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Intermediary vs agency

BIG or a sales recruitment agency?

An agency delivers a permanent hire for a percentage of the annual salary, in a few weeks. BIG activates a scored freelance sales rep, on commission. Two models, two deliverables.

Two different deliverables

A recruitment agency delivers a permanent employee: it sources, presents candidates and bills a percentage of the annual salary on hire. BIG does not deliver a permanent hire: it connects you with a freelance sales rep whose experience is scored, and bills a commission on missions. We compare two categories of intermediary, with public market ranges.

Recruitment agency vs BIG

Public market ranges on the agency side. Adjust for the profile and the industry.

Recruitment agency
BIG
What is delivered
An employee hired on a permanent contract
A mission with a scored freelance sales rep
Pricing model
A percentage of the gross annual salary, often around 15% to 25% of salary on hire
A 3% commission on invoiced missions
When you pay
On hire, in one go
As missions are invoiced
Lead time
Several weeks of sourcing and interviews
Fast activation of an already scored profile
Evaluation
Interviews and references, at a point in time
BIG Score: continuous scoring of real experience
Commitment
A permanent contract for the company to carry afterwards
A framed mission, no permanent contract to carry

What the BIG model changes

1

No fee on hire

No percentage of the annual salary to settle in one go. The 3% commission applies to invoiced missions.

2

Fast activation

No multi-week cycle: you pick an already scored profile and the mission starts.

3

Continuous scoring

Experience is scored continuously by the BIG Score, not only assessed during one interview.

4

No permanent contract to carry to start

You test the collaboration as a mission before considering, if you wish, a more durable next step.

When each one fits

Lean agency

You want a permanent employee

For a structuring, durable role, a permanent hire through an agency remains a coherent choice.

Lean BIG

You want to activate without hiring

For a flexible need, a market test or an activity spike, a freelance mission avoids the permanent commitment.

Lean BIG

You want a flexible model

Remuneration is negotiated directly with the expert, based on your mission. No percentage of the annual salary to pay in one go on hire.

Verdict: BIG comes out ahead

Activate a scored freelance sales rep, on commission

Rather than a percentage of the annual salary on hire, BIG applies a 3% commission on invoiced missions, with profiles whose experience is scored by the BIG Score.

Explore the offer for companies

Frequently asked questions

Does BIG replace a recruitment agency?

Not for the same need. An agency delivers a permanent employee. BIG activates a freelance sales rep on a mission. If you are after a permanent role, the agency remains relevant.

How much does a recruitment agency cost?

Public market ranges often sit around 15% to 25% of the gross annual salary, billed on hire. BIG applies a 3% commission on invoiced missions.

Can I hire a freelance on a permanent contract later?

A successful mission can absolutely foreshadow a hire. The model lets you test the collaboration before any durable commitment.