I work for a similar recruiting agency that is, well, just another in China. They are the same in my home country, USA. They also want to make a profit, and recruiting people to place in jobs is how they do it. Those who are hired through these agencies should know what they're getting into. Yes, they take a good amount of your paycheck--and that is what the job seeker should know. If they're fine with it, then go for it. Just be sure you get paid on time, your living expenses are paid and your accommodations are decent. Also, be certain that there is someone at the recruiting agency that you can rely on for questions, requests, etc. If they are a fair agency, they will help you as much as they can. And perhaps after working with a recruiter, one can be hired directly to a school afterwards, since the person has a better grasp on how things work in China. Then you don't need to have an agency hold your hand through the particulars, and you get paid more.

And I agree with Guangxi Guy about how the Canadian guy's "Meh" impression is a good sign. If someone at an agency where you work is overly eccentric, annoying, verbally abusive, says weird things, etc., it is no good. Better to be aloof in personality so that the teacher can concentrate on his/her job than to be constantly in their face about things. As long as he is doing HIS job (paying the teacher on time, assuring everything is okay, answering questions and helping when needed), he can have the personality of a trout for all I care.

From my own experience, I knew that my agency would be taking some of my earnings. It's a good way to start out if you have no other contacts and trying to navigate the country. I did my homework beforehand. The agency (I won't name it right now) had very few reviews, or even mentions, when I Googled them.

The positive reviews of them were that they did their job and were in good communication. I found that to be true, and in most cases the recruiters there were very responsive to my messages (we use wechat to communicate). For instance, when I returned from the US I had to fly through Beijing on my way to Shanghai. The flight to Shanghai was delayed, and the recruiter messaged me about the delays and at what time the plane would finally take off. Additionally, I was going to Suzhou from Shanghai and would arrive too late for the trains. She was on her phone trying to get me a ride from Shanghai airport to Suzhou (not extremely far apart but pricey fare for car service). All of this at 1 AM in the morning ON A SUNDAY! Those little things go a long way when you're in a country with no family and few friends who can help you in those times of need. Granted, I know I can make more and don't need an agency in the future, but they are what they are--for-profit enterprises that are earning their money through getting teachers positions in Chinese schools.

I heard so many horror stories about recruiting agencies that I was very hesitant at first, and very careful. My agency is not perfect, of course, but they're fair. From what I heard about people getting screwed with payment, bad living situations, schools that harass and make teachers work more than the hours on their contract without pay, agencies just shutting down overnight, and other unsavory situations, I think that from my perspective, the agency I work with is a walk in the park. Not that I would just settle for less and not want more in the future, but it is good for now.

Sorry for the rant--I thought I'd write like 3 sentences and be done with it. But, I would say that if anyone is approached by an agency for teaching positions, do your homework and go with your intuition. For example, agencies and school that will come to YOU instead of you to them--for me--sets off little alarm bells. Especially when they insist that you are perfect for the position when they know nothing about you. This happened to me many times while on contract with the agency I am with now. The other agencies that contacted me were way too aggressive about how great their schools are and how great I am as a teacher. I prefer the aloof approach--but not necessarily indifferent (that's another thing). My agency wasn't nearly as creepy about luring me to them. They were enthusiastic, but not trying to pull a Jedi mind trick nor were they cultish about bring me into their "family". Ok I'm done!!