Contract renewal - change of agency

[MarillionFan]

"and 20% is about the norm really.

Cue : a few muppets talking about how they managed to get their agent down to 4%!!!"

Ive had the same situation. 20% is on the high side, but not exorbitant.

I have done the following before.

1) Agreed with client to be taken on direct and split the commission both ways. 10% more for you, they save 10% everyones a winner. Screw the agency. ONly thing is you need to never speak to the agency again or let them find out otherwise you are toast.

2) PLay hardball with the agency. Tell them to cut the rate or you are off. They of course will try to get someone else, so you need the client to put some pressue on, if they want to keep you. But the agency really needs to make 10-12ish.

3) Swap agencies. F-ck off to the agent. Sue me.

They can only sue for their loss of earnings, which in principle is the commission. SO you bank on them doing it.

They wont.

[Ardesco]

Hmm I believe 12% is the norm, at least thats what most of the ones I have
done are at. (I say most because I don't always find out what the end client is paying the agent)

[TheFaQQer]

I went through the same sort of thing last year (but not to the same extent). Client wanted me to stay, I wanted an increase (although I told them that if they would offer a longer extension I would do it at the same price). Eventually the client came back with a shorter extension, which I accepted, conditional on the client and EB agreeing a rate.

Then I left it in the hands of the EB and the client to determine what they could afford, and come back to me. Client paid a bit more (tiny bit), EB cut their rate, I got an increase that I'm happy with. Everybody wins.

Depends on the EB - this one would cut part of their rate (told me what it was, and what it is now), but they are more flexible than others I've worked with. At the start, I was also told that if I did want to go direct, then they'd be p*ssed off with me, but it wouldn't go to court - they need us as much as we need them. That said, I do a lot of niche work, so may be in a better position.