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Select your agency based on the merits of their ability to do the job, not because of any affiliation. Kretzklan is correct that relationships are part of that effectiveness, but there are many other factors. Do not consider any agency that is not accredited. Do not choose an agency based on emotion. Interview them like you would a prospective employee. Call them on the phone several times to see how consistently they respond to your questions. Send them email to see if they respond in a timely fashion. Check out their references...both agency supplied and by checking the agency thread in this forum for folks you can contact directly.
Do not sign with any agency before you thoroughly...and I really do mean thoroughly...review their agreement/contract. It's extremely important that you understand the terms of that legal agreement, what your responsibilities are; what the agency's responsibilities are and "how the money works". Don't sign with an agency that wants pretty much all the money up-front...pay as you go is absolutely preferable. Be sure you understand how the foreign fees are to be paid...some agencies require you to carry a ton of cash with you to Russia; some will handle it for you so you only need incidental food/leisure/getting-around money in your belt. (I prefer the latter and that is what we got with our excellent agency)
Be sure that the agency you are intending to sign with has explained the process clearly and completely...this is where a forum like this can help as you can "check" to be sure that you are getting a clear understanding. It totally amazes me at how many folks have to ask process questions online that should have been answered; make that clearly explained up-front by their agencies. Remember, your agency works for YOU. But I am not saying you have a whole lot of control over that process...you don't, so it's important to understand the process from the start.
As I read back over this post...the undeniable theme is "do your homework"!!
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