Modelling agency with a small office and studio

Retailers, advertising and marketing agencies, event and promotional companies, and production crews pay booking fees. Models pay through commission, and sometimes clients pay extra booking or agency fees.

Commission on each booking plus any agreed client-side agency fee. A larger roster and repeat corporate clients make income steadier, but rent and staff costs need to be covered first.

• Talent scouting and development
• Sales and client relationships
• Contract negotiation
• Managing staff or contractors
• Budgeting and invoicing

• Never charge models upfront fees for signing or representation; only earn from commission and agreed client fees
• Check provincial rules for talent, employment or artists' agencies and whether a licence or bond is needed (Quebec has its own rules)
• Check rules for working with minors, including parental consent, permits and working hours
• Commercial general liability insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff (rules vary by province)
• Fixed rent and wages make slow months risky, so keep a cash buffer
• Check GST/HST registration and how you handle model payouts and tax slips

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on your office or studio, equipment and how much cash buffer you keep. Fixed rent and wages make slow months risky, so plan for a buffer.

Check your provincial rules for talent, employment or artists' agencies, and whether a licence or bond is needed; Quebec has its own rules. Also check rules for working with minors, including parental consent, permits and working hours. Never charge models upfront fees.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the size of your roster and the bookings you win. Expect about 30 hours a week at minimum, and check GST/HST registration and how you handle model payouts.