What is an exclusive listing worth to an agent?

[Pearce G.]

Do real estate brokers ever pay sellers for exclusive listings?

I ask the question, because I had a property on the market...the listing expired without selling...and now I'm getting a bunch of calls from agents who troll MLS for expired listings.

I have something they want, and I'm wondering how much they want it.  What is the value of an exclusive listing?

Hypothetically, let's say there was a non-refundable monthly fee paid by the broker to the seller for the exclusive right to sell a property.  Agents would not take listings they're not confident they can sell.   Agents would be motivated to sell quickly or release the listing.   Sellers would be compensated for a listing that isn't moving.

Obviously, agents won't like the idea, but I'm just curious.  Does it ever happen?   If not, why not?  If there's a demand for a seller's listing, why should the seller give it away?

Looking forward to a lively discussion.