Independent contractors may want to try taking a look at www.ice.com.
The Independent Contractors Exchange.  I haven't particpated in thier
program, but they offer "employer of record" services for a small percentage.

Jim Mc Coy
www.jimmccoy.com

Mark Watkins wrote:

> I see that private responses are preferable, but this happens to be a
> subject where I can't resist pulling out my soapbox....my apologies in
> advance.
> ==================================================
>
> Unfortunately I know of very few consulting firms that are more than just
> plain pimps.  The major difference between being a contractor and a
> prostitute is that the prostitute knows up front that she is billing
> $100/hour and only getting $35-45.  Another difference is that the pimp
> won't lie to her about the excellent benefits that will be given out as
> compensation.  As contractors we aren't told what the client is getting
> billed - and guess why?  Why would someone want to hide that figure?
> Well, it's not real hard to guess the reason.....
>
> Yes Kevin, it's highway robbery, but a crime that is usually endorsed by
> large companies (and yes,  I can understand the reasons that they use
> contracting firms).  Your best bet is to set yourself up as a company and
> become bonded etc., then approach the company again with a deal.  You'll
> have to pay the taxes and do the other admin for yourself (or get an
> accountant), but that's the trade off for keeping what you earn.  Your
> best bet is to stay away from companies in the F500 or higher, as they
> almost always require a consulting firm.....
>
> Good luck
> Mark Watkins
>
> Kevin L. Newman wrote:
>
> > I do consulting work for another company, sub-contract if you will.  I
> > recently found another contract that would be a part-time thing to do
> > for a little Christmas money for this year.  I approached my contract
> > firm about doing the billing for me, in hopes that since I brought
> > this to them, and they don't have any part of this other than normal
> > billing, taxes and insurance, that they wouldn't rake me for a rate.
> > It turns out that they want $20/hour above and beyond the expenses for
> > the privilege of me doing business with them.  They don't have to do a
> > *$^@ thing for this.  I would be bringing both parties into the
> > agreement, they would be doing their normal billing and their X%
> > additional costs in order to handle all expenses plus this extra
> > $20/hour.  Am I missing something, or does this seem like highway
> > robbery?  Are there others out there that I could use to drop the
> > billed at/paid ratios to a little more reasonable level or are all of
> > the "Consulting Firms" the same?
> >
> > Kevin
> >
> > Private responses are preferable.