll need to pay as well. For that you need to talk to an accountant qualified to advise you on these things, if you don't know one already.



      You may have indeed come in a bit low but at least it's more than what you're getting. Unfortunately, your offer is your offer and that told them that it is what you'll accept. They really have no incentive to renegotiate.






      share|improve this answer























        up vote
        2
        down vote










        up vote
        2
        down vote









        Don't think of it as a possible full-time position or plan for that. It's a contract. Even if a manager tells you off-the-record "we'd like for this to be permanent at some point" you have to remember that until you actually get an offer for that, it's still a contract. Contracts end.



        As for your taxes, you'll need to pay your own social security and any state and local taxes. There are other things you'll need to pay as well. For that you need to talk to an accountant qualified to advise you on these things, if you don't know one already.



        You may have indeed come in a bit low but at least it's more than what you're getting. Unfortunately, your offer is your offer and that told them that it is what you'll accept. They really have no incentive to renegotiate.






        share|improve this answer













        Don't think of it as a possible full-time position or plan for that. It's a contract. Even if a manager tells you off-the-record "we'd like for this to be permanent at some point" you have to remember that until you actually get an offer for that, it's still a contract. Contracts end.



        As for your taxes, you'll need to pay your own social security and any state and local taxes. There are other things you'll need to pay as well. For that you need to talk to an accountant qualified to advise you on these things, if you don't know one already.



        You may have indeed come in a bit low but at least it's more than what you're getting. Unfortunately, your offer is your offer and that told them that it is what you'll accept. They really have no incentive to renegotiate.







        share|improve this answer













        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer











        answered May 13 '16 at 16:15









        Chris E

        40.4k22129166




        40.4k22129166






















            up vote
            0
            down vote













            I think you can probably assume that it's a W-2 contract. And depending on the environment you're in, contract vs fulltime may not make a huge difference except for who sends you a check every two weeks.






            share|improve this answer





















            • If it's not, the recruiter has more at risk by not disclosing that up front, because far more people will be 1099-averse than W-2 averse. The recruiter would be foolish to go thru the interview process, get the candidate hooked, and then have the candidate bail because of a sudden announcement that it's 1099.
              – Xavier J
              May 13 '16 at 18:01










            • To clarify, there is no recruiter. The RFP was issued directly by the company on their website. I replied directly to it. I honestly have no idea if it's w-2 or 1099, which sounds like the type of information I should find out if I'm offered the position (which is why I asked the question, after all).
              – Beofett
              May 13 '16 at 18:09






            • 2




              As someone who knew nothing about the distinction between a 1099 contract and a w2 contract, I found this article quite helpful: fool.com/investing/general/2015/05/20/…
              – Lumberjack
              May 13 '16 at 19:27














            up vote
            0
            down vote













            I think you can probably assume that it's a W-2 contract. And depending on the environment you're in, contract vs fulltime may not make a huge difference except for who sends you a check every two weeks.






            share|improve this answer





















            • If it's not, the recruiter has more at risk by not disclosing that up front, because far more people will be 1099-averse than W-2 averse. The recruiter would be foolish to go thru the interview process, get the candidate hooked, and then have the candidate bail because of a sudden announcement that it's 1099.
              – Xavier J
              May 13 '16 at 18:01










            • To clarify, there is no recruiter. The RFP was issued directly by the company on their website. I replied directly to it. I honestly have no idea if it's w-2 or 1099, which sounds like the type of information I should find out if I'm offered the position (which is why I asked the question, after all).
              – Beofett
              May 13 '16 at 18:09






            • 2




              As someone who knew nothing about the distinction between a 1099 contract and a w2 contract, I found this article quite helpful: fool.com/investing/general/2015/05/20/…
              – Lumberjack
              May 13 '16 at 19:27












            up vote
            0
            down vote










            up vote
            0
            down vote









            I think you can probably assume that it's a W-2 contract. And depending on the environment you're in, contract vs fulltime may not make a huge difference except for who sends you a check every two weeks.






            share|improve this answer













            I think you can probably assume that it's a W-2 contract. And depending on the environment you're in, contract vs fulltime may not make a huge difference except for who sends you a check every two weeks.







            share|improve this answer













            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer











            answered May 13 '16 at 17:24









            Xavier J

            26.3k104797




            26.3k104797











            • If it's not, the recruiter has more at risk by not disclosing that up front, because far more people will be 1099-averse than W-2 averse. The recruiter would be foolish to go thru the interview process, get the candidate hooked, and then have the candidate bail because of a sudden announcement that it's 1099.
              – Xavier J
              May 13 '16 at 18:01










            • To clarify, there is no recruiter. The RFP was issued directly by the company on their website. I replied directly to it. I honestly have no idea if it's w-2 or 1099, which sounds like the type of information I should find out if I'm offered the position (which is why I asked the question, after all).
              – Beofett
              May 13 '16 at 18:09






            • 2




              As someone who knew nothing about the distinction between a 1099 contract and a w2 contract, I found this article quite helpful: fool.com/investing/general/2015/05/20/…
              – Lumberjack
              May 13 '16 at 19:27
















            • If it's not, the recruiter has more at risk by not disclosing that up front, because far more people will be 1099-averse than W-2 averse. The recruiter would be foolish to go thru the interview process, get the candidate hooked, and then have the candidate bail because of a sudden announcement that it's 1099.
              – Xavier J
              May 13 '16 at 18:01










            • To clarify, there is no recruiter. The RFP was issued directly by the company on their website. I replied directly to it. I honestly have no idea if it's w-2 or 1099, which sounds like the type of information I should find out if I'm offered the position (which is why I asked the question, after all).
              – Beofett
              May 13 '16 at 18:09






            • 2




              As someone who knew nothing about the distinction between a 1099 contract and a w2 contract, I found this article quite helpful: fool.com/investing/general/2015/05/20/…
              – Lumberjack
              May 13 '16 at 19:27















            If it's not, the recruiter has more at risk by not disclosing that up front, because far more people will be 1099-averse than W-2 averse. The recruiter would be foolish to go thru the interview process, get the candidate hooked, and then have the candidate bail because of a sudden announcement that it's 1099.
            – Xavier J
            May 13 '16 at 18:01




            If it's not, the recruiter has more at risk by not disclosing that up front, because far more people will be 1099-averse than W-2 averse. The recruiter would be foolish to go thru the interview process, get the candidate hooked, and then have the candidate bail because of a sudden announcement that it's 1099.
            – Xavier J
            May 13 '16 at 18:01












            To clarify, there is no recruiter. The RFP was issued directly by the company on their website. I replied directly to it. I honestly have no idea if it's w-2 or 1099, which sounds like the type of information I should find out if I'm offered the position (which is why I asked the question, after all).
            – Beofett
            May 13 '16 at 18:09




            To clarify, there is no recruiter. The RFP was issued directly by the company on their website. I replied directly to it. I honestly have no idea if it's w-2 or 1099, which sounds like the type of information I should find out if I'm offered the position (which is why I asked the question, after all).
            – Beofett
            May 13 '16 at 18:09




            2




            2




            As someone who knew nothing about the distinction between a 1099 contract and a w2 contract, I found this article quite helpful: fool.com/investing/general/2015/05/20/…
            – Lumberjack
            May 13 '16 at 19:27




            As someone who knew nothing about the distinction between a 1099 contract and a w2 contract, I found this article quite helpful: fool.com/investing/general/2015/05/20/…
            – Lumberjack
            May 13 '16 at 19:27












             

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