Historically CAS has developed good working systems that have contributed to the successful execution of hundreds of projects. These system-associated processes allow CAS to communicate “off-the-shelf” information to clients, or use it as internal references.
Part of the feedback from interviews, with both experts in the field and existing clients, included improvement in structuring pricing and timeline breakdowns. This feedback has resulted in cost and timeline breakdowns along with improved client communication. These factors have been distilled into the following:
- Rate Card
- Timeline Template
- Client Onboarding Questionnaire
- Automate Client Emails
RATE CARD
A rate card is a document featuring a business’s rates for services. The card helps customers understand the service, offerings, and price point.
CAS charges in terms of value, scope, and size of projects. Rate cards are used as an internal guideline for project estimations to maximize time efficiency. A CAS-specific rate card allows for cost estimate generation in under five minutes. Cost estimations can be discussed with clients, as well as, competitive rate comparisons. The rate card also includes multiple currency listings for global costings.
Desktop research revealed that profitable multi-currency rates, that are still attractive to clients, are similar to hourly billings and 15% higher for conceptual work and execution. CAS execution rates are high by SA standards and will increase by 10% in multi-currency estimations to account for international transfer fees. The cost strategy is currently being tested amongst CAS German and UK clients with favourable results.
Fig. 1. Wiggett, 2022c. CAS Rate Card.
QUOTE AND PROJECT COST TEMPLATE
A smart inquiry form will provide CAS with enough information to efficiently vet and pursue clients, and reduce the quotation phase to under 5 minutes.
Establishing rough project budgets for quick cost estimation in onboarding conversations with new clients will make efficient use of CAS time and resources.
Typical requests for cost estimations include:
- How much does a logo design cost?
- How much does it cost for a single product design?
- How much does it cost to design a new product with three variants?
- How much does packaging execution cost?
- How much does it cost for a brand and stationery design?
Fig. 2. Wiggett, 2022a. CAS Project Budget Estimations Card.
TIMELINE TEMPLATE ESTIMATIONS
Creating timeline estimations can further manage CAS’s time and resources efficiently at client onboarding. This is because the need for timely quotations and meetings (if the timeframes do not meet CAS or the client's schedule) will be reduced.
Timeline estimations will also help CAS efficiently allocate time and resources. Findings from competitor research showed that CAS needs to spend less time on logo design and conceptual work in accordance with what those phases are billed at.
Typical requests for timings include:
- How long does it take to design a logo?
- How long does it take to design a single product?
- How long does it take to design a range of packaging?
- How long does it take to design an extensive range of packaging?
CAS timeline estimations must factor in delays and scope creep. No work begins unless a full, comprehensive brief has been sent through to CAS. Project delays are usually due to slow client reverts, incorrect dye lines, and incorrect information in briefs.
Fig. 3. Wiggett, 2022c. CAS Timeline Template Estimation Card.
References
Williams, M. (2022). SA Design Agency Costs. 21 Apr.
List of Figures
Figure 1. Wiggett, S. (2022a). CAS Rate Card. [Digital Presentaiton] Brand and Business Report.
Figure 2. Wiggett, S. (2022b). CAS Project Budget Estimations Card. [Digital Presentation] Brand and Business Report.
Figure 3. Wiggett, S. (2022c). CAS Timeline Template Estimation Card. [Digital Presentation] Brand and Business Report.