Virtual R&D
Think Tanks
Focus Groups
Training Programs
Customer-Care Programs
Quality Improvement Programs
Ideas & Solutions, To Go !
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS ||| OPERATIONS ||| PROJECT MANAGEMENT
of Imagination !
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of Business
Regardless of the products or services delivered, every company, corporation and not-for-profit organization must have sources of revenue to continue operating.
Needless to say, that
basic 'Law of Survival' in
the world of business and commerce applies to us
here in the Workshop too and, as much as we would love to give our services away, we can't.
What we can do is provide dynamic, fresh ideas and
solutions, and support
them with the highest level
of service, attention and satisfaction possible.
Oh... and we can charge
fair, reasonable fees for
our services. (We are actually under-priced but, hey, we're stuck in the Nineties and can't bring ourselves to charge
post-millennium
dollars!)
There are two ways to answer that question. The first answer involves an explanation of the three general systems to charge for services, and the second answer involves procedures for taking,
managing assignments and protecting clients' interests. After all, we are only interested in providing first-class creative services and receiving fair, reasonable compensation -- not in taking advantage of customers, clients or anyone else!
Generally speaking, there are three ways to charge for professional services. Those three and the advantages of each are:
By the Hour
This approach has the highest "per hour" rate.
Best reserved for assignments that require
only a limited number of hours. Assignments
that call for substantial hours are better suited
for the 'By Assignment' approach.
By the Assignment
This approach, with reduced "per hour" rates, offers the widest, most effective application for both programs and projects. Fees -- once quoted and accepted become 'fixed' for that assignment -- are based on the total projected number of hours to complete the assignment.
By the Retainer
This approach has the lowest "per hour" rate. Flat-rate monthly fees are charged regardless
of how many hours are actually consumed.
Best applied to ongoing programs or long-term, assignments requiring "bulk hours".
We want our operating procedures to be as easy and convenient
as possible. And as safe as possible, too -- for you and for us!
We do that with the following steps:
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While participating in the dialogue, we listen closely & make notes.
During the dialogue over time, we exchange information & ideas.
If requested, we prepare formal quotes detailing assignments, fees.
E-mail back and forth confim the assignment, fees, projected expenses.
Once assignment, fees, etc., are accepted, we confirmed details by US mail.
Client confirms acceptance & "Go Ahead" with a deposit.
We begin working once the deposit is received.
At appropriate stages, we submit drafts, proofs & progress reports.
When drafts, proofs are accepted, we move to 'Implementation/Completion' stage -- and look for the next appropriate payment.
When the project is completed, delivered and accepted, we look for final payment & unpaid expenses.
In the primary-generation stage of submission & production, we generally anticipate two to three takes and/or re-writes on ideas, concepts, copy, etc.
Client receives progress & summary reports (including budget & expenses), and maintains authority over assignments from start to finish.
Client is encouraged to participate and/or interact in creative, development, production stages -- as much or as little as the client prefers, requires.
A more detailed explanation of our operating procedures and "checks & balances" system of client-satisfaction is included in the initial dialogue.
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