| 08:05am Mar 31, 2003 PST (#1 of 6)
I'm hoping to get some insight on disclaimers that some of you may put on your estimates. Our plan is to have something that outlines a contingency fee of 10%-15%, yet at the same time we don't want to scare the client with possible overages. Any suggestions??
Thanks!
Jean Sampson DB&R Advertising
08:06am Mar 31, 2003 PST (#2 of 6)
We don't use any kind of "contingency fee disclaimer" on our estimates. What we provide are hourly rates for services beyond those specified in our estimate (i.e. additional photo manipulation: $xxx.xx per hour; additional type alterations: $xx.xx per hour, etc.) Then, when the client starts exceeding the time frames specified in the estimate for the project we notify them immediately to let them know that they will be charged time and materials for the overages. We also let them know in the wording of the estimate that they will be notified if they are exceeding the parameters specified in the estimate. This seems to work well for us.
-- Kay Rosburg, V.P., Dever Designs
08:07am Mar 31, 2003 PST (#3 of 6)
We have a 10% contingency fee disclaimer on each of our invoices. We've never had any client "freak" about it. Seems to be standard in our business so those clients that have had agency relationships before are used to seeing it.
Jody Breiland McClenahan Bruer
08:09am Mar 31, 2003 PST (#4 of 6)
RE: Estimate Disclaimers It is hard to put disclaimers on estimates that won't scare the client and our experience has been if you designated a percentage for overages, the client will automatically assume you will charge them more. Our agency is committed to communicating with our clients about all aspects of the project and to notifying them of any additional charges before the additional work is performed. Our disclaimer is as follows: Conditions This proposal is based on experience with similar projects and anticipated needs as discussed between "AGENCY" and "CLIENT". If needs change in the midst of the project and more resources will be needed than were estimated, we will alert you before continuing further. No additional work will be initiated without your express written permission and approval. I hope this helps.
Belinda Wilson
08:09am Mar 31, 2003 PST (#5 of 6)
We say something to the effect of: the above numbers are estimates only. Billing will be based on actual costs.
David Tracht
08:10am Mar 31, 2003 PST (#6 of 6)
Our disclaimers always indicate that estimates are + or - 10%. You never know what's going to happen on a printing job and you need to cover yourself. Also, if you have the disclaimer you don't have to go back to the client when a small overage occurs.
mkirch
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