I’ve gotten this question a lot lately. Typically at the end of a short email from a prospect about a possible project… 

“Can you send me a quote?”

My initial response: “HOORAY!!” 🎉  Happy dance around the office. And cartwheels of joy (in my head of course, because anything else could get dangerous.)

Second response upon regaining composure: “Awesome, this __________ (annual report, viewbook, branding project, alumni magazine redesign, annual fund campaign) sounds right up our alley!” 

But wait, I have some more questions…

• Do you need concepting/copywriting help? And if so, are we talking light editing, here’s a detailed outline along with some initial copy to build on or we’d like you to do the necessary interviews/research and write this baby from scratch?
• What results do you need to see in order to consider this project a success? Qualitative or quantitative, either way, it helps us to know.
• Do you have a photography library? And if not, do you have a staff or freelance photographer available? Is stock photography an option?
• Does your organization have current brand guidelines?
•  What’s your organization’s (and yours, if applicable) design aesthetic
• What’s your timeframe?
• And here’s the loaded one – everyone’s favorite 😉 😉 …What’s your budget? 

So, here’s the thing – the fastest, easiest way for me to get your answers to these questions in order to provide an accurate project estimate is in real-time conversation. (They don’t call me the communicative designer for nothing!)

Either by phone or Zoom, we’ll talk through your project in a little more detail and get a better feel for one another and whether it feels like a good fit. 

And rest assured, there’s a 100% chance I’ll ask, “What’s your budget?”

Why? Because it’s the single most important piece of information I need to accurately quote your project.

I know what you’re thinking… you’re reluctant to say what you expect or can pay because what if you say an amount that’s higher than I would have quoted and I jump on it and now you’re convinced you’re paying more than you should. Let me ease your worry. I have a simple solution.

If you don’t feel comfortable sharing an exact figure, I’ll provide some ballpark ranges for you to choose from. But at this point, you do need to choose. Your selected range coupled with an agreed-upon scope of work – that evolves from our conversation – ensures we’re more closely aligned in our expectations for the project without either of us spending too much time unnecessarily.

An added bonus of providing a ballpark budget is there’s no chance of sticker shock when you get our estimate. (High fives all around!)

If after reviewing our estimate, you’re ready to get started (which we always hope), we require a 50% deposit payment up front which also confirms your agreement with the project terms listed on our estimate.

So, there you have it. I hope you found this information helpful, and it gave you a little more insight into working with us at km design.

Speaking of working together, are you ready to schedule a call to discuss your next project? If so, let’s talk. I would love to hear from you.