Proposals & Projects

Proposals

Writing a proposal is the most important step you should take before starting any project. It can prevent difficult questions in the future between the client and the designer. Even though you may feel that you know what the client needs, and you feel you know the client knows what you are going to do, bad things can happen. It can lead to extra time and extra cost; neither is good for any project.

Below is what is to be included in a proposals. I went into a little more detail further below to explain in more detail.

Creating a Proposal

The main things to include in a proposal are:

Project Overview

[Client Company Name] is seeking to create a new [insert project]. The new [insert project] provides [Client Company Name] customers with [what is provided by our changes to the company].
The goals of the [project] are to...
- Goal 1
- Goal 2
- Goal 3
...by [deadline date].

Scope of Work

We were approached by [Client Company Name] to provide all services required to build [Project Type]. [My Company Name] will focus solely on the [Type of Design Aspect(s)] of the [Client Company Name]’s website. [Client Company Name] will provide detailed feedback on all aspects of [Project Type] in accordance to the Project Plan. [Client Company Name] will provide any required assets for use in the project, including fonts, color schemes, brand standards, etc.

Assumptions

It is necessary that [Client Company Name] provide the following assets and resources. An inability to provide these assets and resources in a timely and complete manner may contribute to the unsuccessful or delayed delivery of this project.
The following assets and resources are expected:
-Timely access to all required [Client Company Name] employees.
-Timely access to all required assets of the [Project] in current state, including any source files, if available.
-Content, as required and including but not limited to copy, imagery, audio, etc. for any aspect of [Project].

Deliverables

[My Company Name] provides a variety of deliverables throughout the course of a project. For [Client Company Name], we have identified the following deliverables: Creative Brief The Creative Brief is the first step of the project. This document will help us to create a quick and effective, high-level overview of the project. The purpose of the Creative Brief is to clarify the goals and needs of the users and to define any of the special resources and/or constraints related to the project.

Ownership and Rights

Explain who owns what in this area. Am I licensing to this company the work or do they own it? Can I use it in my portfolio?

Additional Costs and Fees

In the event that outside resources are required (such as content, imagery, fonts, etc.), these shall be identified, approved by and billed to [Client Company Name].
In addition, [My Company Name] can provide hosting services to our clients with very low overhead. We provide hosting services—including configurable, Web-based e-mail—starting as low as [Price] per month, with a [Price] setup fee.
In the event that [Client Company Name] would like to purchase a “maintenance” package, [My Company Name] will work to create a package that is mutually agreeable and beneficial to both parties.

Project Pricing

[My Company Name] has proposed multiple estimates for [Client Company Name], in order to provide the best possible options for your immediate and/or future needs. [My Company Name] makes the assumption that all content will be provided by [Client Company Name]. In the event that [My Company Name] is requested to provide content services, the estimates will need to be redefined.
[My Company Name]’s estimates allow for flexibility from a cost and needs perspective. The estimates are as follows:
Estimate [My Company Name] estimates that the [Project] for [Client Company Name], without any interactive content…

Payment Schedule

[My Company Name] typical payment schedule is to receive a retainer fee of XX% of the total estimated price of the project prior to commencement.
[My Company Name] shall submit invoices on the 1st and 15th of every month; payment is due in full within 14 days.
Upon completion of the project, [My Company Name] shall deliver all work product to [Client Company Name]. Once the materials are satisfactorily approved, [My Company Name] shall refund any payment excess remaining from the retainer or [My Company Name] shall submit a final invoice for amounts not covered by the retainer.
Note: If [Project] is placed on hold for a period of more than 14 days with no work progress made, [My Company Name] shall submit a final invoice for any fees not covered by the retainer and shall be provided with the right of first refusal in the event that the project is reopened.