Professional Standards of Practice
Consultation
We generally schedule one free, introductory consultation with a prospective client. Meetings and phone consultations are, thereafter, part of the billable assignment.
Speculative work
Client organizations should not ask for work to be done with payment be contingent on approval of the work. Speculative work is subject to widespread abuse, increases prices, and is otherwise unprofessional.
Estimates & proposals
When sufficient information is provided, we will prepare a written estimate or proposal of assignment schedule, costs, and terms and conditions. When sufficiently detailed information is not provided, we will inform the client and request the necessary information.
If sufficient detail can't be provided by the client, pricing will be based on an hourly labor rate with frequent reviews and reports to the client. No assignment will begin without a signed acceptance of the estimate or proposal, or a purchase order authorization.
Billing
The client organization 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.
Confidentiality
The client organization 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, Ink Works Publication Services will sign a nondisclosure agreement. All requirements for a non-disclosure agreement should be made clear from the beginning.
Conflict of interest
As a publication service, Ink Works may be engaged in advertising and public relations work for clients. We will not work simultaneously for two clients who are direct competitors.
Otherwise, wWhere there is concern about conflict of interest, Ink Works will ask the first client if it is permissible to also accept the work of the second.
Working arrangements
Unless otherwise stipulated, every assignment is comprised of two equal , interdependent parts:
The client, who is responsible for product specifics, market objectives, budget, and budget approvals.
The creative firm, Ink Works, which is responsible for conceptual approaches, creativity, management, and production expertise.
Submissions
It is the responsibility of the creative firm to recommend what, in its professional opinion, is the best way to meet the client's objectives. Similarly, the creative firm has a responsibility to follow the direction, input, criticisms, and comments of the client organization closely. The goal is always to meet the client's business needs.
Approvals
It is the sole responsibility of the client organization to review all material before production and to attest to its accuracy.
Non use
In keeping with accepted professional services practice, the client is financially responsible for work it requests from the creative firm, whether it is ultimately used or not. In the event of dissatisfaction, the dissatisfied party should give notice at the earliest possible date.
*Adapted from Creative Business' Bill of Rights for Creative Suppliers and Their Clients.
