The following is a guideline of industry standards for creative firms and their clients. Except in unusual circumstances, a creative firm should make one free, introductory visit to a prospective client. Subsequent calls should be part of a billable assignment, unless both parties agree otherwise.
Speculative work is subject to widespread abuse, increases prices, and is otherwise unprofessional.
When sufficient detailed information is not provided, it is the obligation of the creative firm to say so. If information is unavailable, pricing should be based on an hourly labor rate with frequent reviews of time expended. No assignment should be started without a signed acceptance of the estimate or proposal, or a purchase order authorization. Billing The client organization has the right to expect that the price on an estimate or proposal, plus additional expenses and taxes, will be the invoiced price unless otherwise appended, verbally or in writing, before invoicing. The client organization should expect that any information or material provided will be treated confidentially, and that all reasonable efforts will be taken to safeguard it.