What To Ask Before Signing With An Agency

In my last post, I convinced you that you need an agent. Now, let's talk about how not to get screwed when you sign. Ask the right questions, and if you get a bunch of sidestepping doublespeak instead of direct answers, hightail it out of there. Here's the bare minimum you need to ask:

• Are you going to book jobs for me? This seems like a silly question, but there are as many "modelling schools" and "model search" scams out there as legitimate agencies, and they just want you to spend your life savings on expensive lessons and pictures, then they're done with you. No jobs, no pay.

• Is this going to cost me anything out of pocket? Many agencies require you to take classes and/or pay for photos and comp cards. Some (though pretty much never in the Midwest) will allow you to obtain these independently, or if you go through them, they will put it on your account and deduct it from your pay when they get you work. Keep in mind, though, that you will be responsible for these charges, and will have to pay any remaining balance in full if you leave the agency. If you expect an agency to sign you with no cost to you whatsoever, you're dreaming. As a new model, you will have to invest in your development. Like any other career, you will need training, but it isn't on the job in this case. And photos aren't free either... but if an "agency" is making their money by selling exorbitant $3000 portfolio shoots, run.

• How long have you been in business? If the answer is less than five years, was the owner working in the industry prior to that? Where and for how long? Have they owned any companies previously, and if so, what happened to them? It's ridiculously easy to get a business license and call yourself an agent. Go with an agency that has been around for a long time and has a strong established market and good standing in the community.

• How many models do you represent, and what percentage of them get paying work? Representing a lot of models isn't necessarily bad, but if only a few of them are getting work, you're likely to end up lost in a sea of faces looking for a tiny island of jobs.

• What type of modeling jobs do you book, and what is the average pay? Do not assume that every agency has the same sorts of jobs. If you want to make a living in print, you need to know before you sign that the agency mainly books $10/hr promotional gigs handing out pens.

• Is your contract exclusive, or am I free to work with other agencies and/or book jobs myself? Neither is inherently better than the other, it's just something you'll need to be aware of. Especially if they aren't going to get you frequent jobs.

• May I have a copy of your contract to review with my attorney before signing? If they are in any way resistant to this, bail out. If they gladly hand it over, it's a good sign... But unless you speak fluent legalese, it's best to actually have an attorney look it over and make sure everything is legit.

I also recommend talking to other models the agency represents, if possible. Ask them how much work they get, how they are treated by clients, and if they are satisfied with their representation. And checking with the Better Business Bureau is always a good idea. Do your homework before you sign to guarantee a mutually beneficial relationship with an agency that will really help you do the work you are passionate about.

If you are searching for an agency, I can whole-heartedly reccommend mine. I'm very happy with Career Images Model and Talent Agency in Overland Park, KS.