Answers
Retained vs contingency search: what's the difference?
Retained search is paid up front in instalments to run one exclusive search, whether or not it succeeds. Contingency search is paid only on a hire, but the firm usually works many roles at once and shares the field with others. The trade-off is focus versus risk. A success-only model aims to give you both.
Retained search
You pay a retainer (often a third of the fee) to start, more at milestones, regardless of outcome. In return you get exclusivity and dedicated effort, typically for the most senior or sensitive roles. The risk sits with you: you've paid before anyone is hired.
Contingency search
You pay only when a candidate is placed, so the risk sits with the firm. But that firm is usually running several searches at once and may share the role with rival recruiters. Speed and volume can win over depth, which suits more replaceable roles.
The success-only alternative
The Quantum Club runs each mandate exclusively, with a dedicated strategist and success-only pricing (25%, no retainer), backed by a guarantee set out in your agreement: the focus of retained search with the risk profile of contingency. Every mandate is the club's alone, and the vast majority are never publicly listed.
At a glance
| The Quantum Club | Contingency recruitment | |
|---|---|---|
| Fee trigger | A signed hire | A signed hire |
| Exclusivity | One club, working the mandate properly | Often several agencies racing the same role |
| Incentive | Fit that holds — a guarantee sits behind it | Speed to submit, to beat the other agencies |
| Candidate reach | Passive, off-market, introduced | Largely active and already looking |
| Guarantee | Replacement or full credit, per your agreement | Varies widely by agency |
Frequently asked
Which is better, retained or contingency?
It depends on the role. Retained suits highly confidential or scarce senior seats; contingency suits more replaceable roles where speed matters. A success-only exclusive model aims to combine the strengths of both.
Is No Cure, No Pay the same as contingency?
Similar in that you pay only on a hire, but The Quantum Club's version is exclusive per mandate, strategist-led, and backed by a guarantee set out in your agreement, closer to retained rigour with contingency's risk profile.
Can one role be given to several contingency firms?
Often, yes. That can mean less depth per firm and a scramble to submit CVs. An exclusive mandate avoids that: one firm, fully accountable.
Hire through the Club.
Reach the talent the open market never lists.