Agencies

[rootsnall]

How does this work?

I'm on a 12 month contract and the agency is well entrenched in this client - they have dozens of contractors here. Their relationship with the client has gone sour recently but it always seems like the agency has the upper hand due to the long contracts and number of contractors they have placed here.

I would doubt that the agency would happily allow me to buy them out.

There should be something in the agency to client contract with a sliding scale buyout clause. Some dumb clients might not have this in there, you need to get hold of it. If the client ( they must do it ) is willing to pay the buy out ( with a nincentive from you !? ) there is stuff all the agent can do other than be as awkward as possible. They didn't like it when I tried to do it, a few 'nasty' phone calls to me and hastled the client enough to mess things up. One of the usual suspect agencies.

[ChimpMaster]

I tried this a couple of years back, it can be quite a cheap option if you've been there a year plus and the agent and client have a half decent contract. I think my buyout was down to 3 months commission. The agent was obstructive and messed around long enough to eventually make it too much hastle for the client despite it being a no brainer all round.

How does this work?

I'm on a 12 month contract and the agency is well entrenched in this client - they have dozens of contractors here. Their relationship with the client has gone sour recently but it always seems like the agency has the upper hand due to the long contracts and number of contractors they have placed here.

I would doubt that the agency would happily allow me to buy them out.

[rootsnall]

Buy the agency out.

I tried this a couple of years back, it can be quite a cheap option if you've been there a year plus and the agent and client have a half decent contract. I think my buyout was down to 3 months commission. The agent was obstructive and messed around long enough to eventually make it too much hastle for the client despite it being a no brainer all round.

ps. ask the client to let you see the client - agency contract, most are too dim to have read it and worked out they can save a lot of money.

[DiscoStu]

Buy the agency out.

Buy the agency.

Threaded

[oracleslave]

I think it's a fabulous present, under no circumstances would I have preferred a case of wine over my diary

[DiscoStu]

You being serious or missing the icon?

I think it's a fabulous present, under no circumstances would I have preferred a case of wine over my diary

[oracleslave]

with that level of commission I would expect a nice bottle of champers eh!

Can't fault that thinking

[Churchill]

In this market climate (by which I mean it's getting worse), and with my somewhat restricted skillset, it's not a risk I can take. The client does need me but I don't know for how long - it depends on projects coming up in the new year. I still believe, however, that even if I did what you suggest, the agency will try to enforce the 12 month clause.

I would love to try it but I am generally quite happy with my rate anyway. I'm just hacked off at the agency cut, but that is for the client to negotiate... although they aren't happy with it either! But my initial reaction stands - with that level of commission I would expect a nice bottle of champers eh!

Buy the agency out.

[ChimpMaster]

How badly does the client want you? Can you double your rate to the agency? When the agency says no to the new rate can you not go back to the client via a new agency at a new rate as if they sourced you through 'normal1 channels?

In this market climate (by which I mean it's getting worse), and with my somewhat restricted skillset, it's not a risk I can take. The client does need me but I don't know for how long - it depends on projects coming up in the new year. I still believe, however, that even if I did what you suggest, the agency will try to enforce the 12 month clause.

I would love to try it but I am generally quite happy with my rate anyway. I'm just hacked off at the agency cut, but that is for the client to negotiate... although they aren't happy with it either! But my initial reaction stands - with that level of commission I would expect a nice bottle of champers eh!

[oracleslave]

I got a fabulous faux-leather pocket diary.

You being serious or missing the icon?

[DiscoStu]

I got a fabulous faux-leather pocket diary. They sent it in a regular envelope with an xmas card, so it's all bent...

[oracleslave]

My agency has earned over £100k in commission from my contracting in the past 3 years.

I don't even get a Christmas card from them.

There must be a way to get out of the contractual clause binding me to them at this client, without me having to leave for 12 months.

How badly does the client want you? Can you double your rate to the agency? When the agency says no to the new rate can you not go back to the client via a new agency at a new rate as if they sourced you through 'normal1 channels?

[ChimpMaster]

My agency has earned over £100k in commission from my contracting in the past 3 years.

I don't even get a Christmas card from them.

There must be a way to get out of the contractual clause binding me to them at this client, without me having to leave for 12 months.

[oracleslave]

Mine just sent me a case of wine. Anyone else get anything?