Costs and pricing
What to check in an offshore hiring quote
Compare offshore hiring quotes by role, hours, currency, inclusions and separate fees. Use a practical checklist before committing to your first hire.
By Ramp RemoteUpdated Last checked Oct 6, 2026
Compare offshore hiring quotes using the same role, working hours, billing period and currency. Separate the recurring client total from one-off fees and costs your business pays directly. Ask for unclear inclusions and change or exit terms in writing before deciding; a salary figure alone does not describe the full arrangement.
Start with what is free
Talent Hub catalogue access, shortlists, introduction requests and MCP access are free. You do not need a payment card to create an account. Employment and placement services are quoted separately.
Understand the recurring total
Ask which currency the quote uses and whether the amount is monthly, hourly or based on another period. Confirm the working hours, role and candidate it covers. An indicative “from” price is not an offer for every person in that role.
The quote should distinguish the person's salary from the employment costs and services included in the client total. Ask the provider to explain each inclusion rather than assuming a salary number is the amount you will pay.
Confirm these details before deciding
- Employment and administration: What arrangements and employer costs are included?
- Support: What happens during selection, onboarding and the ongoing relationship?
- Equipment and workspace: What is provided, and what would be an additional charge?
- Tools and access: Which licences and subscriptions must your business supply?
- Additional time: How are changed hours or work outside the agreed schedule handled?
- Placement and setup: Are there separate fees, when are they due and what do they cover?
- Currency and tax: Which currency is payable, how are conversions handled and are applicable taxes included?
- Changes and ending the arrangement: What notice, commitments and costs apply?
Compare the same scope
When comparing quotes, use the same role, working hours, currency and service inclusions. A lower headline price can cover a different scope. Ask for unclear items to be set out in writing before you commit.
Candidate availability, final costs and placement terms are confirmed for the particular hire. We do not present a catalogue estimate as a guaranteed price.
A worksheet for comparing two quotes
Copy this table into your notes and complete it from each written quote. Write “not confirmed” where the document does not answer a question; an empty cell is not evidence that an item is free or included.
| Detail to confirm | Quote A | Quote B |
|---|---|---|
| Role, responsibilities and required experience | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Agreed working hours and overlap | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Currency you pay and billing period | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Recurring client total and what it includes | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| One-off placement or setup charges | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Equipment, workspace and software licences | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Selection, onboarding and ongoing support | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Process and charges for changed hours or scope | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Currency-conversion treatment and applicable taxes | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Notice, minimum commitments and ending arrangements | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Assumptions, exclusions and quote validity | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Questions still awaiting a written answer | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
Do not combine figures until you know they cover the same period and currency. Keep one-off charges separate from recurring costs, and identify costs your business pays directly. If a charge is unclear, ask for the basis in writing instead of estimating it from the headline price.
What if one quote looks much cheaper?
Check the scope before drawing a conclusion. Does each quote cover the same role, agreed hours, equipment and support? Does the headline figure describe salary or the total charged to your business? A difference may reflect a different arrangement; the worksheet helps you identify the question to ask.
What if the role or hours change after the quote?
Ask for the revised responsibilities, schedule, inclusions and charges to be confirmed before agreeing to the change. Keep the updated version with your role brief so both the work and the cost discussion refer to the same arrangement.
Bring a brief to the conversation
A useful budget discussion starts with the recurring work, required experience, working hours and timing. If you are still defining the role, the first-hire worksheet will help.