Originally posted by AlfredJPruffock
- Visitors can check out the Forum FAQ by clicking this link. You have to register before you can post: click the REGISTER link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. View our Forum Privacy Policy.
- Want to receive the latest contracting news and advice straight to your inbox? Sign up to the ContractorUK newsletter here. Every sign up will also be entered into a draw to WIN £100 Amazon vouchers!
Agency Advice Please
Collapse
X
-
I am not qualified to give the above advice!
The original point and click interface by
Smith and Wesson.
Step back, have a think and adjust my own own attitude from time to time -
Agents, agents, agents; really take the fun out of contracting. That and clients who expect you to work in return for your daily sum.
I love the way agents work the guilt trip if you accept another offer.
Is it easier dealing direct with clients?Autom...Sprow...Canna...Tik banna...Sandwol...But no sera smeeComment
-
Originally posted by WageSlaveIs it easier dealing direct with clients?Comment
-
Thanks, LB. I appreciate that working direct can involve a lot more work and expense; marketing, selling, contract management, etc. And quite often for the same rate as via an agency. Financially it strikes me that there isn't much to gain from operating direct, but what tempts me is the thought of cutting agents out of the picture. Dealing with agents always leaves me feeling depressed and dirty. Now I pay good money for Nanny Bishop to leave me feeling depressed and dirty on a Friday evening, so I have no need for agents to do the same every time it comes to contract hunting.
Have to admit though, some of those female agents can be very nice. Very nice but oh so wrong...Autom...Sprow...Canna...Tik banna...Sandwol...But no sera smeeComment
-
There's shedloads to gain financially from trading direct. An agency contract will force you into a one-man-only, one-contract-at-a-time, fixed-billing-for-time way of working that usually caps your selling power at a low 6-figure turnover.Comment
-
Thunderlizard has hit it on the head, WageSlave. It is the flexibility that is worth its weight in gold when dealing direct. You are also dealing with the client on more of a level playing field and there is much more likelihood they will see you as a business partner providing a solution rather than a hired gimp. Plus, of course, you can use whatever methods are necessary to get the job done without the agent getting in the way, and negotiate the appropriate procing model for the job (which is unlikely to be an ageny style £x/day model).
Of course, the rough comes with the smooth. I see some of agency boys on the board occasionally complaining that they don't get their money within a week of invoicing. With my largest client I won't get the money until 90 days after presenting the invoice, which could very well be 6 months after the work was done.Comment
-
TL and TL, you're both right; I wasn't thinking in terms of business but rather a lone gimp for hire. It's certainly something I want to do in the future but I think until I can build up a stronger CV (in terms of years) and put a little aside to cover those x months until the bill is paid I'm stuck with the pimps.
Plenty to chew over. Cheers.Autom...Sprow...Canna...Tik banna...Sandwol...But no sera smeeComment
- Home
- News & Features
- First Timers
- IR35 / S660 / BN66
- Employee Benefit Trusts
- Agency Workers Regulations
- MSC Legislation
- Limited Companies
- Dividends
- Umbrella Company
- VAT / Flat Rate VAT
- Job News & Guides
- Money News & Guides
- Guide to Contracts
- Successful Contracting
- Contracting Overseas
- Contractor Calculators
- MVL
- Contractor Expenses
Advertisers
Contractor Services
CUK News
- Streamline Your Retirement with iSIPP: A Solution for Contractor Pensions Sep 1 09:13
- Making the most of pension lump sums: overview for contractors Sep 1 08:36
- Umbrella company tribunal cases are opening up; are your wages subject to unlawful deductions, too? Aug 31 08:38
- Contractors, relabelling 'labour' as 'services' to appear 'fully contracted out' won't dupe IR35 inspectors Aug 31 08:30
- How often does HMRC check tax returns? Aug 30 08:27
- Work-life balance as an IT contractor: 5 top tips from a tech recruiter Aug 30 08:20
- Autumn Statement 2023 tipped to prioritise mental health, in a boost for UK workplaces Aug 29 08:33
- Final reminder for contractors to respond to the umbrella consultation (closing today) Aug 29 08:09
- Top 5 most in demand cyber security contract roles Aug 25 08:38
- Changes to the right to request flexible working are incoming, but how will contractors be affected? Aug 24 08:25
Comment