When and How Recruiters Negotiate a Conversion Fee

One of the beauties of contract staffing is the opportunity to earn a conversion fee. You can earn this fee on top of your hourly recruiter income if your client decides to hire the contractor  on a direct basis.

To get that fee, you need to have a Conversion Fee Agreement in place from the start of the assignment. But how do you know when to include such an agreement in the client contract?

It is a good idea to have one in place for every contract placement you make. Even if an assignment is not considered to be “temp-to-direct,” there is always a chance that an offer of employment could eventually be made.

Conversion fee agreement samples

Although you may think there is NO chance of the client hiring a contractor direct, it’s better to protect yourself in advance than to be unprepared later if the time comes.  After all, you have nothing to lose by adding a Conversion Fee Agreement to your client contract, but you could lose thousands of dollars if you don’t!

Establishing this agreement is as easy as adding language to your contract with the client company. We have free Conversion Fee Agreement samples available if you are uncertain what language to include in the contract. (Call us for more information about these free sample agreements!) If you utilize a contract staffing back-office, they can do it for you.

For instance, Top Echelon Contracting’s Client Services Agreement (CSA) contains a standard non-compete clause that states the client cannot hire the contractor for a period of one year after the assignment has ended without the recruiter’s approval.

We can easily substitute your Conversion Fee Agreement in place of this non-compete clause. That way, the client will pay a conversion fee if they hire the candidate direct.

Remember, a contract staffing back-office should not take any portion of your fee, conversion or otherwise. They are also not under any obligation to invoice for the conversion fee or to assist with its collection.

Are YOU in need of contract staffing solutions or contract placement services?

Then download our Quick-Start Guide to Contract Staffing. Or request a demo with one of our contract staffing specialists.

You can can also call us at 888.627.3678. Start making contract placements and start making more money!