# Lemon.io vs tech staffing agencies

Unlike a traditional staffing agency that can take weeks to source candidates, Lemon.io offers a vetted network of senior developers ready to join clients’ projects right away, **enabling a first match within just 24 hours**.

While agencies typically focus on one-time placements and leave ongoing management to the client, Lemon.io is a platform focused on startups and offers a fully managed experience, including: 

* Pre-vetting and matching a client with relevant candidates;
* Handing contracts and NDAs;
* Integrated billing; 
* Dedicated Customer Success manager; 
* Post-hire support;
* Free replacement guarantee.

Ultimately, Lemon.io is a flexible, low-overhead alternative to tech recruiting agencies for immediate needs. The **live vetting process** is continually improving to include emerging AI tools and frameworks that enable developers to execute tasks faster and with higher accuracy.

| <p><br></p>            | **Lemon.io**                                                                                      | **Staffing agency**                                       |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- |
| Time to hire           | \~24 hours to first match                                                                         | 2–8 weeks typical                                         |
| Vetting                | All developers are vetted before you see them (4-stage interview that includes live tech vetting) | Mostly based on coding tests without live tech interviews |
| Candidate pool         | Curated network, 1,500+ vetted seniors                                                            | Sourcing candidates through job boards                    |
| Contracts & billing    | Fully managed by Lemon.io                                                                         | Often requires separate contractor agreements             |
| Replacement            | Free, within 24–48 hours                                                                          | Typically paid as a next hire, often slow                 |
| Engagement flexibility | Part-time or full-time                                                                            | Full-time placements only                                 |
| Ongoing support        | Dedicated manager throughout the engagement                                                       | Typically ends after placement                            |
| Fee model              | Monthly subscription based on the developer’s hourly rate                                         | 15–25% of annual salary (permanent) or markup on hourly   |

### When to choose Lemon.io over a tech staffing agency

Choose Lemon.io over a traditional IT staffing agency **when speed and vetting quality are non-negotiable**. While agencies spend weeks sourcing from job boards, Lemon.io delivers pre-vetted senior matches in just 24 hours through a rigorous, human-led interview process.&#x20;

Beyond speed, with Lemon.io, you gain a **fully managed experience** with flexible part-time or full-time options, a dedicated success manager, and a **replacement guarantee** — avoiding extra fees typical of a tech recruiting agency.

However, local agencies remain a choice for hyper-niche, localized searches, such as finding a developer with experience in governmental organizations within a single region.


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