Good Agents

[AlfredJPruffock]

We do win, because no matter how dodgy we are they still use us.

Anyway for the first time in aeons I received a call from an agent to see if I was interested in a contract in the UK.

She asked how much in terms of daliy rate I would be seeking, rather taken aback by this I ventured the appox market rate for what I do (ie precious little) as about 220 pounds per day.

At which point she said , I think thats a wee bit low, I think 250 pounds is more realisitic.

I didnt argue.

So there are some good agents out there !

PS this must indicate an unprecented market upturn if even the likes of moi are receiving calls , and no I wasnt asked for references nor whom was my last line manager, which happned to be Graham Sutherland of BT ... oh darn !

[DodgyAgent]

Makes you wonder if we can ever win!!

We do win, because no matter how dodgy we are they still use us.

[Reccon]

I love the fact that a contractor comes on here to give praise to an agent for the work they have done and the honesty with the commission etc and the first post says "why dont you go direct" - basically saying he has been honest with you so stich him up!!

Makes you wonder if we can ever win!!

[DodgyAgent]

So Dodgy Agent, which agency do you work for then? And would you recommend them?

I wouldnt trust any business that had me as the MD loos.

wasnt that a Marx brother line?

[Rebecca Loos]

So Dodgy Agent, which agency do you work for then? And would you recommend them?

[DodgyAgent]

PS computer services

I would just like to recommend an agent- PS Computers in Southampton. I am not a contractor but have never had the pleasure of dealing with a nicer agency. They have stuff in Reading so worth checking them out even if you are based in London!

I cannot remember their names, but one of them liked his gold rings, permed hair and bragged about being a black belt in origami. They were ex Eurolink which set old Toni into a state when they left and set up. From what I hear and despite my mealy mouthed comments they are a well run professional outfit.

Thats it, I remember, Parker and Smith is what PS stands for

[Commonwealth Contractors]

I would just like to recommend an agent- PS Computers in Southampton. I am not a contractor but have never had the pleasure of dealing with a nicer agency. They have stuff in Reading so worth checking them out even if you are based in London!

[privateeye]

Though typing all that and not naming the agent makes the entire post kind pointless no? While names should be named for tulip agencys you should name even more the ones that do a good job. Just costing agencys contractors by nameing the bad ones is kind of pointless without refering people to good ones

The agency is Connections Recruit based in Wokingham, Berks. They have been around for a few years so not new in the game.

Not sure if this is just an agreement with this particular client or all their contracts.

[Not So Wise]

So why bother with him - just go direct.

Because the agenct has the client not the contractor? Sure he could try to circumvent the agency but would need the client to be willing to do the same and unless the agency are totally stupid i highly doubt they don't have a contract with the client against just that (to much hassle to have every contractor going for interview to sign a non circumvention agreement)

Actually if you get down to it it's not a bad deal, ok you lose the "factoring service" of the agency" but you can make that up on the agencts margin, client gets contractor for cheaper too

While i could see such a set up not being for everyone it definatly would interest a lot of people, both clients and contractors

Though typing all that and not naming the agent makes the entire post kind pointless no? While names should be named for tulip agencys you should name even more the ones that do a good job. Just costing agencys contractors by nameing the bad ones is kind of pointless without refering people to good ones

[mcquiggd]

So why bother with him - just go direct.

[privateeye]

With all the chat recently about the bad side of agents, thought it only good and proper that I mention coming across something positive in an agent.

Just spoken to an agent who has stated that if he could get me a contract, that I should talk money to the client. His commission will be on top of that so the client knows exactly what the commission is and I know I'm getting pretty much all I ask for, apparently the commission is a fixed daily rate regardless of what I could earn. The contract will be directly with the client and monies paid directly from them. The agent says the upside for him is that he is no longer responsible for anything else apart from collecting an introductory fee - his commission, he can just concentrate on finding more contractors and more jobs and forget all the other hassle.

And he didn't ask for references up front. Hope this is a sign of things to come.