Should I bypass the agent???

**Olly** · 12 February 2010, 17:36

I'd expect the client can't go direct with you without breaking whatever agreement they have with the agent. The decision is out of your hands.

Do however contact the client and have a chat and find out what the hell's going on

**memyselfandi** · 12 February 2010, 17:59

My only issue with going to the client though is that they will obviously talk back to the agent who will not be happy with me going behind his back.

Stuck between a rock and a hard place here.

**Olly** · 12 February 2010, 18:16

Originally posted by memyselfandi View Post

My only issue with going to the client though is that they will obviously talk back to the agent who will not be happy with me going behind his back.

Stuck between a rock and a hard place here.

Did you read what I wrote? This isn't your choice!
The client will (almost certainly) have a contract with the agent that prevents them taking you direct.

Why ask a question if you're not going to read the responses.

**memyselfandi** · 12 February 2010, 18:18

Originally posted by Olly View Post

Do however contact the client and have a chat and find out what the hell's going on

My response was to your suggestion.

**DodgyAgent** · 12 February 2010, 18:25

Originally posted by memyselfandi View Post

Hi,

I am currently having issues with an agency whilst trying to get a contract.

I had an offer in December, but the agent was not happy with his deal. He was very openly getting cheesed off with the client as they were continuely asking him to reduce his stake in the daily rate. He then phoned me a few days later telling me that somebody else had been taken on directly. (Either that or he had called the deal off as his stake was not sufficient).

Now, I have had the agent call this week as the client is looking again, however he is already getting cheesed off with the client. I have actually reduced my rate by a 50 quid as I have been on the bench for a while now.

I am just wondering if the agent is getting in the way here. Should I go straight to the client???? It is not really my problem that the agent is not getting his cut. Is this a common occurance???

Ring the client and ask him

**Olly** · 12 February 2010, 18:31

Originally posted by memyselfandi View Post

My response was to your suggestion.

sod the agent...they've dropped the ball once. Time for you to drive this one.

I've done it before.

I didn't get the first role, but then it wasn't the same role the agent had described to me so that's hardly surprising.
I did however, drop the agent (of square one) in a pile of steaming and boy it felt good to expose him as the dishonest liar he was (and probably still is).

The other time it moved things along nicely thanks.

**jmo21** · 12 February 2010, 19:52

Chances are the client has to go through an agent anyway and won't take you on direct.

**BolshieBastard** · 12 February 2010, 19:53

Originally posted by memyselfandi View Post

Hi,

I am currently having issues with an agency whilst trying to get a contract.

I had an offer in December, but the agent was not happy with his deal. He was very openly getting cheesed off with the client as they were continuely asking him to reduce his stake in the daily rate. He then phoned me a few days later telling me that somebody else had been taken on directly. (Either that or he had called the deal off as his stake was not sufficient).

Now, I have had the agent call this week as the client is looking again, however he is already getting cheesed off with the client. I have actually reduced my rate by a 50 quid as I have been on the bench for a while now.

I am just wondering if the agent is getting in the way here. Should I go straight to the client???? It is not really my problem that the agent is not getting his cut. Is this a common occurance???

So, the agent has got you started on the 'reduce your rate' game. He now needs to let you know he's getting pissed off with the client and will be expecting you to say you take another 25 or 50 quid cut.

Once you start........................

**DodgyAgent** · 12 February 2010, 20:16

Originally posted by jmo21 View Post

Chances are the client has to go through an agent anyway and won't take you on direct.

Ring him anyway dont assume anything. Or get me to do it

Should I bypass the agent???