Our Fees

At Bell Curve, we believe executive search should be a value-driven partnership, not a financial gamble. That’s why our pricing model is designed around fairness, transparency, and shared success. We’ve eliminated the traditional barriers of Non-Refundable upfront fees and rigid retainers, replacing them with a structure that rewards results.
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What Makes Our Payment Plan Stand Out

  • No Win – No Pay: You only pay when we successfully help you hire. If no suitable candidate is found, you owe nothing.
  • No Exclusivity Clause: You’re free to explore other hiring channels while we conduct your search, no binding agreements or restrictions.
  • Refundable Deposit (Upfront): We request a 30% refundable deposit to initiate the search , fully refundable if you hire elsewhere.
  • Staged Payments: Our payment structure is designed for clarity and low risk, with a 30% refundable deposit required to initiate the search under our “No Win – No Pay” policy, and the remaining 70% due only upon the successful signing of a job offer with the selected candidate.
  • Realistic Fee Range: Our fees range between 18%–22% of the candidate’s annual salary — based on search strategy and market mapping' complexity. We do not apply flat rates, because every leadership role is unique.
  • Replacement Guarantee: We stand by our placements with a commitment to quality: if a hire leaves within 3 months (managerial roles), 6 months (director roles), or 12 months (C-level or board positions), we will conduct a replacement search at no additional cost.
  • Post-Hire Support: Our partnership doesn’t end with the placement. We provide ongoing post-hire support to ensure a smooth onboarding and successful integration of your new leader.
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Fee Structure Overview

We believe great partnerships start with clarity. Below is a transparent breakdown of how our executive search fees are structured. Designed to reduce risk, reward trust, and deliver value at every stage of the engagement.

Engagement Stage Payment Terms

  1. Search initiation: 30% of estimated total fee (refundable deposit).
  2. Job offer signed: 70% of total fee.

Summary:

  • Full refund of 30% deposit if you hire through another source.

  • No exclusivity clause – you retain complete hiring freedom.

  • Final fee: 18%–22% of annual salary, based on role complexity

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Why Clients Appreciate Our Approach

  • No Win, No Pay: You only pay if we deliver.
  • Refundable Deposits: Full refund of 30% if you hire elsewhere.
  • Transparent Fee Range: 18%–22% of annual salary.
  • Fair Staged Payments: Only two clear milestones, start and success.
  • Post-Hire Support: Ensuring your new hire settles and performs seamlessly.
  • Replacement Guarantee: Free replacement within the agreed period.

Frequently asked questions

We’re here to help. If you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, reach out to our team for personalized support or a one-on-one consultation.

Ask Us Directly

  • What does “No Win – No Pay” actually mean?

    If Bell Curve doesn’t find the right candidate , or you hire through another channel, your 30% deposit is fully refunded within three working days. You only pay when we deliver results.

  • When is the fee due for successful placements?

    Payments are split into two straightforward stages:

    1. 30% upfront deposit (refundable if no hire is made)

    2. 70% upon signing the job offer with the selected candidate

  • What happens if we find a candidate elsewhere?

    No problem. We’ll refund the full 30% deposit within three working days, no questions asked.

  • Are your contracts exclusive?

    No. Bell Curve operates without exclusivity clauses. You’re free to continue exploring other recruitment channels while we conduct your search.

  • What determines the final fee percentage?

    The final fee (between 18%–22%) depends on the seniority of the position, market complexity, and search urgency. We tailor our pricing to ensure fairness and flexibility for every role.

Ready for a Transparent Partnership?

Let’s discuss your next leadership hire, and how Bell Curve’s flexible, performance-based model can make it happen.

Request a Callback
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