my lo has been provisionally accepted by Bizzykidz modelling agency....

[porkypig]

but there is a set up cost of £120. Does this sound dodgy? xx

 

[hypnorm]

Have they said what it is for? that sounds a bit much to me.

 

[oursarah]

Sounds a lot. I have heard that if they ask for money up front, it's a no go.

 

[Fliss_floss]

Sounds a bit dodgy to me hun
I dont think you should be asked to pay anything.... i think i remember hearing somewhere that you should be wary of agencies that ask for money upfront. Maybe best looking into it further
xx

 

[porkypig]

This is what they said in the e-mail;

The acceptance of your child is subject to the following:

1) £120 website set up cost (this is a one-off payment and NOT a yearly fee). There are no further fees payable and this covers your child up until to the age of 17 years.
2) Returning the model detail sheet below (follows on below in this letter).Our full company portfolio is available in a pdf format by clicking www.bizzykidz.com/presentation.pdf for you to read and save to your pc.

 

[Bumpontherun]

I know with adult agencies they say that reputable agencies won't ask for money up front. Sounds a bit dodgey to me Could you ask what companies they get work from, could they put you in contact with any mums who use them? I'd be very warey about handing over that much money upfront.

 

[emilyjade]

no modeling agency should accept before seeing little one face to face and 120 sound alot - maybe a scam be careful research it on fourms if you cann x

 

[porkypig]

they work with a whole string of different companies, actually someone on here reccommended them but im still a bit wary xxx

 

[Connah'sMommy]

Hiya hun,
Connah has been accepted to Models Direct and they didnt ask for any money upfront.
They gave us the option to expand his portfolio with them and pay for photos or we could go elsewhere to build up his portfolio either with our own photos or with a proffesional.

They just take a cut of whatever he earns on the job xx

 

[emilyjade]

just found this may help your decison - https://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090428123200AAutHw7

 

[emilyjade]

just found this one too, there is alot of negative comments - https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=445122


have you thought about going to a baby show and see if you can get anything that way or ring up well known stores and ask what agency they use that way? i think that would be the safest x

 

[faun]

I found this info on another site

BIZZYKIDZ (BK)
Web: Child Model Agency - kids boys girls babies modeling agent, childrens modelling agency
(bizzykidz.com)
Babies, children & teenagers, 0-17 years, + families
Location of models: Nationwide
Application: by online application, post or email. 2 photos required: 1 headshot, 1 full length
Selection: submission of photos only
Fees: one-off fee £120
Commission: 20%
Have you also applied to their sister company

BABYSHAK (BS)
Web: Baby Modelling Agency / Babies Modeling Agent - Babyshak London
(babyshak.com)
Specialises in babies & toddlers 0-4 years (sister company of Bizzykidz)
Location of models: Nationwide
Application: by online application, post or email. 2 headshots required: 1 smiley, 1 serious/neutral
Selection: submission of photos only
Fees: one-off fee £90
Commission: 20%

From doing some research it seems that they do get the kids some work but they have loads of children on the books and it might be worth trying to get on the books of a more exclusive agency like Trulyscrumptious or Urban Angels if you want to do more big campaigns, as work can be very few and far between as there are so many babies and children to choose from.

 

[faun]

double post

 

[Mrs Muffin]

Sounds dodgy. Never pay money to modelling agencies. They should pay for photos and costs, otherwise sounds like they accept alot of people just to make money.

 

[faun]

I also found this info which aplies to just Childrens modelling not adults

A lot of agencies charge fees. I thought this was illegal. Does it mean they’re a scam?

It’s a common misconception that an agency must be a scam if they’re charging fees. But due to the way child agencies work most do charge to cover their own expenses in setting a child up with them. The amount can vary quite widely and it will depend how much you’re willing to gamble as to whether you try certain agencies over others. Some will take a one-off payment that will cover your child for several years, some will take an annual fee. Some will ask for payment in order to set up your child’s webpage, etc, whilst others will deduct it from their first earnings.
It doesn’t necessarily follow that the more expensive agencies are the best, but do bear in mind that the agencies that don’t make an upfront charge or have very low fees are usually the most likely to have a lot of competition for places and be very selective. It might also be the case that they’ll also take a higher cut from any earnings in terms of their commission, so it’s worth taking into account. Also check to see whether the fees include the cost of regular update photographs or whether this is likely to be an additional expense.

 

[porkypig]

thanks everyone!!!! xxxx

 

[bloodbinds]

I did some child modelling when i was younger and i was never asked to pay any money up front and was told to avoid anyone that did

 

[shaunanicole]

Sounds like a potential scam to me. Any reputable modeling agency wouldn't charge you photo fees/cost fees. Just be careful.