1. Consultation

Except in unusual circumstances, Mono Industries will make one free, introductory visit to a prospective client. Subsequent meetings should be part of a billable assignment, unless both parties agree otherwise.

 

2. Estimates & proposals

2.1 Clients will be supplied with a full estimate after a briefing meeting. The costs and expenses cited in any proposal are Mono Industries’ best estimates given the information provided. If additional information is forthcoming, the project specifications change or the scheduling changes, costs and expenses may also change.

2.2 When sufficient information is provided, Mono Industries will prepare a written estimate and schedule. When sufficient detailed information is not provided, it is the obligation of Mono Industries to say so.

2.3 If information is unavailable, pricing should be based on an hourly rate with frequent reviews of time expended. In the majority of cases, no work should be started without a signed acceptance of the estimate or proposal or a purchase order authorization.

2.4 If any phase of the project is delayed for more than 60 days, Mono Industries will bill for work completed up to that point in time.

2.5 All estimates are good for 30 days from the date of the estimate.

 

3. Invoices

All invoices are net, payable within 30 days of receipt. Interest of 1.5% per month may be charged on overdue accounts.

 

4. Speculative work

Mono Industries does not work ‘on spec’ and we respectfully ask that clients do not ask for work to be provided in this manner i.e. to carry out work with a view to only paying for it if they like it. Speculative work is subject to widespread abuse, increases prices and is unprofessional in our opinion. You can read more about why we think working on spec is a bad idea by reading these FAQs from the nospec.com website.

 

5. Billing

The client 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.

 

6. Confidentiality

The client should expect that any information or material provided will be treated confidentially and that all reasonable efforts will be taken to safeguard it. If requested, Mono Industries will happily sign a NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement).

 

7. Conflict of interest

Mono Industries will not work for two clients who are directly competitive. It is acceptable for creative firms engaged in other types of assignments to work with competitive clients, but not simultaneously. Where there is concern about conflict of interest, it is the responsibility of Mono Industries to ask the first client if it is permissible to also accept the work of the second.

 

8. Working arrangements

Unless otherwise stipulated, every project is considered to comprise two equal sections: product specifics, market objectives, budget and approvals are the responsibility of the client; conceptual approaches, creativity, management and production expertise are the responsibility of Mono Industries.

 

9. Submissions

It is the responsibility of Mono Industries to recommend what, in its professional opinion, is the best way to meet the client’s objectives. Similarly, it is its responsibility to follow the direction, input, criticisms, and comments of the client closely.

 

10. Ownership

The final output of Mono Industries becomes, after payment, the property of the client except in the case of illustration or photography, or where otherwise indicated. However, all preparatory materials (sketches, concepts not utilized, artwork, mechanical files, computer files, etc.) will remain the property of Mono Industries.

 

11. Approvals

It is the sole responsibility of the client to review all material before production and to attest to its accuracy. Written approval will be required before any job is sent to print. Verbal approval does not constitute appropriate sign-off.

 

12. Non use

In accordance with accepted professional services practice, the client is financially obligated for work done, whether or not it is utilized. If a project is cancelled or postponed or another designers services are bought, only work that was actually undertaken, completed or otherwise, will be invoiced.