Reply to: Good Agencies, From the other point of view (Client)

[AussieDigger]

Yeah, Empiri-C are a bit like that i heard...and a few others.

[Wanderer]

£100pd and instant termination?

If there is a transparent relationship between the client - agency - contractor on equal terms and all parties are willing to do business on these terms then why not.

The problem arises when the agent has a 4 week notice in their contract with the client but none with the contractor. Then the client terminates the contractor forthwith and the agency dumps the contractor, keeping the 4 week notice money paid by the client.

Both the client and the contractor lose out, the agency is quids in though.

[dynamicsaxcontractor]

And that then is the clients fault for not negotiating a fixed margin...... Remember thought the client interviews the people and if they are not suitable they will go back to the agent. The client still sees the CV's and can make their own mind up. It isn't free reign for the agent to rip his client off... but does happen.

Problem is that the agent isnt forwarding your CV to client unless you are on of the cheapest for him - and yes I agree it is a client problem that they let agents rip them and us off.

[Andy Hallett]

What's good for contractors is also good for clients.

£100pd and instant termination?

[Wanderer]

The OP was about what was best for the client, the thread has turned into what is good for contractors!

What's good for contractors is also good for clients.

[Andy Hallett]

Good Agencies, From the other point of view (Client)

The OP was about what was best for the client, the thread has turned into what is good for contractors!

[Wanderer]

You pick an agency, look at it's terms and if you don't like it you pick another. If an agency has a gig and it's the only one then what does it matter, you don't have a choice.

Yeah, I've spoken to agencies who want to put me forward and asked for a copy of their standard contract. Sometimes they are quite happy to be upfront about this but others refuse saying that they will deal with that when and if I get a contract offer. Not very helpful and there isn't really much you can do as a contractor to combat this.

My point is that the PCG/QDOS et al must have seen lots of contracts and know who has good ones and who is a pain in the arse to deal with. It would help shake up the industry a bit and wake the agencies up to sorting out the bulltulip in their contracts.

It's unlikely to ever happen but we can dream I suppose...

[northernladuk]

Yes that might work, but if the end client calls agency xyz and ask can you get me this, I give you 700 a day to find the right one. Agent is very unlikely going to get end client the best guy as he would cost in the region of 600 - he would get whoever do it for the cheapest, no matter if he actually is the best fit or not.

And that then is the clients fault for not negotiating a fixed margin...... Remember thought the client interviews the people and if they are not suitable they will go back to the agent. The client still sees the CV's and can make their own mind up. It isn't free reign for the agent to rip his client off... but does happen.

[dynamicsaxcontractor]

Yes but what if I went to the client and said "I can get you the same person for £600". Wouldnt that then mean I get the business? That is why I dont bother taking the mick on these margins.

Yes that might work, but if the end client calls agency xyz and ask can you get me this, I give you 700 a day to find the right one. Agent is very unlikely going to get end client the best guy as he would cost in the region of 600 - he would get whoever do it for the cheapest, no matter if he actually is the best fit or not.

[GB9]

Yes but what if I went to the client and said "I can get you the same person for £600". Wouldnt that then mean I get the business? That is why I dont bother taking the mick on these margins.

Big, well known agents I have worked through recently have had margins between 7.5% and 11%. However, the market is quiet at present so plenty of contractors working for low rates. This gives the agent the upper hand.

[AnonAgent]

That's what some of the specialist recruiters in my field are doing, they contact you about a role you know the end client is paying ~£700 for and they won't pay more than ~£450 for it. I suppose the only reason this can go on is stupid contractors and clueless end client.

Sorry about the spelling, but as a poor contractor I can't afford one of those posh cars.

Yes but what if I went to the client and said "I can get you the same person for £600". Wouldnt that then mean I get the business? That is why I dont bother taking the mick on these margins.

[dynamicsaxcontractor]

First rule of taking the moral high ground is

Can't think of any deals we have done with a 57% margin.

That's what some of the specialist recruiters in my field are doing, they contact you about a role you know the end client is paying ~£700 for and they won't pay more than ~£450 for it. I suppose the only reason this can go on is stupid contractors and clueless end client.

Sorry about the spelling, but as a poor contractor I can't afford one of those posh cars.

[northernladuk]

I'd love to know the answer to this too. I'm sure the like of PCG, Bauer and Cottrell, Qdos, et al know which agencies have the most reasonable contract/payment terms and any differences between the opt in/out status of contracts are. I guess that information is far to valuable to share....

I don't see how this can even begin to be answered. Each has it's own procedures, legal teams, contracts etc. I can't see how any of the mentioned could collate an accurate picture and I am absolutely sure they would not be comfortable recommending anyone or putting a list out as that would leave them with some responsibility for any failures.

You pick an agency, look at it's terms and if you don't like it you pick another. If an agency has a gig and it's the only one then what does it matter, you don't have a choice.

Remember PCG have a list of accredited accountants and we have had posters on here that has had serious problems with a couple of them. Making a list does not negate the need for diligence with every application for a gig.

[Andy Hallett]

To many of the agencies thinks that £700 = £400, I suppose thats why they drive a Porsche to work. Very difficult to take any work through agents when they always seems to find someone stupid enough to take the work under those circumstances.

First rule of taking the moral high ground is

Can't think of any deals we have done with a 57% margin.

[dynamicsaxcontractor]

Do clients not do interviews anymore?

For me, £500 = 400 and less than £500 I aim for £100 but will accept lower.

I never drop below £75 unless I cant help it and the % is still healthy.

To many of the agencies thinks that £700 = £400, I suppose thats why they drive a Porche to work. Very difficult to take any work through agents when they always seems to find someone stupid enough to take the work under those circumstances.