A temp agency, or temporary staffing agency, is a company that matches independent professionals with businesses needing short-term project help. For freelancers, they can be a source of contract work.
What is Temp agency?
A temp agency is a firm that acts as a middleman between businesses and workers for temporary roles. They specialize in finding short-term contracts or project-based work. For freelancers, this means they can source opportunities on your behalf, often for assignments lasting weeks to months.
Why is this important?
Temp agencies are important because they handle client acquisition and sometimes administrative tasks. This lets you focus on the work itself. They can provide a steady stream of projects, which is valuable when you're building your client base or between direct contracts.
How does it work?
You apply and are vetted by the agency. When a client needs a freelancer, the agency matches your skills to the project. You typically work under a contract with the agency, not directly with the end client. The agency bills the client and then pays you, often taking a fee or markup.
Pros and cons
Key pros include less time spent marketing, faster access to vetted clients, and potential for back-to-back projects. Cons involve less control over rates as the agency takes a cut, less direct client relationship building, and project selection may be limited to the agency's client pool.
Conclusion
Temp agencies can be a useful tool for freelancers seeking consistent, short-term work without the hassle of direct client sourcing. They are best used as one channel within a diversified client strategy. Evaluate them based on the quality of projects and net pay after their fees.
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