Agencies charge $15,000–$20,000 per SDR hire. Shortlist delivers 5 pre-screened candidates in 48 hours. Here's the full cost and quality breakdown.
Try Shortlist Free — 5 Candidates in 48 Hours →| Factor | Shortlist | SDR Recruiting Agency |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per hire | ✅ From $199/mo subscription | $15,000–$20,000 per placement (20% of salary) |
| Time to first candidates | ✅ 48 hours | 4–8 weeks |
| Candidate screening | ✅ AI-scored on 5 criteria | Manual — quality varies by recruiter |
| SDR specialization | ✅ SDR/BDR only | Generalist (SDR is one of 50+ role types) |
| Ongoing pipeline | ✅ Continuous while on subscription | Pay-per-hire — no pipeline between roles |
| Replacement policy | ✅ Unlimited reruns included | 90-day guarantee (if you negotiate one) |
| Transparency | ✅ Scores + reasoning for every candidate | Black box — you get a shortlist, no scoring |
| Contract required | ✅ No commitment, cancel anytime | Exclusivity clauses common (30–60 days) |
Post your SDR role and get 5 AI-matched candidates in 48 hours. Free to start.
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