Reply to: Agencies should not be in control like this

[quackhandle]

Damn, you've got me. I've been an under cover agent posing as a contractor for last 12 years.

Sorry.

“Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't after you”

qh

[PrimulConsulting]

Quote Originally Posted by cojak View Post
Then google contractor club, I'm sure they'll make you a member like a shot.

No thanks.

Anyway the guy who set it up posts on here.

Could I ask why you would not be interested in joining Contractor Club? There are a lot of Contractors that seem to want something other than the Agency model - I set up Contractor Club to offer that. If you could explain why you don't want to join such a community, it may be helpful in tweaking the model to make it what more contractors want

(Just for the record, some 20% of membership applications get rejected, so the "...like a shot" comment above is not strictly true)

[GazCol]

Lowest bidder takes place, facilitated by agents.

Many clientcos are outsourcing what they can get away with abroad.

Do you really think that i) Agents put the lowest expected daily rate earner in the best light if they're earning a percentage of the daily rate and ii) client co's aren't aware that as rate goes up so does the quality of the finished product/project?

[masonryan]

Great idea. I'd back that one.
Price comparison to lower the recruiter margins.
Helps out clientco no end.

Clients could further reduce their costs by posting their roles on-line, and candidates could bid for them.
The lowest bid getting the gig.
If, of course, monetary value is the only parameter.

Actually, clientcos could outsource their entire manufacturing or customer services to foreign states to really save a tonne of money.

Lowest bidder takes place, facilitated by agents.

Many clientcos are outsourcing what they can get away with abroad.

[masonryan]

It's because very many of the posters here are not contractors but instead recruitment consultants and Umbrella owners/employees and they are very loath to see the truth out regarding their industry.

Boo

I agree Boo. My only interest is the truth.

[eek]

Are you seriously expecting us to belief that a 30 year old with 10 years of experience knows so little about how the market works?

Yes. Have you met your average contractor?

If not I refer you to Sas's question from earlier today see http://forums.contractoruk.com/gener...something.html

[cojak]

Oh, get over yourselves the pair of you.

[Boo]

It just seems my points about agencies are met with far more hostility than in the real world. Must wonder why.

It's because very many of the posters here are not contractors but instead recruitment consultants and Umbrella owners/employees and they are very loath to see the truth out regarding their industry.

Boo

[evilagent]

It's well known agents sign up to forums like these to push ideas and defend their reputation when the truth comes out about their 'business' dealings. I say, let's put them out of business as they're ripping us all off. Middle-men are being removed everywhere else, why not recruiting also? May as well have a price comparison site of contractors for employers to approach.

Great idea. I'd back that one.
Price comparison to lower the recruiter margins.
Helps out clientco no end.

Clients could further reduce their costs by posting their roles on-line, and candidates could bid for them.
The lowest bid getting the gig.
If, of course, monetary value is the only parameter.

Actually, clientcos could outsource their entire manufacturing or customer services to foreign states to really save a tonne of money.

[MyUserName]

We contractors like to think we're in control. We're not, we're being royally squeezed by agencies for no serious service.

What we need is a central agency for contractors, run by contractors. It only requires a portal for companies and candidates to meet without the bs middlemen who are playing us against each other.

You are not a contractor though. You have explicitly stated that you were going for low paid permie positions.

The salary you were going for was 50k or so (can't remember and can't be bothered to check). This would imply you have 10 years or so experience, maybe a little more.

This would make you at least 30 years old.

Are you seriously expecting us to belief that a 30 year old with 10 years of experience knows so little about how the market works?

That after 10 years of work you are infuriated that agent *might* not be being completely straight with you?
That after 10 years of work you think that an agent is going to give you the name of his client so you can apply direct? (FYI: this would be an example of you not playing straight with the agent).
That after 10 years of work you think that agencies provide no serious service?

Also, that a permie worker of 10 years happened to stumble into a contractor forum and rant and rave about complete gibberish, whilst arguing with contractors about contracting?

Sorry, but you are clearly a sockie on a wind up.

[petergriffin]

Permies: a big crowd of permaculture goofballs

[GazCol]

Do you find that many agencies tell you who the client is before you have agreed to be represented by them? Do you find many clients want to take people direct (particularly when they have found an agency to find people)?

Good luck with your alternative model. If it was truly viable, do you think that so many contractors would be using agencies in the first place?

Very much this - I think the majority of contractors are, begrudingly, happy with the service they get from agents; I know I am.

[DirtyDog]

Agencies rip us off in both the permie and contractor marketplace. Next time and agent calls about a contract, I will ask where it is, then I will say no thanks and contact the company personally to enquire.

Do you find that many agencies tell you who the client is before you have agreed to be represented by them? Do you find many clients want to take people direct (particularly when they have found an agency to find people)?

Good luck with your alternative model. If it was truly viable, do you think that so many contractors would be using agencies in the first place?

[amcdonald]

It's well known agents sign up to forums like these to push ideas and defend their reputation when the truth comes out about their 'business' dealings. I say, let's put them out of business as they're ripping us all off. Middle-men are being removed everywhere else, why not recruiting also? May as well have a price comparison site of contractors for employers to approach.

pimpmymeerkat.com ?

[cojak]

Vested interests?

Nope. A contractor who has a good reputation.

No agent husband, no agent partner, no agent pimp.