A recruitment agency sources candidates and, when you hire one, typically charges a one-off fee, often a percentage of the hire's first-year salary. You then employ them yourself. Countbird works differently: no upfront fee, the person works through us, and we stay involved after they start.
At a glance
| Recruitment agency | Countbird | |
|---|---|---|
| How you pay | A one-off placement fee, often linked to salary | One flat monthly fee, only while they're with you |
| What you receive | A shortlist of CVs | 2 to 3 people tested on a task from your world |
| Who employs them | You do | Countbird does, so you need no Indian entity |
| After they start | The agency usually steps back | Regular check-ins with you and with them |
| If it doesn't work out | Depends on the guarantee period in the contract | We replace them at no extra cost |
| Best for | Hiring onto your own payroll in your country | Remote roles filled from India |
Which to choose
Recruitment agency is better when
- You want the hire on your own payroll
- You need a specialist search for a senior leader
- The role must be based in your country
Countbird fits when
- You want no upfront fee
- You'd rather not set up employment in India
- You want ongoing support, not just a placement
Questions
Do you charge a placement fee?+
No. There's nothing to pay upfront. You pay a flat monthly fee while the person is on your team.
Can I hire them directly later?+
Talk to us. Our client agreement sets out how that works.