Six out of 10 recruiters say service levels are the single most important factor when choosing a supplier, according to a new survey.

The survey, carried out by rec-to-rec firm Aston Taylor using Linked-In, found that having a good existing relationship with a supplier was the second most important factor.  One in five recruiters ranked it as their top priority. Fewer than one in 10  respondents (9%) said price was most important.

The results, from the survey of 104 recruiters, were broken down by criteria, such as job title and company size of respondents.

Commenting on the results, Michael Bowden, managed services director at Aston Taylor, told Recruiter: “For people that have been in recruitment the longest (age 55+), 100% agree that previous relationships are most important.  Interestingly, it is only at consultant level that the fee level comes up.

“I think this is good news for all quality-driven recruiters, especially in the current climate.  If you focus on quality then you will not have to compromise when it comes to fees.”