When to accept or decline a counter offer
Intro
Receiving a counter offer can feel flattering. After deciding to move roles, being asked to stay with more money or new promises can make you question your decision.
In the motor trade, this situation happens regularly, especially in a competitive market where skilled professionals are in high demand.
Why counter offers happen
Employers often make counter offers because replacing experienced staff is expensive and time-consuming. Losing a strong Vehicle Technician or Service Advisor can disrupt productivity and affect the wider team.
In many cases, the counter offer focuses on salary, as this is the quickest way to try and resolve the situation.
What to consider before accepting
Before agreeing to stay, it’s important to step back and think about why you were looking to leave in the first place.
Ask yourself:
-
Was it only about money?
-
Were there concerns about management, progression, or work-life balance?
-
Have previous issues genuinely been resolved?
If the reasons for leaving were deeper than salary, a counter offer may only be a short-term fix.
The risks of staying
While some counter offers work out, others can create uncertainty. Employers may begin planning for your future replacement, and relationships can sometimes change once your intention to leave is known.
It’s important to make a decision based on long-term career goals rather than short-term comfort.
When accepting may make sense
There are situations where accepting a counter offer can be right. If genuine changes are made, progression is clear, and the reasons for leaving have been fully addressed, staying may be the best choice.
The key is making a decision calmly and based on facts rather than emotion.
Exploring your options
If you’re considering a move within the motor trade, it’s important to understand the wider market before making a final decision.
You can view our latest permanent automotive jobs here:
https://www.cb-recruitment.co.uk/cm/jobs
If you’d like to discuss your situation confidentially, you can contact us directly here:
https://www.cb-recruitment.co.uk/cm/contact-us
Final thoughts
A counter offer isn’t automatically good or bad. What matters is whether it genuinely solves the reasons you were ready to move in the first place.
At C&B Recruitment, we specialise in permanent motor trade jobs and automotive jobs, supporting employers and candidates through specialist motor trade recruitment and automotive recruitment across the UK.
