Do you want a "relationship" with your agent?

[mudskipper]

My Client has begun talking about extension now, with end date originally due for early October. They are keen to keep me, and we are looking at options now. Thus far, no agent contact from either Client or me, and I can't see why they need to be involved either.
Ultimately, providing Client and MyCo thrash it out, I guess we will then tell Agent

They need to be involved if you want to discuss a rate increase.

[SimonMac]

My Client has begun talking about extension now, with end date originally due for early October. They are keen to keep me, and we are looking at options now. Thus far, no agent contact from either Client or me, and I can't see why they need to be involved either.
Ultimately, providing Client and MyCo thrash it out, I guess we will then tell Agent

Why are you discussing your contract with a third party?

[Wanderer]

Why are you discussing your contract with a third party?

What, like the agent?

Seriously though, I see that the agent finds me the gig and does the introduction. Once that's done I take the line that I'm running a business which does work for the client, not the agent and I don't want the agent putting their big nose into my business unless they can add some value or the client doesn't want to deal with me.

Trying to deal with my clients through agents has been the source of many cockups and misunderstandings. Cut out the middle man I say.

[SimonMac]

What, like the agent?

Seriously though, I see that the agent finds me the gig and does the introduction. Once that's done I take the line that I'm running a business which does work for the client, not the agent and I don't want the agent putting their big nose into my business unless they can add some value or the client doesn't want to deal with me.

Trying to deal with my clients through agents has been the source of many cockups and misunderstandings. Cut out the middle man I say.

Check the small print of your contract, you'll find its with the agent not the client

[kevpuk]

For me, the Client seems to has indicated that they want to keep me on. At this early stage, it is purely conversational around would I like to and so on. Once we have a basic understanding, then we both know how we are likely to proceed - then, the Agent will become involved for the nuts and bolts of the actual extension.

I actually think this is a good approach - Client and I have a strong relationship, and there can be no mis-communication via Agent. We both know what is expected, what is agreed in terms or rate/term and hence no 'Oh, the Client has to trim their budget, so there can't be a rate increase/has to cut your rate by £x' conversations with the Agent.

Or is that just me?