tired of getting gigs thru agents

[Fred Bloggs]

It's not just having to go through an agency that gets me, it's the way they take over the contract.

E.g. you have already fixed a price with the client, then they go and negotiate all over again. Not to your benefit, to theirs; but they won't even tell you how much they bill because "relations with the client are confidential". Get away, I don't want the client pissed off by an extra 200 a day that I'm not seeing any of.

Then they try to insist on a 6-month or 1-year handcuff clause. Get orff, you didn't find it for me, it's not your contract.

Then they give you their "how to behave professionally" page with instructions on timekeeping, dress, alcohol etc. Eff off, the client wants me, not you: don't tell me how to do my contract. (Especially since I was contracting before you learned to read, sonny).

I don't disagree, but it's better than starving.

[expat]

I don't disagree, but it's better than starving.

Being mugged for one-fifth of your money is better than starving too.

[Fred Bloggs]

Being mugged for one-fifth of your money is better than starving too.

Well, providing I get the rate previously agreed directly with the client (as I have on each occaision) it really is the client who is being shafted for their method of engaging me. Though I do know for two occaisions the agencies were on a PSL and were permitted an 8% mark up. I have tried to get my Ltd Co on a couple of blue chip ex-client purchasing systems to allow a direct client B2B relationship, but it has proved impossible.

[expat]

Well, providing I get the rate previously agreed directly with the client (as I have on each occaision) it really is the client who is being shafted for their method of engaging me. Though I do know for two occaisions the agencies were on a PSL and were permitted an 8% mark up. I have tried to get my Ltd Co on a couple of blue chip ex-client purchasing systems to allow a direct client B2B relationship, but it has proved impossible.

I have succeeded once, for the current client. I must say it is a satisfactory feeling.

[tino]

I'm supprised somebody hasn't set one up as a plan B. Could work on a fixed subscription basis rather than commision.

I might just do that