Client requesting copies of invoices

[almanac]

I've had a request from my agency to allow them to forward copies of invoices (sent from my limited company to the agency) over to the client (a large corporate), explained as being for the purposes of auditing the agency's processes.

Seemed a little unusual on the face of though I can't see a reason to deny their request. Presumably the client is already aware of my day rate (as opposed to the one charged by the agency) or the agency wouldn't be keen on forwarding them the copies. Is this fairly standard? Am I missing any potential issues here?

Thanks in advance, and apologies if I missed any existing threads, I had a quick search and couldn't see anything similar to this.

[TykeMerc]

Far from routine, but I can't see anything obviously sinister in it.

If the client has a fixed margin agreement then it's reasonable that they should have evidence, personally I can't think of a reason I'd object to my invoices being seen by the end client.

[PavYolk]

100% the client has a fixed commission percentage agreed with the agency and they want a copy of your invoice for compliance and auditing.

[northernladuk]

If this is the real reason then fair play to your client. Too many clients don't get the best contractors because greedy agents pocket too much. Bit more of this would help wipe them out.

[almanac]

Thanks folks, much appreciated! Didn't think there was anything to be concerned about but I feel reassured now :-)

[vadhert]

I agree. The more of this proactive behaviour from the client, the better.

[psychocandy]

Sounds better to me. Transparency...

[BolshieBastard]

If this is the real reason then fair play to your client. Too many clients don't get the best contractors because greedy agents pocket too much. Bit more of this would help wipe them out.

This. I can count on two fingers the number of times Ive been asked in interview what rate I asked the agent for the role. Clearly this was to check (eventually!) how much the agent was charging and passing on to the end contractor.

In one of my last roles, the permie senior manager I was working with commented once that budgets were 'tight' but that wasnt surprising in view of what I cost. I asked how much are the agent charging you then told him I didnt get all of that money.

[psychocandy]

Worked one client where manager took me to one side and said we think the agency is taking a large cut. We're not happy about that because we thought it was a fixed margin. Would you mind telling us what you get from them?

So I said yeh ok its £x - thinking good I'll get some info.
So I said, OK so what are they charging you? Manager replies sorry confidential cant tell you.

Wasnt pleased. He expected me to spill my rate but wouldnt let me in on their deal. Mug or what was I?

[Pondlife]

Worked one client where manager took me to one side and said we think the agency is taking a large cut. We're not happy about that because we thought it was a fixed margin. Would you mind telling us what you get from them?

So I said yeh ok its £x - thinking good I'll get some info.
So I said, OK so what are they charging you? Manager replies sorry confidential cant tell you.

Wasnt pleased. He expected me to spill my rate but wouldnt let me in on their deal. Mug or what was I?

Why were you upset? You were happy with your rate, no? He had a specific agreement on agency markup/commissions and wanted to enforce it. Worst case is he forces agency to cut their rate in line with the agreement meaning his cost for your contract decreases and it makes no difference to your rate.