Supposedly you should ignore the percentages.
Contractors often fixate on agency percentages, but real advantage comes from offering a unique skill. Without a USP (Unique Selling Point) agents and clients can go elsewhere to fulfil the contract.
It is up to the contractor to understand the market and create a USP from skills at their disposal. This may be knowledge of an obscure coding language or a promotional technique. Dorney says his USP is to engage the client during the interview and make them feel like the project has already started with him at the helm.
You want them to cite a number first, but of course, they want you to cite a number first.
HTH a bit. Good luck!
Cheers,
Scott.