Exclusive contingency recruiting [also referred to as "retingent" or "container" search] is recommended when you prefer a contractually committed and fully engaged search relationship but you don’t want to commit to a fully retained search. This level of contingent search working relationship may be your best option if you anticipate a more complex and lengthy search process or if confidentiality is critical.
Engagement fees
Payment of the first engagement fee initiates your search. The typical engagement fee is one-third of the estimated total fee. A second payment of one-third the estimated total search fee is made at 30 days.
Performance guarantee
After you have made two engagement fee payments, the remaining balance of the fee [approximately one-third of the total estimated search fee] becomes due only when a candidate is hired.