Direct v Agency

[anthony]

So I may be in a position to go direct with a client in the new year. Just wondering what others experience in this was like. Is direct "better" than agencies? What should I be looking out for etc etc
Many thanks all.

[SarahL2012]

On the plus side I tend to use the IPSE contract templates (with a few tweaks) when I'm going direct which saves me having to get an agency contract reviewed. On the negative side getting paid can be quite challenging with some companies - either because they 'manage' their cashflow or just general disorganisation.

[quackhandle]

On the plus side I tend to use the IPSE contract templates (with a few tweaks) when I'm going direct which saves me having to get an agency contract reviewed. On the negative side getting paid can be quite challenging with some companies - either because they 'manage' their cashflow or just general disorganisation.

+1. Can be just another creditor at the bottom of the list. Try and get to know someone in finance/payroll, maybe schmooze them a bit.

Edit: What does your contract say in regards to payment terms? Client signed off on it?


qh

[Avalonia]

I would go direct again whenever possible , only downside is getting into payment cycle . Pimps do NOTHING to deserve their cut

[anthony]

+1. Can be just another creditor at the bottom of the list. Try and get to know someone in finance/payroll, maybe schmooze them a bit.

Edit: What does your contract say in regards to payment terms? Client signed off on it?


qh

No contract seen as of yet. Still in talks with the client. What's an "average" payment terms, if there is one?

Ha yeah Can always try flutter my blue eyes at them never helped in the past but worth another shot.

[quackhandle]

No contract seen as of yet. Still in talks with the client. What's an "average" payment terms, if there is one?

Ha yeah Can always try flutter my blue eyes at them never helped in the past but worth another shot.

Is there an average? Depend on the client and what you can negotiate.

qh

[anthony]

Hmm that is true I suppose. First time possibly going direct so worth an ask

[yasockie]

Needless to say you should increase your rate by whatever margin your pimp was getting + maybe try and negotiate a tiny bit extra as you now have +1 year of experience with the client?

Personally I wouldn't go that route, but if for whatever reason you didn't negotiate, you're cheaper to the client which I guess is a good thing (for them not you).

[Eirikur]

Run a full credit check of the company as well. If they go bust you will be at the bottom of people receiving money (if any at all)

[SueEllen]

Hmm that is true I suppose. First time possibly going direct so worth an ask

Negotiate the shortest time period possible.

However some companies are just bad payers and it's nothing to do with their size. On the other hand I've had a couple of direct clients' pay early. One I think was due to being disorganised.