Avoiding agents - going direct

[Wanderer]

Twice in recent years I have found a contract direct, and both times the client has inserted an agent. So sometimes it just doesn't make much difference.

Me likewise.

However, if you do go direct with a client and they tell you to deal with an agency, I've found that it's a much better relationship with the agency.

1. The agency is generally on a Preferred Suppliers List with the client and takes a low margin, ie 3-4%
2. The agency doesn't try any stupid stuff with restraint of trade etc and you are free to switch to another agency if that agency is a preferred supplier to the client.
3. You negotiate your rate directly with the client so it's a clear an transparent system for all parties rather than the agent trying to pump their margin by screwing both the contractor and the client.


The best way to find direct contracts is by building a network of contacts. Use linked-in etc to keep in touch with people. If youare quite new to the business then this may take years.

All my direct engagements came from my network of contacts - cold calling clients is definitely not my thing and best left to the agents in their shiny arsed suits.

[Kelstar]

My first contract was direct with a small consultancy. Came about via my network on LinkedIn - I got a call about a separate matter, helped the person out and they introduced me to the client. Very random but all on good will, word of mouth and a few favours. Be nice to the good contacts, it will help one day...

My current client has tried to buy out the agent and work with me direct on their PSL but the deal fell through due to the turnaround times to get my consultancy through their governance procedures. Would have been great, however, back to my initial point, good feedback and great client relationship will no doubt one day come in handy....

[Taita]

[QUOTE=Wanderer;1691466]Me likewise.


1. The agency is generally on a Preferred Suppliers List with the client and takes a low margin, ie 3-4%
2. The agency doesn't try any stupid stuff with restraint of trade etc and you are free to switch to another agency if that agency is a preferred supplier to the client.
3. You negotiate your rate directly with the client so it's a clear an transparent system for all parties rather than the agent trying to pump their margin by screwing both the contractor and the client.


QUOTE]

Not an agency but an invoicing facilitator so my question is 'Can they afford to run a number of contractors simultaneously and is payment of our invoices secure?' However, if I need the contract and the rate is acceptable I would probably take a punt.

[d000hg]

Maybe he wants to avoid the gents and only clean the ladies for his next gig.

[northernladuk]

Maybe he wants to avoid the gents and only clean the ladies for his next gig.

LOL I was dying to put something like that.

[AnonAgent]

I would hope your credit checking every company your going direct with.

If the company goes bust and you are direct then you are out of pocket, but if you are with an agency you will get paid. But if the agency goes bust, you can usually get something out of the client.

[northernladuk]

I would hope your credit checking every company your going direct with.

If the company goes bust and you are direct then you are out of pocket, but if you are with an agency you will get paid. But if the agency goes bust, you can usually get something out of the client.

Very nice theory..... I suspect the reality is a very different matter.

[SueEllen]

I would hope your credit checking every company your going direct with.

As they say with investments-
"Past performance is no guarantee of future results"


And that applies to:
1. Companies
2. People
3. Agencies

The only organisation you can guarantee to get your money from is the government and even governments can go bust.........

[No2politics]

Avoiding gents - going direct

I'm in a similar situation. About 6 months ago several agents approached me about a contract. I declined to be put forward as I was in a contract. Subsequently the said client approached me directly and I am now connected to the key players and could easily get myself in. A contractor I know has just gone there direct, and managed to get more than the advertised rate as there was no agency.


One of the agents called me out of the blue asking if I was available. I now clearly don't need him to get me in. Just weighing up the options

A) tell him I've extended with current client then apply direct
B) tell him I'm applying direct as they contacted me and I don't need him (would be interesting to see how that played out!)
C) go through agent for contract and accept a reduced rate.

Prob will go for A but considering B!

[LKK]

Most contractors go through agency.

I've worked with 2 contractors in the past where they went direct to the compnay. They got the role by bulls***ting a lot in the interviews....

They both stayed for short periods. They were pretty imcompoentent for their jobs and asked to leave within months.