How to start a modelling agency?

What's with those modelling agency people who approach you along Oxford Street? All scams?

• I moved to London 3 years ago and have never been able to walk down Oxford Street without some man or woman accosting me (mostly outside Topshop) and claiming they are from some modelling agency and giving a whole spiel and eventually asking for a snapshot and mobile number. I don't remember what they really say cus I don't really listen - nowadays I just lie and say I'm just visiting and don't live in Europe. I was just wondering who on earth these people are? I'm sure there from various agencies - but are they all scams, and if so, what do they gain from signing people up and retaining their photos? (These aren't the ones who start off by offering a model photoshoot for an obscene amount of money...) Or are some of them legit, but crappy ones that are desperate for clients? They always seemed dodgy to me before (they seem to literally approach every young girl that comes out of Topshop) but the other day some lady chased me and tapped me on the back asking if I wanted to be a model - I swear there's no way she could even have seen my face before then - it's all such a joke!

• Answer:

  let me guess, it's "zebra management"? they gain money from the pictures you have to pay for in order to get after the photo shoot! that's what they do. they set up a time and place very fast (sometimes even the same day) and you have your make up done by professionals in a nice studio...then you have to pay like 300 pounds for each photo. that's how they make money and yes they are dodgy, i mean, have you seen their website?! just ignore them , they're not worth your time.