Anyone dealt with Talent Agencies?

I randomly sent Jett's details into a talent agency last Friday.  I got a reply today with all the forms and terms and conditions of being signed up with them.  It's freaked me out a bit.  Do I REALLY want to do this?  I think it's moreso cos it will cost me money!  Obviously I'd have to travel to Akl for auditions with Jett and that's not a problem, it's having to pay $69 up front to have an online profile page which is visable to clients worldwide, then a monthly fee of $12 something per month.

 

I haven't spoken to Dh about this yet, so will do this when we get a chance to sit down and discuss it, but for the meantime I'm wanting to know if anyone has done something like this before, either for themselves or for their child/ren? 

Sounds pretty standard, although not sure about the monthly fee... Both agencies I have been signed with for modelling/talent have a yearly fee for the online profile plus a one off for them to create your comp cards if you don't have them already. They will also charge you commission per job and probably get you to sign a standard contract where you agree to not sign to any other agency at the same time.
Basically if you get jobs it will be worthwhile, if not it will cost you money! Have you spoken to anyone in the industry about whether they think your son will get work? A neutral 3rd party if possible, not someone from the talent agency hope that help and good luck!

edited to make more sense!

Edited by nuts_nats

The Talent Agency themselves don't have any fees except their commission (20%) off any work you get.  This other fee i'm talking of is the one to set up your profile page for clients to view, and then an ongoing monthly fee.  You can edit all the details yourself and add/remove photos to keep it updated.  It's not much, but you know, any money you have to pay out you don't want to feel like you're being ripped off. 

 

I'm just very knew to this.  Have no clue really, which agency is the safest, best one to go with.