How much will it cost ? This is often the first question asked. To answer it, we meet with you online or otherwise to run through a scoping document where your specific requirements are discussed and how best to proceed from there. We ask many carefully chosen questions to efficiently build a picture of the business and the desired outcome as well as what the budget or cashflow requirements are. Either you will write a brief using our Brief Templates or we can generate the brief which later becomes the proposal.
We're flexible in our remuneration. We feel that the best way to stretch your budget is to understand what the initial budget is. Then to get as much value as possible, using economies of scale where possible, ensuring that all the key areas of your business plan are addressed. Then, when we know that all the intended bases are covered, we can adjust the allocation of budgets to put money into areas of most importance that can best drive results.
We help all our clients stretch their budget and get as much leverage as possible. We typically follow a process that suggests, you build and design the most important features first. Followed by the most economic viability. We combine various skills, research and your business requirements. In order to prioritise what, and how we should build solutions tailored for your problems.
1. You can pick a service you require and pay as you go at hourly rates or agree to pay a fixed project rate.
We have two payment options, pay per project or per hour. You also receive up to 15 - 25% discounts on fixed rate projects. We find paying per hour works best for small to medium sized projects. Larger projects often take weeks and become more costly if billed per hour. We offer you a 10-15% discount on all our partners.
2. Need a kick-start or have a very limited budget ?
Perhaps you launching a new product. Starting a new idea or scaling an existing one. Keeping costs low in the early days is key. We have developed a kickstarter process to get you to market quickly. Iterate and design rapidly. And keep your costs down. Simply let us know the stage of the project.
3. Cost Estimate upfront based.
If there is work we need to do over and above what was initially discussed – or there are changes to the original brief, we will re-cost the job before starting on the new work.
4. Annual retainer fee (10% reduction on creative fee).
We will quote an estimated volume of work for a one year period or offer a certain fixed number of days per week/month. Thereafter averaged out and billed monthly. If however ad hoc work is added, the retainer will need to be reviewed. The retainer will be for creative and concept work only and will not include production costs. Most clients believe that by getting agencies to quote on the job they will get a better price. This is never the case, though few clients believe this. The best way to stretch your budget is to understand what the budget is upfront. If you opt for an upfront cost estimate or retainer, we will endeavour to do all the work within a pre-arranged cost estimate or monthly retainer. If there is work we need to do over and above what was initially discussed – or there are changes to the original brief, we will re-cost the job before starting on the new work.
5. Very Limited Budget - we'll invest in you.
On the odd occasion, we are open to negotiating a risk reversal option whereby The Plug is only paid when the project receives funding or investment. Or we negotiate a payment plan or get paid by equity. We understand that budgets are often tight. In light of this, we offer a remuneration package that suits us both. We assess the project, evaluate the time and risk to initiate the project, and if it meets our criteria, we invest in you for no upfront fee. We take a long term view and agree to be paid 5% on gross income, paid monthly. This means it costs you nothing until the project starts making money or you secure funding - freeing up cash-flow and more importantly allowing you and The Plug to be more pro-active. Another benefit is that we can produce any required collateral to secure funding without the usual up-front costs. This option gives you the best opportunity to trial different prototypes, mockups, designs, creatives, etc, as it is in both our interests to get a return on the investment.
It’s a potentially risky strategy for us, but if we believe in you and help you succeed, it’s a win win situation.
When The Plug is contracted as an ongoing partner, all of the services we provide are included with the exception of hard costs from external suppliers. Because our fees will be proportionate to your turnover, The Plug is not restrained by budget and can immediately launch the product as strongly as possible, using all our design, muscle as early as possible. There will be no holding back - we are all-in and as committed as you are. But, due to the massive up-front investment in time, we select potential partners very carefully.
6. The Plug's partnerships continually saves you money.
We will save you money by sharing our suppliers to reduce hard costs through an extensive network gathered. Part of this network includes Indian, American, European and South African suppliers. This supply chain has great value, as well as the trust gained by working with them on projects over the years. These costs will be supplied with no mark-up as a part of the partnership agreement.