Free modeling agencies do exist due to a law passed in October 2010 which stated that organisations of this nature are unable to charge an upfront fee. The act was to ensure that modeling agencies could not charge a significant amount of money with no cement promise of work. It avoids those who wish to exploit desperate hopefuls and reassures aspiring models that the establishment truly believes in their talent. However, uncertainty is raised as only leading agencies who cater for the high fashion sector can afford to take risks on unknown potential.

High Fashion Agencies

Modeling agencies who find supermodels to grace the runway and star in prestigious editorial photoshoots have the funds to experiment and take chances on new hopefuls with a desire to be the next ‘big thing.’ To sign fashion models who will not guarantee an income for the business is risky and could swallow up a significant amount of the budget if the venture does not work.

Agencies make money by taking a percentage of each professional models earnings as a reward for setting up the role. Therefore, if the new faces are not securing shoots or catwalk appearances the agency will make no money. This can have a damaging affect on the business. Also, imagine the amount of new models that are signed to the agency and the risks the experts take.

Commercial Model Agencies

For this reason commercial and catalogue modeling agencies are unable to afford the costs of signing male and female models to the establishment without an upfront fee. To be able to charge for their services agencies within this niche without working illegally call themselves a model/casting/talent agency or model/promotions/extras. Therefore, you are likely to be charged an upfront fee to be signed to an agency within this division. It is important to act with integrity when agreeing to pay for a service with no guarantee of work.

Ensure that you investigate further before handing over the cash. Unfortunately the industry is rife with scam artists who prey on naive and impressionable individuals. Many use social media to lure young hopefuls so please be wary. It may be wise to seek advice from professionals who you can trust to ensure your money is safe.

Act with Caution

Always act with caution when paying an upfront fee as those who are planning to exploit hopefuls will be eager for you to make the payment that day. Scam artists can be very convincing and use the correct jargon to be viewed as legitimate. Do not rush into a decision even if you start to feel pressure from the organisation.

The best agencies will respect your decision to consider the offer. They will not force you to act on the spot. Simply kindly explain that you will need to think about the opportunity and will be back in touch with your answer. With all the facts to hand start to research into the company. The internet is a great way to find out if an organisation is trustworthy or not. Ask as many questions as possible to put your mind at ease. If you are certain that the upfront fee will be put to good use proceed.

Of course, most models are hoping to be signed to free modelling agencies. However, some organisations will require an upfront fee to fund the business. The more experienced and dedicated you are will ensure that the model agency will make money. However, if they sign a model without a guarantee of payment the organisation will be directly affected. For more information on becoming a model click here.