Small agencies, why bother with them?

**PAH** · 2 February 2010, 19:11

Whs

**northernladuk** · 2 February 2010, 19:30

Even big agencies were small once....

And if there is even a 1% chance one can get me a gig instead of a long stint on the bench I would be forever greatful however much a pain in the ass they are...

**PAH** · 2 February 2010, 19:34

Just be careful the gig isn't one of those where you put the graft in but don't get paid.

I'm tempted to ask the agencies for a personal guarantee. Too easy for them to do a runner and hide behind their limited company status.

**BolshieBastard** · 2 February 2010, 19:43

Originally posted by PAH View Post

I seem to have a much better experience of getting paid on time, or even have the option of weekly/fortnighly invoicing, with the larger agencies that have invested in a proper BACS system and staff that know how to use it.

What do the smaller agencies offer and why should clients and contractors even bother with them?

Unless they're specialists in a very specialist field I can only think they're more hassle and risk than they're worth.

My experience is the opposite. Big agencies say 'take our terms or **** off.' Smaller ones are more happy to negotiate imo.

**pzz76077** · 2 February 2010, 19:50

Originally posted by PAH View Post

Just be careful the gig isn't one of those where you put the graft in but don't get paid.

I'm tempted to ask the agencies for a personal guarantee. Too easy for them to do a runner and hide behind their limited company status.

Too true, the market view is that even more agents are going to hit problems this year than last: http://www.recruiter.co.uk/administr...003966.article

I can only offer the same advice that has got me through 27 years of contracting unscathed:-

Invoice every Friday with out fail.

Insist on payment in your bank within 5 working days.

Stop working on the 6th day if payment has not been received.

Keep it friendly, and point out to the client and the agent what has been agreed contractually. Remember, when an agent offers you a contract its for their benefit not yours.

Usually best to walk away if agents cant meet payment schedules.
After all, why else would you be working with the agent if it was not for your little business to make some money for you??

So many contractors I have worked with have ended up with nothing but huge debts and broken promises when they needed them the least just because the agent strung out the payment runs till they eventually they went bust and often as not taking the contractors with them.

PZZ

**northernladuk** · 2 February 2010, 19:59

Originally posted by PAH View Post

Just be careful the gig isn't one of those where you put the graft in but don't get paid.

I'm tempted to ask the agencies for a personal guarantee. Too easy for them to do a runner and hide behind their limited company status.

Are we allowed to say your talking utter b*ll*cks now or is that against the rules?

**PAH** · 2 February 2010, 20:02

Originally posted by pzz76077 View Post

I can only offer the same advice that has got me through 27 years of contracting unscathed:-

Invoice every Friday with out fail.

Insist on payment in your bank within 5 working days.

Stop working on the 6th day if payment has not been received.

Yep that's my plan from here on in.

My original question was related to how only the larger agencies seem (in my experience) able to offer and stick to such a quick invoice and payment cycle.

The smaller agencies may offer it but either fail to stick to the terms and then it's hassle all round, or pretend they're sticking to the terms and it's due to technical problems stopping the money hitting your account on time, or they didn't actually receive the timesheet/invoice yada yada bs bs.

I wonder how understanding the client would be if you did down tools on the day after the payment was due. I suppose it depends how critical it is you are there and how you inform them.

**PAH** · 2 February 2010, 20:03

Originally posted by northernladuk View Post

Are we allowed to say your talking utter b*ll*cks now or is that against the rules?

What part is bollocks?

That it's not possible to not get paid for work invoiced?

That limited companies cannot close down without the directors being personally liable for the outstanding debts?

**oracleslave** · 2 February 2010, 20:04

Originally posted by northernladuk View Post

Are we allowed to say your talking utter b*ll*cks now or is that against the rules?

you're

At least it's English

Small agencies, why bother with them?