# Recruitment agency fees

Source: https://www.tessera.partners/recruitment-fees
Language: en
Last updated: 2026-10-02

Fees

Tessera Partners charges 10% of the hire's first year base salary, and agrees VP and C-level fees case by case. A 750 EUR start fee confirms the project and is deducted from the final invoice. The fee covers sourcing, 5-Lens assessment, interview and offer support, references and a 90 day replacement guarantee.

[Book a call →](https://cal.com/tessera)

## Fee table

| Role band | Annual base (EUR / USD) | Fee | Expected fee range |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Mid-senior individual contributor | 60k to 95k | 10% | 6k to 9.5k |
| Senior / Lead | 90k to 140k | 10% | 9k to 14k |
| Director / Head of | 120k to 180k | 10% | 12k to 18k |
| VP / C-level | 180k+ | Agreed case by case | Agreed case by case |

The 750 EUR start fee is deducted from the final invoice. Every placement includes a 90 day replacement guarantee.

## How the start fee works

When you confirm the project, we invoice a 750 EUR start fee. It shows commitment on both sides and lets us put senior time on your search from day one.

The start fee is deducted in full from the final invoice. Any other engagement terms are agreed with you case by case.

## What the fee includes

- Market mapping and sourcing through our network, referrals and curated talent pools.
- A written 5-Lens dossier for every shortlisted candidate.
- Interview scheduling, preparation and debriefs.
- Reference checks with former managers.
- Offer and negotiation support, including salary band guidance.
- The 90 day replacement guarantee and check-ins through day 90.

## When the fee is due

We issue the final invoice when you sign with the candidate. It is due within 7 days, and the 750 EUR start fee is already deducted.

## Contingency or retained search

In contingency search, the agency is paid only if you hire a candidate it introduced. It suits roles with a clear market and several possible candidates. You can work with more than one agency at once.

In retained search, part of the fee is paid upfront. The agency then commits time to one search, often exclusively. It suits senior, confidential or hard to fill roles. Our model sits between the two: a small start fee confirms the project, and the rest is due only when you hire.

## How our fees compare

Agency fees are usually a percentage of first year salary. [Indeed](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/headhunters-fee) reports an average headhunter fee of 20% to 25%, ranging from 15% to over 40%. Our fee is 10%. We focus on the relationship with each client, not on maximizing the fee from one search.

## Frequently asked questions

### Do you offer discounts for multiple roles?

Yes. When you plan several hires, we discuss terms for the whole plan instead of pricing each role alone. We look at the full relationship with your company, not at a single search. For five or more roles over a few months, our RPO model may also fit better. Tell us your plan and we will propose terms.

### What are your fees for local hiring in Argentina, and in which currency?

Local searches through our Argentina office follow the same model. The fee is 10% of the first year base salary plus the 750 EUR start fee, or its equivalent. We invoice local clients in Argentine pesos. For international clients, we try to invoice in your own currency. Ask us for a proposal for your role.

### How does the replacement guarantee work?

If a placement does not work out within 90 days of the start date, we search again for the same role. There is no additional fee. We stay in touch with you and the hire through those 90 days, so issues come up early. The signed client agreement sets out the full terms.

### What happens if we hire a candidate we introduced later?

If you hire a candidate we introduced, the fee applies under the terms of your signed client agreement. This is true even after the search closes, or for a different role. It protects the work behind every introduction. It is also standard practice in recruitment agreements.

### Do candidates pay anything?

No. Candidates never pay a fee for our recruitment services. Our fee is always paid by the hiring company. This keeps our incentives clear. We are paid to find the right person for you, and we owe every candidate an honest answer within 72 hours.

## Related pages

### [Hire with Tessera Partners →](https://www.tessera.partners/companies)

### [The 5-Lens Method →](https://www.tessera.partners/methodology)

### [Recruitment agency versus EOR →](https://www.tessera.partners/recruitment-agency-vs-eor)

## Get a fee proposal for your role.

[Book a call →](https://cal.com/tessera)