I have seen an agency provider that offer me to contact her directly next time I want to see her. I know that this only means that she wants to keep all the money and not give the agency a cut. Do you think I would get in trouble with the agency if they found out?
Also I know one guy who offer this to agency providers that he really likes and claims that the subsequent sessions are so much better because the providers are getting more money ( and the client is not paying anything extra ). Any thoughts, advice...Thanksbut I have no doubt that it occurs frequently. The consequence to you should the agency find out would probably be that they would no longer accept you as a client of one of their providers. Other than that, there isn't a whole lot they could do to you. The agency is providing a service to the providers, i. e., doing the behind-the-scenes work so the provider doesn't have to, so they do earn their cut of her fees. Whether it's worth it to the provider is her decision. However, agency girls are pretty much at the mercy of the agency as to how many clients they see and how close together the appointments are set up. Since I prefer lower volume providers, I have stayed away from agency providers.
LLAP,
Swim
If you are a fan of agencies (I am not) but have used them then be careful. Most reputable agencies would not want you stealing their ladies under the table. Many ladies start out at agencies and then eventually go solo. If they leave the agency to go out on their own that's one thing, but if they are still with the agency then becareful. The agency could drop you and her as a client or if she is associated with some unsavory people you could get your ass kicked.
The exception are girls that are independent but use agencies when they go on tour to have them book their clients. This is the only exception that I can think of. It's like having dual citizenship I guess.
I am thinking of several ladies who maintain their independent websites and handle their own business but ALSO list with well known local agencies when they tour to those cities. I have never noticed a difference in service when booking one way or the other (based on my repeats).
Here's how I think it works. The well reviewed popular ladies give the agency added credibility and repeat inquiries even if the specific touring lady is not available or in town. Their pics (and TER links?) are on the agency website, with their permission. Guys calling in might opt for a lesser known or even brand new lady. The touring indy ladies benefit from having the agency handle at least some of their calls, screening and scheduling. I imagine that there are other mutual benefits. Right now, I'm mostly seeing benefits for the co-listed indies: maybe they negotiated a better split, based on their popularity; maybe they will only see agency clients with prior, proven experience with the agency (proof of non-LE and not crazy); maybe they make their own hotel arrangements making less work and worry for the agency.
Wanting to see someone I had seen before, I checked a touring lady's website calendar and she was not in my city. So I called the local agency to see who was available and, whaddya know, she was in town (neither the agency nor her indy calendar had been updated). So I saw her thru the agency (I couldn't exactly say: "Never mind, I'll call her myself and cut you out.") and it was another great time despite being on the agency clock.
HOWEVER, I do not think it is a good idea to try to come between an agency-girl and her agency. If she wants to gain experience and go indy, then you have her info. But the agency can cut you off and cut her off. If she tries another local agency, the first one will surely warn them that she was stealing clients and ruin that for her. If she gives you her info, hold onto it until she goes indy or UTR.
Bottom line: it can work in some cases but it is best if there is full disclosure so everyone knows what's what and that no one is being screwed ... well, except for the good kind.
-- Modified on 7/7/2015 11:07:42 AM
I can assure you with 1,000% confidence that the agency WILL frown on this, As Swim said, their recourse is a bit limited, but they can and most likely will make you persona non grata at "their" agency.
Now I have offered my number to agency ladies "just in case" they ever quit, go indy or end up at another agency, so they can reach me if they want to. That is kind of in the gray area, but contacting an agency girl directly and cutting the agency out of their fee will run you the risk of her getting fired of course, and you getting "fired" as a client. It's far from a rare occurrence though.