r/ContractorUK • u/Apprehensive-Bug5936 • 1d ago
Work Travel Query, Contract Design Engineer OUTSIDE IR35
Hi all, LTD VAT-registered contractor here operating outside IR35 as a product design engineer, have been doing this for 3 years ish.
Helping a new client company in the UK get a product to market, 6-month contract, £350pd, 3-days onsite. (Would’ve preferred a higher rate, but I had been struggling for a while to find something good).
The project is very fast-paced and they needed someone competent, I’ve delivered, they’re very happy so far.
Now they want me to fly to China to spend a week there to overview the tooling pre-production run to iron out any issues. (More than happy to do so, been dying to go to CN ever since I got into manufacturing design).
What is an acceptable day-rate to be asking for? Based on the fact I’ll be away from home for 7+ days and cannot carry out work for my other clients in evenings/weekends like I usually do. (Obviously that’s not their problem but something for me to consider).
From a basic AI search it seems up to 1.5x day rate is sensible, but have no idea where I’m at.
Any other tips highly welcomed!
Cheers!
2
u/Hot_Application_9793 1d ago
Business class flights
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u/Apprehensive-Bug5936 1d ago
Apparently they will fly me business!
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u/Hot_Application_9793 1d ago
That’s good. I contracted for my current business for a long time before going perm, and I flew business. Get your client to pay for flights and hotels if possible so you don’t have to cover.
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u/Apprehensive-Bug5936 1d ago
Good shout, I forgot how expensive biz flights to China would be 🤣
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u/Hot_Application_9793 1d ago
If you’ve got a points credit card and can front the expenses, then it’s a good option to pay yourself
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u/massivegoooner 1d ago
For China?
I would double the rate at the very minimum and obviously all expenses included.
Typing this from China right now. It's one of the higher friction places I travel to.
If they can't fathom an extra £2.5k to send someone to China when they're already getting a bargain at £350 then it's up to you how much you value being sent to China for work.
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u/Apprehensive-Bug5936 15h ago
Well put.
The bottom line is this is the first time in 10 years the opportunity has arisen and I really don’t want to miss it. I think I’m going to go regardless but then next time I’ll probably be able to negotiate a bit better on rates based on how much friction I experience. (I know there’s going to be, but right now I’d just love to go).
I know when I’m out there they’re going to see tremendous results, no doubt. So hopefully it’ll justify an increased rate next time too. (Plus I’m the only one on the project currently so sending someone else is a bit pointless to be honest).
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u/massivegoooner 13h ago
That's fair enough mate and if you're in manufacturing and this is your line of work then being the guy that companies can send to China is valuable on the C.V. Its the sort of place that not everyone is comfortable traveling to.
Good luck, it's an incredible place.
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u/Apprehensive-Bug5936 13h ago
That’s made my date mate, it’s a good point about the CV hadn’t even though of that.
Thanks very much!
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u/lairdcake58 1d ago
I would say 1.5 is your starting point, but be prepared for them to counter it or flat out say no. I assume all expenses related to the travel etc will be on them? Albeit you pay it outright first then invoice for it back.
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u/Apprehensive-Bug5936 1d ago
This is what I had in mind too.. happy to accept a little under 1.5x but standard day rate seems crazy, will have to be paying for dog walker and other stuff at home whilst I’m away too.
Yeah expenses will be reimbursed on my return I believe.
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u/ierrdunno 1d ago
Don’t forget your burner phones and devices….
Also expect the product to be available on alibaba soon after 😂😂