Mother modelling agencies around the world actively exchange experiences and information about foreign partners and models in private online communities. Various situations and strategies are discussed in these chats. Let us consider some typical problems that arise within the framework of international contracts, as well as possible ways to solve them.
1. The receiving party refuses to pay the model’s fee or the required commission to the mother agency (mac). In such situations, it is necessary to establish direct contact with the head of the agency to find out the reason for non-payment. If the agency simply ignores requests and evades payments, we blacklist it and inform other parent agencies. As a last resort, you can contact the consulate of the country that issued the work visa, since the visa request usually contains a guarantee of compliance with all contract terms.
2. Termination of the contract with the model due to weight gain is another common problem. This usually occurs when there is a significant deviation from the declared parameters. Minor deviations may result in a warning, loss of pocket money, and a requirement to get in shape. If there is no progress, the model may be sent back, usually at her own expense.
3. If the agency does not buy a return ticket, even though this was stipulated in the contract, this is a violation. In the absence of fines or legal grounds for terminating the contract, the agency is obliged to ensure the return of the model to her home country. Such cases should be reported in professional groups.
4. The agency does not allow models to choose their own apartment and roommate. Almost all contracts include this clause. The receiving agency has the right to independently determine the place of residence of the models and their roommates. Although the model can request a change in living conditions, the agency has the final say.
5. Unilateral reduction or cancellation of the guarantee by the agency is also a problem. The contract usually specifies the conditions under which the guarantee can be cancelled, for example, failure to fulfil the work plan, weight gain, refusal to work, or poor knowledge of the language. If the guarantee is cancelled without any apparent reason, this casts doubt on the agency’s reliability. In case of unsuccessful negotiations, information about the problematic agency is distributed among other parent agencies.
6. Cancellation of a signed contract at the stage of visa processing or ticket purchase is a rare but possible occurrence, fraught with serious consequences for the agency’s reputation. The model loses time and the opportunity to conclude other contracts, so the agency’s actions are considered illegal and are also critically reviewed by parent agencies.
To reduce the risk of such troubles, it is recommended to cooperate with reliable mother agencies, which, in turn, will give preference to working with proven receiving agencies.
