Your commitment allows a recruiter to keep candidates exclusive to your search instead of trying to increase the odds of hire by sharing candidates amongst many projects. This helps avoid the inevitable bidding battle between employers for the best candidates. You get what you pay for Recruiters present their best candidates to employers who are willing to pay for quality and professionalism. Paying flat or low fees may make you feel good about your negotiating abilities, but this practice does not give a recruiter any incentive to work hard for you or present you with the best candidates available. A recruiter will naturally present the best candidates to the companies that pay for quality.
Recruiters work hard convincing top performers to consider making a career change.
Finding quality candidates is tough and once found, they are not introduced to companies that may reduce the recruiter's earning potential. Corporate growth may be stunted by mediocre employees. The costs are high when you hire less than the best. If you are disappointed with high turnover or poor performance from your staff, examine your policies concerning recruiters and modify them where needed. If recruiters consistently present you with less than qualified candidates and do not seem to be paying attention when you express your needs, examine the incentives you are offering the recruiter.