Frequent Questions
Our goal is for you to do what feels right. Hopefully, the Q & A below will clarify any questions or concerns you might have. That said, you are unique, and so are your goals, so if you have other questions, do contact us, and we’ll get back to you shortly.
You’re not alone.
Our clients’ needs will often fall under more than one menu item. That’s why, during our initial visit, we spend a lot of time exploring what you need help with now, and how things will change as you grow. From there, we’ll customize a plan uniquely suited to helping you get there.
Certainly. Our initial visit is about discovering your needs. We’ll ask questions, listen, and clarify our understanding of what you’re looking for. No presentations, no closing. We’ll exchange pleasantries, part ways, and if you consented to it, we’ll prepare a written proposal for the project. The proposal will contain—
- A restatement of your goals.
- A summary description of the work I will be doing for you.
- A stage-by-stage timeline–with deadline or deadlines–for the completion of the project.
- A list of information, data and any other materials I need from the client.
- An itemized fee schedule.
This will come to you by email, within 3 to 4 days of our initial visit. An appropriate amount of time will be given for you to study and approve the proposal, initials and signatures will be collected by e-signature, and the deposit will be made payable.
Our fees are variable, based on the unique work we’ll be doing on your project. Each project is different– a Cafe site is very different from an Artist’s site, which differs considerably from an eCommerce site– which means the time required will vary, and thus will the fees we propose for your project.
When we visit, we’ll discuss your needs and put together a proposal for services that you can study, and approve.
We understand how this might be frustrating.
Our philosophy is this– we don’t package plans because we don’t package clients. You’re unique, your needs are unique, and quite frankly, it’s not until we actually meet that those needs become clear. You might come in here, say, as a Contract Content client and, after talking, we might both agree our Full Service Content Marketing is a better fit. You may come in as a web copy client, and leave with plans for a whole redesign.
So, let’s talk.
The team is me, Jim Smurawa. And yes, things are pretty busy here.
That said, if and when services requested are outside my sphere of expertise–Social Media or Product launches for example–I will contract that work out to trusted professionals who report to me. Conversely, certain projects may require additional freelance staffing, who would also function under my supervision.
In all such instances, I bear full responsibility for delivering the quality work that meets our promises and your expectations, on any agreed-upon deadlines.
The proposal that’s sent to you after our initial meeting includes a description of your project and a time frame for its completion. That time frame, along with all other considerations, is subject to your approval. When approval is given, and your deposit is received, the project deadline is activated and we will begin our work.
In those instances where time is of the essence, it may or may not be possible to move your project ahead of those we’ve already committed to. If this is possible, we would include an expediting fee with the proposal. As with any of your goals and concerns, this can and should be voiced in our initial visit.
Life is extremely busy, for everyone.
That said, we’ll be forthright about our availability and set realistic deadlines accordingly. We only set deadlines we can meet.
If the client misses deadlines, we work with them, and merely move the project deadline back in like time. But, communication channels do need to be open so your project can be delivered on time. If for any reason you’re not able to meet a deadline– or provide items as needed for us to do your work– we ask that you communicate this by email.
Prompt responses to queries and requests for additional information is essential. Along with that, where an unforeseen issue arises and a direct call will iron out the problem, your prompt response is important. Any delays of more than 48 hours to such requests will necessitate a matching extension of the project deadline.
We look forward to an excellent relationship with every prospective client who visits with us. Punctuality and clear communication are invaluable assets in this regard.
Retaining the services of Clear Copy Online occurs upon the receipt of both an e-signed copy of the proposal and an invoiced deposit, as stated in the proposal.
We follow the best practices for our profession in this regard.
Once the proposal is agreed upon and e-signed, we will invoice the client for an amount equal to one half of the total fee. Upon the on-time delivery of the project, we will invoice the second half of the total fee.
Payment is due upon invoice and can be made by any method accepted by PayPal, our invoicing platform.
We typically do not, though there may be instances where we may negotiate a project payment in more than the normal two-payment approach. We do not finance work.