Do these modeling agency fees seem right?

Question

I went to an open call at a seemingly legit agency last night. This is an agency NOT a school. My goal was to get into print/commerical modeling and promos. Modeling is not a dream of mine, but rather something fun to do. The woman called me back today and congratulated me on the fact that they are choosing to work with me. Here's what I have to pay up front before the actual photo shoot takes place and it is in a few days:
Messenger fee (for postage and fed ex costs) - $95.00
Photo shoot fee - $550.00
Composite Card fee - $195.00
Web site fee - $385.00
Orientation meeting fee - $60.00
There are other fees for workshops ($560.00) but it does not say that these are manditory but who knows. I have my definate opinions on these fees but I will hold off on sharing them as I would like to your get your input without influencing your opinions with my own. I'm about 99.9 percent sure as to what I'm going to do but want your opinions.
Feedback,please. Thanks.

Answer 1

Okay Darlin'
Let's face some hard cold facts here--- These people are NOT a school BUT they have "workshops" that you're going to be paying for ??
They are charging you for aboslutely everything they do in setting you into THEIR system ??
No work guarantees or prospects OF work to offer you -- but you are looking at something just over $ 2000 just to get onboard with them ??
Paying them right at $ 400 to be listed on their webpage ?? When having people listed there is their job AS an agency and one of the primary ways that they are supposed to be making their money in locating work FOR YOU

Darlin' I have been at commercial photography and carrying a certification as a model consultant for many years and have seen hundreds of these dogs in the hunt !! And, school, agency or corner diner---whatever they are calliing this thing-- it is in THEIR FAVOR not yours -- what I am hearing here !!!

One major show stopper here---you are the potential client-- they are the potential agent--- get a list of their CURRENT MODELS AND CURRENT PROJECTS LISTINGS---- if they actually have one !!! By talking with several of their listed and active models (don't settle for a list with two or three names only for these could very definately be "plants" with "glowing reviews" rehearsed and ready for "playback" on demand) you'll find how much work they are actually seeing from this place and what type of work that is-----and by finding out who they are currently supplying models TO -- you can get a view on what scale and quality of client they are dealing with on THAT end of things (I am highly sceptical that they will be able to provide you with one of these listings because I am of the belief that THESE people are making a quite decent living from the proceeds of thier "LISTINGS FOR" people !!!)

Answer 2

Legitimate Modeling Agencies NEVER charge the model.

Once the model starts to book modeling jobs and make money, the agency takes their money for any expenses they incurred, from any money made by the model for a modeling job. The main word to remember is: is Legitimate Modeling Agency.

The above is NOT a legitimate modeling agency, because a real modeling agency would NEVER ask the model to pay the outlined expenses.

If you want to become a professonal model, you must live in NYC.

NYC is the only legitimate modeling industry in the USA.

Go to bbb.org:
to see if there is any negative feedback on the modeling agency. You can also contact the Department of Labor, for the state where you live, to see if there is any negative feedback about the agency.

99% of modeling agencies NOT in NYC. Can we say SCAM!

Answer 3

Modeling agencies will never charge you upfront. However, there may be minimal fees, depending on the agency you went to. These payments may include handling fee or signing up fee. Usually an agency will only take percentage of your earnings (10-25% tops).

It is very difficult to find legitimate modeling agencies these days. Some agencies may take advantage and charge high fees like what you've experienced, while there are some who stick by the rule.

To enlighten you more on what you should expect with a legitimate agency, read more through this link: http://teenadvice.about.com/od/adviceexpert/a/newmodel.htm