What is the best modeling agency?

[Karen]

I am wanting to become a model and i have seen a lot of online website, I know some are scams but I have seen some that look genuine and with no fee required. If there are any models who started with an online agency if you said which you started with it would be really helpful.

[Jake]

3 out of 4 agencies are scams. Proper research can save you financially, may save your dignity & reputation, & if the scam agent is a sexual predator - it will save you. An easy (but not exclusive) search is to Google the model agency name followed by the word 'scam' and/or 'review' & read the results. Be aware, some scammers will write positive feedback on their negative reviews.

Search for agencies by googling 'Model Agencies (followed by the area of country or city you want to search). Then research each in depth to check the legitimacy of each. It`s worth taking the time to do this to keep yourself from being scammed. Read all the information you can find on all websites and forums. If you`re over 16 you can join the international model networking sites and get feedback from other models.

Genuine agents make money by taking a percentage of a model`s fees. They do not have handling fees, signing fees, agency fees (outside of their cut - as noted above) or any other kind of up front 'before-you-can-be-signed' fee. Bogus agencies may insist you pay fees (often extortionate) for a shoot with them to be accepted. Agencies that require a portfolio hosting fee or charge for compcards (z cards) will deduct this from a model`s first job fees.

Genuine agencies do not ask you to pay for test shoots or for the development of portfolios but may arrange specific photoshoots with a reputable or in-house photographer.

Genuine agencies do not expect payment up front for your Z card or website profile. Some may deduct costs from the proceeds of the first paid assignment. Some do not charge fees for these.

Legitimate modelling agencies give a 30 day cooling off period for photographic and audio visual services when these are provided as an additional service.

Legitimate modelling agencies are, by law, registered as employment agencies.

No legitimate modelling agency will ask you for nude or suggestive photographs so that they can assess your suitability as a model. No legitimate agency will ask you to audition via webcam.

Legimitate modelling agencies do not hold mass casting calls / auditions in hotels or shopping centres. Any attending 'scouts' are part of the scam team.

Legitimate agencies do not entice you to join with an immediate offer of work nor do they guarantee you paid work at any time.

Legitimate model agencies have bona fide offices & employ staff who you can talk to on the telephone. Beware, anyone can set up an agency website with a telephone number so further research will also be needed.

Genuine agencies DO NOT ADVERTISE ON GUMTREE, GOOGLE ADS, YAHOO ADS, FACEBOOK OR ANY SOCIAL NETWORK SITE (other than casting calls on bona fide model networking sites) Agencies receive hundreds of applications direct to their offices and have no need to waste valuable time trawling the internet for potential models. To make this clear, when making an internet search relating to modelling ALL the modelling adverts on the right of the screen & in the pink or blue boxes at the top of the results list are ALL scams.

Genuine agencies may have Facebook profiles where people can view information and news on the agency. This does not constitute scouting or advertising.

Hope that helps you sort them out.