Three proposals. Which one is actually cheapest?
Three fictional agencies quote for the same fictional replatform. The headline prices can’t be compared, because each one leaves out different things. Here is what they look like once they can.
Fictional agencies, client and figures · illustrative only
✓ included · ✗ excluded · ? unclear. Select any clause reference to read the wording. Like-for-like totals add a fictional estimate for each gap the brief needs filling.
What to ask before signing
The cheapest headline is often the most expensive finish
The agency that writes proposals every week knows which assumptions to leave out. You commission a project like this every few years. Making the proposals comparable, before you sign, is where the money is.
A brief they can price, then a comparison you can defend
I write the brief so agencies price the same thing, then compare what comes back on the whole commitment: assumptions, exclusions, acceptance criteria, ownership and ongoing costs. Scoping is a fixed price from £750, or from £1,500 for portals and systems.
Got proposals in hand? Send them to me (PDF is fine) and I’ll tell you which questions to ask before signing.
Talk through your proposals