For many businesses, temporary staffing is an essential way to stay productive, manage busy seasons, or fill gaps quickly. But if you’ve ever felt unsure about how agency rates are structured—or worried that the numbers might not add up—you’re not alone. The staffing industry can feel confusing, especially when some agencies use complicated fee structures or vague terms.
At Excel Personnel, we’ve taken a different approach for more than 32 years: clear rates, straightforward billing, and full visibility into what you’re paying for. Nothing hidden. Nothing buried. Just honest staffing.
If you’ve recently come across discussions about “40% markups” or mysterious administrative fees, here’s what you should know—and how our model stands apart.
Where Hidden Costs Typically Come From in the Staffing Industry
Not all staffing agencies operate the same way. Some break pricing into multiple categories that only appear once the invoice arrives, such as:
- Administrative or processing fees
- Documentation or onboarding charges
- Background-check markups
- Skills testing fees
- Liability or insurance surcharges
- Rush or emergency placement fees
- Tiered markups depending on urgency or skill level
These practices can leave employers feeling blindsided—or unsure what their true cost per worker actually is. This is exactly why transparency isn’t optional. It’s essential.
How Excel Personnel Handles Temporary Staffing Rates
Our model is simple:
You receive one hourly rate that includes everything.
No hidden fees.
No stacked percentages.
No surprise add-ons weeks or months later.
Here’s what your hourly rate already covers:
- Recruiting and job advertising
- Candidate screening and shortlisting
- Payroll and all government remittances
- Vacation pay, stat pay, and overtime calculations
- WCB coverage and full liability insurance
- Year-end T4s, ROEs, and revenue reporting
- Scheduling, attendance oversight, and replacements
- Ongoing support for every worker on assignment
We never charge separate administrative fees for standard placements, and we don’t apply unexpected premiums. When you receive an invoice, it matches the rate you were quoted—because our model is built on trust and accountability.
Why Transparent Pricing Protects Your Budget
Clear pricing allows you to:
- Accurately forecast staffing costs
- Avoid unexpected invoice spikes
- Compare agencies fairly
- Understand total cost of ownership
- Build trust with a partner who stands behind their rates
Businesses across BC rely on us because our invoicing is predictable and honest—two things that matter in today’s staffing landscape.
Markups Are Not the Issue—Hidden Markups Are
Markups themselves aren’t inherently negative. They simply cover the real work of:
- Recruiting
- Payroll
- Insurance
- Compliance
- Support
- Risk
- Administration
The issue is when markups are hidden in layers or broken into vague categories that inflate the total cost.
Transparency is what turns a markup into a clear, fair service fee—not an unknown number buried in fine print.
What Transparency Looks Like at Excel Personnel
Here’s what you can expect when partnering with us:
Upfront Rates
A clear hourly rate for each role. No hidden categories.
Straightforward Agreements
Our contracts outline exactly what’s included from day one.
Open Dialogue
If you want a breakdown of your rate, we’ll walk you through it—line by line.
Predictable Invoicing
Your invoice matches the rate you approved. No surprises.
Local Experience You Can Trust
We’ve supported businesses across BC for more than 32 years with consistent, transparent staffing solutions. Learn more about our team and our history.
Temporary Staffing Doesn’t Need to Be Complicated
Clear pricing leads to stronger decision-making, better planning, and better staffing outcomes. And transparency is the key to all three.
If you’re looking for straightforward rates and a staffing partner who’s committed to honesty at every stage, we’re here to help. Visit our Temporary Staffing Services page to learn more about how temporary placements work at Excel Personnel or contact us anytime — we’re here to help.
Transparency builds trust—and that’s the foundation of every placement we make.
