Client apparently bypassing agent, what to do?

[Whazzup]

Hello,

I contacted an agent last week based on a referral. The agent put me forward for roles with several clients. I've just received an email from one of those clients, saying they'd like to have a chat. I'm inclined to go back to the agent and let him know that the client has contacted me directly. What are your recommendations please?

Thanks.

[Scoi]

An agent usually removes contact details from a CV so clientco can't make contact direct. It could get messy if agent gets bypassed and wants to fight for their share if it wasn't done correctly.

[northernladuk]

I would be interested to know why the client is asking and maybe chat to them to find out exactly what is happening. Are you absolutely sure the agent put you forward? Could it be different part of the organisation that has nothing to do with the agent? Are you sure they are trying to pull a fast one? Could they be interviewing with the intention to go through the agent anyway?

I would only speak to the agent if I was 100% sure they are trying to bypass him. There maybe a totally acceptable reason why the client is contacting you.

[Scoobos]

I really wouldnt spare any worries about bypassing your agent. In my view it's better for you and the end client not to use the leeches and deal directly. You get the same day rate, the client gets a nicer hit on his budget and will perhaps be more likely to renew.

If you bypass the agent, you'll probably need to either provide your own contract (PCG has some nice ones) or make 100% sure you are IR35 compliant (QDOS etc).

There are a few alright agents out there, of course, but most of them are untrustable liars anyway. Spare no tears.

[northernladuk]

I really wouldnt spare any worries about bypassing your agent. In my view it's better for you and the end client not to use the leeches and deal directly. You get the same day rate, the client gets a nicer hit on his budget and will perhaps be more likely to renew.

If you bypass the agent, you'll probably need to either provide your own contract (PCG has some nice ones) or make 100% sure you are IR35 compliant (QDOS etc).

There are a few alright agents out there, of course, but most of them are untrustable liars anyway. Spare no tears.

I wouldn't be so blase about this. The agent, as scoi points out, could cause such a tulip storm over his cut you become too much of a liability to the client, he drops you and takes someone from the agent to smooth things over. I have been dropped from the running when submitted by two agents and the grief they caused the client was enought to drop me from the running altogether. Don't underestimate agents ability to go beyond the call of duty to screw it up for you to suit themselves.

[Gentile]

I really wouldnt spare any worries about bypassing your agent. In my view it's better for you and the end client not to use the leeches and deal directly. You get the same day rate, the client gets a nicer hit on his budget and will perhaps be more likely to renew.

If you bypass the agent, you'll probably need to either provide your own contract (PCG has some nice ones) or make 100% sure you are IR35 compliant (QDOS etc).

There are a few alright agents out there, of course, but most of them are untrustable liars anyway. Spare no tears.

I'm inclined to agree with NLUK here. If the Client is prepared to be underhanded in their dealings with the agency that introduced you, it shouldn't come as any surprise when they treat you exactly same way a few months down the line.

@ the OP: Clients that are looking to penny-pinch and who have a history of treating other parties unfairly in their business dealings are invariably a pain in the arse to deal with as a direct customer. I'd keep the agent in the loop if I were you, and let them worry about managing payment from a Client that may just be naive, but is more likely just out to get the cheapest solution.

[Scoobos]

I've bypassed many agents and never been stung, but NLUK/Gentile do have a point.

If they play funny buggers with you, you can just get another contract somewhere else tho.

[DodgyAgent]

I've bypassed many agents and never been stung, but NLUK/Gentile do have a point.

If they play funny buggers with you, you can just get another contract somewhere else tho.

Like the true revolting little socialist freeloader that you are you believe that you are owed a living by everyone else

[Scoobos]

http://forums.contractoruk.com/busin...al-forums.html

Keep your kind comments in General.

[Wanderer]

I really wouldnt spare any worries about bypassing your agent. In my view it's better for you and the end client not to use the leeches and deal directly. You get the same day rate, the client gets a nicer hit on his budget and will perhaps be more likely to renew.

Agree with Scoobos on this one. Go direct to the client and see what comes out of it. They may not actually deal direct but rather they will have a preferred supplier agency on a fixed margin who will do the needful.

whatever

Yes, it's terrible that someone expects to be able to cream off a fat margin in perpetuity while someone else does the work, isn't it.