Agency commission in modeling: meaning, example and tips

How it works

An agency earns only when the model earns: it keeps the percentage stated in the contract from every fee. In many markets the agency also charges the client a service fee on top, which the model does not see.

When the model works abroad, the agency there takes the commission and the mother agency receives a share of it. In Asian markets, where the agency pays flights and housing up front, the percentage can be higher. The exact numbers belong in the contract.

Commission is not the same as expenses. Flights, housing or cards are deducted separately, after commission, and should appear on the statement one by one.

In practice

A model does a job at a €1,000 day rate. The contract sets commission at 20%, so the agency keeps €200. From the remaining €800, €80 is taken for comp cards the agency advanced last month. €720 reaches the model's account, and all three lines show separately on the statement.

What to watch for

The percentage must be written as a number.
Ask what the commission will be when you work abroad.
On the statement, check the percentage against the contract.

Related terms

Agencies and representationRepresentation agreementA representation agreement is the contract between a model and an agency: how long the agency will represent the model, both sides' duties, the commission and how payment works.Money and rightsModel statementA statement is the agency's account of a model's income and expenses: every job, the commission, the costs advanced and the final balance.Money and rightsDay rateThe day rate is what the client pays for a model's working day, usually eight hours; the half-day rate covers four.Money and rightsAdvanceAn advance is money or costs the agency pays for the model up front and later deducts from their earnings.Agencies and representationMother agencyA mother agency is a model's first agency, usually in the home country: it discovers and prepares the model, places them with agencies abroad and oversees the whole career.

Questions and answers

Frequently asked

01What commission is normal?

Usually around 20%. New York State law bars agencies from charging more than 20%.

02Can an agency charge when there is no work?

No. Commission is taken only on jobs done. A fee to sign or a "membership" charge is a red flag.

Agency commission