I'm new to Shanghai and have recently had internal company people help us with housing. About one place out of 5-6 probably suited us so I was thinking of having a look via an agent.

I've seen places that have agent fees of around 35% (this seems standard?). Can someone confirm this is a one off fee and whether an agent will charge me 'just for looking' at apartments? I'm unsure of who to go with right now but just spreading my wings and getting a feel for the city and different areas as well.

You don't pay any agency fee until rent contract is signed

^ the std is 35%. why did u pay 50%?

I didn't pay any fee. I wrote in the rental agreement that the landlord had to pay all fees. (It is a renters makret out there now!)

yes the standard is 35% from renter and landlord each.
u may negotiate to lower the rate.

I paid three months rent upfront. Two months of that was a deposit which (I hope!) will be returned on completion on the lease. The first month's rent went to the agent. So I guess in my case it was the landlord who paid the agent's fee...