Working Models Getting Paid...it's not like a "normal" job where you get paid the week after. Not at All! The simplest way to describe it: the model gets paid when the "agency" recieves the money from the client that the model worked for.
Okay, that's the basic explanation, but what if the client doesn't pay the agency in a timely matter? The model simply will not be paid, either, until the agen...cy receives the payment, clears the check, deducts their cut (a.k.a. commission), and any of the other miscellaneous expenses that an agency has covered for the model.
Those expenses may vary from agency to agency, so ask up front if there are any other expenses (other than the agent's commission) that will be deducted from paychecks. Many agencies do not advance earnings to models, so don't rely on an agency if they have that as their policy. There is NO GUARANTEE that the model will ever work again, so that's risky to advance money knowing that they may never see it again. Also, if they do advance you your pay for any reason...be prepared to "owe" them that money out of future earnings.
Back to that non-paying "client", if they NEVER pay for your service, you will still owe your agency (like a "loan"). Models do not have labor laws that protect them as "workers", either...they are responsible for their own "business as a model", so they can take the hit financially. They may have a FABULOUS portfolio, but be POORER than when they started! It's crazy, but it happens! :(
Sadly, in the major modeling markets...many models can owe thousands of dollars to their agency! It is not clear to some models that agencies provide their "service" to get jobs for many models, as well as finding models for "clients", too. They are providing a "middle-man" service. They keep their selection of models with intentions of having a competetive choice for their clients. Either way, the agency is likely to get paid their commissions or other fees...no matter which model works. This is not meant to be negative toward the model nor agency, but it's the reality of who is really going to benefit if a model doesn't have her head in the game. -- A.K.A. Models Educ. Series
Okay, that's the basic explanation, but what if the client doesn't pay the agency in a timely matter? The model simply will not be paid, either, until the agen...cy receives the payment, clears the check, deducts their cut (a.k.a. commission), and any of the other miscellaneous expenses that an agency has covered for the model.
Those expenses may vary from agency to agency, so ask up front if there are any other expenses (other than the agent's commission) that will be deducted from paychecks. Many agencies do not advance earnings to models, so don't rely on an agency if they have that as their policy. There is NO GUARANTEE that the model will ever work again, so that's risky to advance money knowing that they may never see it again. Also, if they do advance you your pay for any reason...be prepared to "owe" them that money out of future earnings.
Back to that non-paying "client", if they NEVER pay for your service, you will still owe your agency (like a "loan"). Models do not have labor laws that protect them as "workers", either...they are responsible for their own "business as a model", so they can take the hit financially. They may have a FABULOUS portfolio, but be POORER than when they started! It's crazy, but it happens! :(
Sadly, in the major modeling markets...many models can owe thousands of dollars to their agency! It is not clear to some models that agencies provide their "service" to get jobs for many models, as well as finding models for "clients", too. They are providing a "middle-man" service. They keep their selection of models with intentions of having a competetive choice for their clients. Either way, the agency is likely to get paid their commissions or other fees...no matter which model works. This is not meant to be negative toward the model nor agency, but it's the reality of who is really going to benefit if a model doesn't have her head in the game. -- A.K.A. Models Educ. Series
