How to Find a Legitimate Modeling Agency
The biggest challenge for aspiring models is to find a reputable agency without getting ripped off. Generally, a good modeling agency will work in the best interests of their clients and remain free of complaints. The industry is full of sharks who would like nothing more than to profit from a model's desire to succeed. The best way to avoid losing lots of money is to recognize the traps scam artists will use to lure new customers.
Start Doing Your Research at Home
Honest agencies will want to be located easily, so look in the yellow pages or on the internet and find out which agencies are within easy reach of your address. Once you have compiled a list examine each website. If you see sites that promise you'll get work, it's probably a good idea to cross these off the list. No one, not even a legitimate modeling agency, can make this kind of guarantee. Dig some more and check the Better Business Bureau to see if an agency you're interested in has a poor track record.
Visit the Agency
It wouldn't hurt to see the agency's physical location and meet the staff. This is the only way to get a clear picture of who they are and how professional the agency is. They would also want to meet you face to face. However, if you're asked to come in after business hours or on a weekend that's a huge red flag. When you get there, look around for a license and be aware of what's going on around you. Do you hear the staff booking work for their clients? Do the photos on the wall look genuine?
Never Pay an Agency Upfront
You shouldn't be pressured to hand over money for photos or classes. If this happens to you, don't join an agency under any circumstances. They might say you look great and have lots of potential, but they probably tell this to everyone who walks through the door. Fake modeling agencies make money by using their own photographers to take very expensive pictures, not by earning commissions from modeling jobs. Honest agencies will take care of producing photos and won't charge you a cent.
Be Wary of Scouts
What could be more amazing than being approached by a stranger and told you've got the right kind of look to be a model? Don't let your emotions get in the way of common sense. Ask why you were chosen. If you book an appointment and show up you might end up sitting in an office with fifty other people who don't look much different than you. The agency will then ask for a ton of money for pictures or classes of some sort. Young, old, attractive, ugly — it doesn't matter. Dishonest modeling scouts will tell you exactly what you want to hear to get your money. Take your time and investigate the agency thoroughly.
You shouldn't rely on a website when making a decision about a modeling agency. It may look glossy, but that doesn't mean your modeling career will get off the ground. If you pay a fee but no jobs materialize, don't count on getting a refund.
