Is it advisable to demand knowledge of amount charged to client by agency ?

**ALM** · 28 October 2005, 12:00

Originally posted by messiah

Is it advisable to demand knowledge of amount charged to client by agency ?

say, even before even you get the contract.

I know of one person on this board insists on knowing the amount the client is forking out for you because it allows you to gauge client expectations of you ,however, will most agencies NOT do this (in writing or verbally ?) ??

I suppose if they tell you over the phone its hard to get evidence ... that is unless you tape them.

Advice please !

No harm in asking though. I did and they told me their %age.

**ratewhore** · 28 October 2005, 12:14

I wouldn't have thought it was advisable to DEMAND anything. Your soft skills and negotiation should come into play surely?

**milanbenes** · 28 October 2005, 12:48

" know of one person on this board insists on knowing the amount the client is forking out for you because it allows you to gauge client expectations of you ",

feck me I've heard it all now !

Milan.

**mcquiggd** · 28 October 2005, 13:12

Soft skills..?

Im not giving head to an agent! (Apart from the nice lady who bought me a fillet steak and Long Island Iced Tea)

**~Craig~** · 28 October 2005, 13:22

Originally posted by mcquiggd

Soft skills..?

Im not giving head to an agent! (Apart from the nice lady who bought me a fillet steak and Long Island Iced Tea)

You're not going to let us forget that are you? your 1st and probably last lunch with your agent

**mcquiggd** · 28 October 2005, 13:28

Well, she sent me her business card two days later, and has emailed me and rung me three times... if I were single Id probably ask her out actually...

And ive been taken to lunch quite a few times, but that was the first time by a very good looking young lady.... (they probably send her out to meet all the contractors first!)

**~Craig~** · 28 October 2005, 14:21

yes the old honey-trap

**mcquiggd** · 29 October 2005, 00:28

yum!

at least you get hot women giving you their mobile number, and they pay the lunch bill.

**MarillionFan** · 29 October 2005, 08:52

I always ask. There is a good reason for this.

If the agency is charging more than 15% then more than likely they are fly by night merchants who will drop you, rip you, not pay you on time etc.

If between 12-15%. Good industry average.Average agency

If less than 12, then big agency, has agreed commission rates with clients most likely, has no problems with cash flow IMO. Good agency.

Even though Milan would say 'You agreed a price, you do the job'. I want to know who I am dealing with.

Is it advisable to demand knowledge of amount charged to client by agency ?