How to choose model agency software: eight questions
There's plenty of specialist software for model agencies, and the real differences only show up on a closer look. These eight questions help you compare, and they apply to our product too.
1. What drives the price?
Some vendors charge per user, others a flat rate or by roster size. SourceForge's directory lists starting prices from about $30 to $300 a month, often per user, unverified and in mixed currencies. Run the numbers on your real team size rather than the headline price.
2. Can you try it yourself?
Some vendors only show their product on a call. That has its reasons, and it can make sense for large migrations. For smaller agencies a hands-on trial often tells you more: add a model, send a request, raise an invoice.
3. How long is the contract?
Ask about minimum term, notice period, and what happens to your data when you leave. Export should be a given, not an extra.
4. Is a website included?
Some systems include a site, others give you an API for your existing one. An API is worth it if you want to keep a custom-built site. Otherwise it means extra development and upkeep.
5. How do invoices reach clients?
If you operate in Germany, B2B e-invoicing is becoming mandatory in stages, so ask which format the system produces and whether numbering is unbroken. If you need mother agency statements or exports to your accounting package, check those specifically.
6. How is data protected?
You'll be storing IDs, measurements, photos and often data about minors. Ask how different agencies' data is kept apart, whether documents are private, whether location data is stripped from photos, and who has access.
7. What can models do themselves?
The more models maintain themselves, the less work lands on your team. Check whether changes are approved before they go public and how models answer requests: by app, portal or link.
8. Who handles the migration?
Some vendors do it for you, and with others you enter the data yourself. If your roster is large, this may be one of the most important points. Ask to see what happens to images, documents and past bookings.
To see how CastTool holds up on these questions next to other vendors, including where they do more, read our comparisons. See the comparisons