How to get a discount on your recruitment fees

How to get a discount on your recruitment fees without compromising on quality

Recruitment fees are one of the main reasons businesses look at alternative hiring methods. Often, trying to save on agency fees means spending too much time away from your core responsibilities or settling for a candidate who is not quite the right fit for your team.

At Motion Recruitment, we stand confidently by our pricing. However, I also understand that businesses want to secure the best possible value. Like most services, the cheapest option is rarely the best. So, how do you negotiate a price you are happy with without disincentivising the recruiter you are engaging?

It comes down to two simple concepts: exclusivity and volume.

1. Offer exclusivity

Exclusivity is the practice of engaging just one agency to fill your vacancy.

Think about it this way: you would never hire two painters to race each other to paint your house and only pay the one who finishes first. You would not ask two mechanics to fix your car under the same terms either. 2 accountants to do your tax? The list goes on. Yet, in recruitment, pitting multiple agencies against each other on a single role is common practice.

When agencies are forced into a race, speed replaces thoroughness. Recruiters rush to send CVs before their competitors do, rather than taking the time to properly headhunt passive talent, conduct deep technical vetting, and build a genuine shortlist.

If you give a recruiter an exclusivity period – typically four weeks without interference from other agencies or your own direct advertising – you give them clear air to do their job properly. Because exclusivity gives the recruiter genuine confidence that their time and resources will result in a successful placement, most agencies will happily negotiate a reduced fee structure in return.

2. Commit to volume

Every business values repeat customers, and recruitment agencies are no different. If you have ongoing hiring plans or multiple vacancies coming up over the next quarter, bring your recruiter into that conversation early.

When there is a clear opportunity to partner across several roles, a recruiter should consider a tiered fee reduction.

Keep in mind that this discount will rarely apply to your very first placement. A cafe does not discount your first coffee; they reward your loyalty once you come back. Recruitment works the same way. By committing to a longer-term partnership across multiple hires, you give the agency predictable pipeline, and they can pass those efficiencies back to you in the form of lower fees on subsequent roles.

Key takeaways for hiring managers

  • Avoid pitting multiple agencies against each other on a single role if you want thorough candidate vetting and better commercial terms.

  • Offer a four-week exclusivity window to give your recruiter clear air to headhunt passive talent in exchange for a fee reduction.

  • Map out your upcoming hiring pipeline and discuss a volume-based discount structure that rewards repeat placements.

If you have upcoming technical or executive hiring plans in Sydney and want to discuss a tailored fee structure, reach out to our team