Frequently asked Questions
Can I set up an account with Charig Associates? If so, what are the benefits?
You don’t have to, but doing so offers several benefits. Initially you may wish to
try us out on an ad hoc basis to prove that we can deliver what you’re looking for.
You are welcome to continue this arrangement indefinitely if it provides an efficient
complement to your in-house resource. Alternatively, we can work with you on a campaign
plan that will:
- Efficiently work with your existing resources and any arrangements you may have.
For example if you are currently advertising with a particular magazine title we
will work with their editorial and advertising staff to ensure your advertising budget
is adequately rewarded with editorial coverage. If you wish us to focus on more technical
copy while you generate marketing content internally, we will do so.
- Ensure an ongoing, consistent level of PR activity to maintain and grow your brand
recognition. It can be easy to let a PR campaign slide and lose its impetus when
more product-related issues have to take precedence. With our focus on PR we will
make sure this doesn’t happen – we’ll be pro-active in drawing your attention to
the best opportunities, making sure that these opportunities are fulfilled and ensuring
that your coverage remains at the level you expect.
- Include working with you on analysing results from the campaign, and on making
any changes these suggest to maintain an optimal ROI.
- Offer attractive pricing to reflect your commitment to the campaign.
How does Charig Associates charge?
Our costs are calculated for each individual project, depending on its size, complexity,
availability of information and materials, and possibly other factors such as timescales
or location. Even the single term ‘Press release’ covers possibilities from brief
150-word announcements to more in depth pieces of 500 words+. We can offer hourly
or daily rates, or fixed cost contracts. Please consider the following points when
deciding which arrangement is best suited to you:
- Whatever the contract, we always want to offer our customers an attractive price.
We enjoy the satisfaction of having delighted customers – partly for its own sake,
but also because it improves our opportunities for repeat business and recommendations.
We endeavour to balance this with our wish to secure a fair return on our experience,
skills and the effort we devote to any project.
- We can offer fixed price contracts but our calculations for these must inevitably
be based on the information available at the time of quotation. If during the course
of project we discover other factors leading to significantly more effort than budgeted
for, we will immediately draw the matter to your attention and negotiate a suitable
solution.
- We can also offer hourly or daily rates. We realise that an open-ended arrangement
may not seem so attractive, at least until you know us better. However please remember
we are driven by our wish to retain you as a happy customer – happy to use us again,
and to recommend us.
- If you have a definite budget in mind, we can discuss this and propose a strategy
that meets your objectives within your budget.
What are Charig Associates’ payment terms?
Payment in full is due within 5 working days after delivery of any documents. For
larger projects or an ongoing PR campaign, payment arrangements will be agreed before
commencement of the project.
What are Charig Associates’ deliverables?
Our documentation pricing normally allows for provision of a first draft and a couple
of editing iterations. Variations on this can be agreed due to circumstances arising.
Unless otherwise agreed, all documentation will be delivered in electronic form as
Word, Publisher, PDF or FrameMaker documents. Printed versions can be quoted for
on request. ‘Delivery’ of other PR activities is highly customer-specific and will
be agreed at the start of any project.
How does Charig Associates pass on expenses costs?
If you request a member of Charig Associates to make a site visit or incur any other
expense, we will manage these expenses accordingly:
- We will advise of expected expenses costs and gain your permission for this expenditure
before proceeding
- Travel, accommodation, stationery and any other items will be charged at cost.
- Car travel will be charged as a mileage rate based on HMRC allowance figures: currently
25p/mile
- Travelling time spent on attending meetings or making site visits as requested
by you will be charged at half our normal hourly rate.
- Re-imbursement of expenses is due on submission.
How can I find out if Charig Associates can deliver on my expectations – without
an excessive commitment on my part?
If you’re interested in marketing content, try us out on a single press release.
For documentation such as brochures or manuals, we can initially prepare a ‘document
frame’ or outline of our design for the full document. This offers more detailed
confirmation that all parties share the same vision, and allows corrective action
to be taken if this is not the case. If you would prefer to continue with the project
using internal resources or another third party, you will be able to use the document
frame as a starting point.
How can I get the best out of Charig Associates?
Our expertise lies in being able to understand your technology and developing effective
marketing communications accordingly. The more information you can give us, the better
we can do this. This ideally comprises three parts:
- Discussion with you or your ‘product champion’ to understand the features that
are most important and that you wish to promote. These may not always be the same
as those shown in the product literature.
- Product literature; although it may sometimes lack some sales features as mentioned,
it will contain the detail we’ll need to consolidate the story.
- Access to and a demonstration of the products to be covered. If appropriate and
feasible, a sample of the product to be provided for evaluation and exercising. Alternatively
we can work with your products on site.
We’ll also need supporting pictures, or access to the product for photography.
