Percentage of agency contracts

[thunderlizard]

In the whole of contractor-style IT (I offer no definition but hope you'll know what I mean), what fraction of contracts would you say involve an agency? Agents will tell you it's something like 99%. From the experience of me and the people I know, I'd guess at about 50%. But that might just be because it's a nice round figure.
What do yous reckon?

[mcquiggd]

I could tell you, but i'd have to charge you, and need a receipt.

[DaveB]

Well for me it's a 50/50 split. But then I only have the two contracts anyway One via the agent and one direct. Both running concurrently, which is nice

[MarillionFan]

For me its about 4/5. 80%

[VectraMan]

For me it's 66.6%, or if you count time rather than number of contracts, 90.9%.

But I'd bet the majority of contractors happily just work through agents as they assume that's the only way (probably the same people who happily stick with umbrellas), and the likes of us here who see it more of a business and develop a proper business relationship and sell their services themselves, are probably the minority.

[abc]

For me it's 66.6%, or if you count time rather than number of contracts, 90.9%.

But I'd bet the majority of contractors happily just work through agents as they assume that's the only way (probably the same people who happily stick with umbrellas), and the likes of us here who see it more of a business and develop a proper business relationship and sell their services themselves, are probably the minority.

"developing a proper business relationship" - does that involve sleeping with anyone?

[MarillionFan]

I really dont care. Money to bank via agent first or client first doesnt matter.

If it pays what I want. I do not care.

[lukemg]

100% through agents, I don't kid myself that I am Mr Entrepreneur forging ahead creating my own business. I don't have premises, employees or pitch for large projects where I design how the solution is achieved. Kidded myself during first few years contracting that I was running a 'business', it is an illusion/delusion. I am sure there are a few on here closer to doing that, most will be in my boat.

[wendigo100]

Kidded myself during first few years contracting that I was running a 'business', it is an illusion/delusion. I am sure there are a few on here closer to doing that, most will be in my boat.

I suspect many people did the same. Some still do.

[hyperD]

0% through agents over the last few years and better for it.