Wizard Contracting ACT Out of business does any one know WHY?

“As for Mr Pepper’s comments – why should you give a f*ck how much a margin the agency charges as long as you are getting the rate you want.”

La mente torbida – what a silly question. Captainwhorebags hits the nail on the head when he said it’s all about competitiveness. Of course clients and project managers sure the hell are going to care if it costs them $10/hr more. This will always apply for hiring and maintaining existing people.

“Forgot to add, in my experience, it’s the quality of the account manager, not the agency that matters.”

Interesting comment. You talk like an agent so I’m probably hitting a nerve. How many times have I heard the sales talk “why should you care about our massive margin when you’re getting a good rate?”.

If you are a contractor then my experience differs considerably. I’ve never been screwed and lied to more than when I worked for a large Sydney based IT agency. Working for a small low margin local company has been a dream in comparison.

torbida: you should care about the margins because a high margin can make you very uncompetitive. You may be getting the same in your pocket as the bloke next to you, but you’re actually costing the department $30 an hour more. Guess who’s going to be shown the door if the department has to lose one of you.

CT has this to say:
http://canberra.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=news&subclass=general&story_id=1070635&category=general

S4anta – some last longer than others…I remember when Wizard was just 2 guys and low margins. They have lasted longer than most.

torbida, word.

As far as temping firms go, these businesses tend to go in and out of business every 5-8 years or so. It is just part of the business cycle of the industry. Have a look at where the Sydney market is at now, whilst in canberra breath a sigh of relief folks.

Forgot to add, in my experience, it’s the quality of the account manager, not the agency that matters.

Been contracting in Canberra since ’84. Big agencies, small agencies, no difference really.

Smaller agencies can run into problems with cashflow – even Wizard was a small agency originally.

As for Mr Pepper’s comments – why should you give a f*ck how much a margin the agency charges as long as you are getting the rate you want. Don’t like it? Set up and do it on your own and quit bitching.

I don’t expect anything from an agency except payment on invoicing and on time.

I have used AchieveCorp, and found them to be excellent. I’d highly recommend their services.

It is a bit of a vicious circle small it contractor company buys smaller it contractor company, Then they end up being a big it company.
mind you seeing that the are our Pimps, where do they keep the big bouncer guy called Buba 🙂
The one good thing is that, the contractor can always walk with his or her feet…..

What a crock! Being in IT this makes me angry. When you’re contracting via an agency, these useless w*nker companies don’t do shit. Boil it down and they’re just collecting money on your behalf and often taking a damn big fee in return for essentially paying an invoice.

For them to be billing clients the full amount for contractors with the intention of passing on only 75% to people who aren’t even their employees is bullshit. Clients paying bills for Wizard contractors should in return paying only 75%. Where is the money going then if not to the people who actually did the work?

Screw these large IT agencies. It’s the same old story of exploiting people, whether it be this or the rampant rorting of the 457 visa scheme by many IT agencies in recent years.

I’d highly recommend anybody contracting in IT in Canberra signs with smaller, contractor owned IT agencies. I’ve heard good about companies like Compas Computing, Tarakan and Tony Winmill. All are popular with IT contractors and are winning more market share. Contractors like not dealing with salesman and seem to be voting with their feet.

If anybody knows of other such companies please post your recommendations. This story with Wizard shows how wary we all should be about the large IT agencies.