A local agent is still (trying) to send me out at the same hourly rate I worked for in 2008 --have you upped your rates lately/ Especially with local agents?

$150 first hour of balloons $60 per half after. (balloons only)

It depends on whether you think any work is better than no work. For me, I have my rate and minimum time, and I'm not interested in negotiating. I offer discounts for certain things like multiple bookings, but increasing the agent's profit margin is not one of the reason I give a discount. Other people feel like it's better to go out for less than your normal rate than to not have a gig. That certainly valid, and it works for many people in my area. It just depends on what works for you, how much do you need to work, how much business is this agent sending you, etc.