Agencies and their PSLs

[Cloud9Umbrella]

Hi,

I've come across a few contractors who want to join up to our services and are contracting through an agency. One speaking with the agencies, the contractors have been advised that they have to find another Umbrella as we aren't on the PSL, yet they have used us previously and don't really want to move. I contacted the agencies directly to see about getting on the PSL only to receive the standard response of "We have just reviewed our PSL but send us your details for the next review". This may help out our clients in a year's time but doesn't exactly help them out now with their current situation. They now have to find another Umbrella which is on the PSL.

As I'm relatively new to this business, I am looking for a wee bit of advice on how to handle situations liek this. I come from a background that tends to help the client out as much as possible and I can't really understand why they are being made to move when they don't want to other than us not being on the PSL?!

Any advice?

[cojak]

They get back handers from the Umbrellas on their PSL.

It depends on how much you're willing to do the same.

HTH.

[Cloud9Umbrella]

They get back handers from the Umbrellas on their PSL.

It depends on how much you're willing to do the same.

HTH.

Tried that...although it does seem slightly tacky to me. I feel service should speak for itself rather than who pays the highest incentive.

[Moscow Mule]

AFAIK, businesses are allowed to make their own minds up about who they do business with.

However, in this case, if your client is that bothered I'm sure they could make a dealbreaker out of it and the agency would capitulate...

[DodgyAgent]

I have not come accross agencies having their own PSL! The fact is that the market is awash with agencies and financial services companies, none of who are offering anything particularly new. It is a long haul game that means many phone calls, building relationships and establishing and growing networks. Dont expect a quick "in" with anyone, you have to work at it.

[The Agents View]

I tend to agree with DA, although I do dispute the backhanders side. I know it's common practice in some of the lower level agencies, but I for one, have never, and will never take backhanders from anyone, let alone an umbrella.

Maybe it's me - I have a selection of umbrellas who I have a relationship with. One in particular is extremely good, and I am also friends with our account manager - so I do have a tendancy to give them the heads up and get them to ring the individual to discuss ahead of the competition - but I always provide a list of 4 or 5 suggestions - what the candidate does with that information is their business.

Ultimately, a new umbrella means I have to perform due dilligence on them - there's alot of pay "schemes" out there which open us up to potential risk - some people can't be bothered to do this - I tend to do it because it keeps all parties happy.

To my mind, an umbrella company that I suggest should be an extension of my brand - if they screw things up, it really can undo any good work I've done - to get to me personally you'd have to build a relationship with me, and demonstrate your service is as good, if not better than my current suppliers.

[Cloud9Umbrella]

I tend to agree with DA, although I do dispute the backhanders side. I know it's common practice in some of the lower level agencies, but I for one, have never, and will never take backhanders from anyone, let alone an umbrella.

Maybe it's me - I have a selection of umbrellas who I have a relationship with. One in particular is extremely good, and I am also friends with our account manager - so I do have a tendancy to give them the heads up and get them to ring the individual to discuss ahead of the competition - but I always provide a list of 4 or 5 suggestions - what the candidate does with that information is their business.

Ultimately, a new umbrella means I have to perform due dilligence on them - there's alot of pay "schemes" out there which open us up to potential risk - some people can't be bothered to do this - I tend to do it because it keeps all parties happy.

To my mind, an umbrella company that I suggest should be an extension of my brand - if they screw things up, it really can undo any good work I've done - to get to me personally you'd have to build a relationship with me, and demonstrate your service is as good, if not better than my current suppliers.

Thanks for that.

Think I will speak with my existing contractors and ask them to suggest us to their agencies. That way they get feedback on how the service actually is beforehand. In all honesty, anyone can pick up the phone and say they give good service, but doing it is a completely different story with a lot of people. At least they will know first hand what we are like.

Cheers for the advice.