Search CompleteMarkets

... ways. Each one has benefits and disadvantages for the agency and the client. THE HOURLY RATE. Traditionally, ad agencies have worked by the hour. Many remain faithful to this billing method, maintaining that it's the only way for an agency to be profitable. Of course, an hourly rate poses difficulties. Not only does each member of the agency team have specific rates-account executive, copywriter, art director, graphic designer, public relations specialist, and clerical support- but rates differ from agency to agency. The problems lie in the rate itself, the uncertainty as to whether the time billed was actually spent doing work, and the efficiency of the employees. A low hourly rate may seem to offer savings-until the hours pile up and the monthly invoice goes through the ceiling. Paying by ... hour offers one major benefit to a client: It seems to stimulate agency personnel, since they can actually measure the results of their efforts. On the other hand, if the agency initially gave out an overly conservative time estimate to land the job (that is, when the hours billed are less than the actual time spent), its staff members can justifiably feel abused, and the quality of their work may suffer. If you're working regularly with an agency and paying by the hour, make sure it understands that you want to maintain a close relationship. This should include periodic meetings to ensure that your company and the agency are walking down the same path at all times. Clients who try to save a few hours per month by skipping planning and review meetings will fail to get ...

...idental business activity, works of art, antiques and other collectibles, hobb...laim. Monitor audits on monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual polici...