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SaaS Agency · Comparison

Saiyō vs Salt: Volume recruiting vs targeted hiring.

The short answer

Salt is a large global digital and tech recruitment agency operating at high volume across many sectors. Saiyō is the targeted alternative, a focused, embedded headhunting partner for SaaS scale-ups that need precision over throughput.

The problems we solve

Cost-per-hire keeps climbing

Fixed monthly subscription with credits that flex across roles. Cost-per-hire down more than 60% on the roles we own.

Agency fatigue and bidding wars

One embedded partner. No per-hire fees, no multi-agency briefs, no junior coordinators swapping in and out. Your brand, your process, your team.

How does Saiyō compare to Salt?

DimensionSaiyōSalt
ModelEmbedded headhunting subscriptionGlobal volume recruitment agency
Sourcing approachProactive outbound to passive candidatesVolume outbound + database
CommercialsFlat monthly fee, predictable, unlimited hires% of salary per placement
Speed to first shortlistTypically 5–10 working daysReactive, brief-driven
Best fit forSaaS scale-ups hiring 5–150 roles per yearCompanies wanting broad, multi-region agency reach
Cost per hire (typical)Up to 59% lower than agency feesVariable, often a % of salary or large retained fee

How Salt works

Salt is a global digital, tech and creative recruitment agency operating at scale across many regions and verticals. The model is fee-per-hire, optimised for high transaction volume.

How Saiyō works differently

Saiyō is an embedded talent acquisition partner powered by proactive headhunting. We work as part of your team on a flat monthly subscription, sourcing passive candidates your competitors can't reach, without per-hire fees.

When Salt is the right choice

  • You want a global agency with broad coverage across digital roles
  • You hire across many disciplines and want one agency to cover them
  • You're comfortable with per-hire fees

When Saiyō is the better fit

  • You want headhunting depth, not CV volume
  • You're focused on SaaS and need a partner who lives in that world
  • You want a flat monthly fee and embedded delivery

Considering Salt?

See how Saiyō compares in a 30-minute call.

We'll walk you through how our embedded headhunting subscription stacks up against Salt for your specific roles, no hard sell.

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