How We Work | Our Approach | Our Values | People | Our Process | Testimonials | Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Over the years, we have received various questions from our prospects and current clientele, many of which we have listed here. Click on one of the questions below for answers.
We know there are a ton of marketing and design firms out there. And it's very hard to make a final decision on who is the best choice for your business. Saxon Design sets itself apart not only through the quality of our work, but in our commitment to your business. We actively look for specific clients whose values align with our own and whose missions we can get behind 100%. We want to see you succeed because we believe in what you are doing.
When you work with us, you are not just getting someone with an "eye for design" who can throw something pretty together for you. You are getting professionals who understand marketing in its totality. You are gaining a strategic partner, a collaborator, who will be with you every step of the way, committed to helping you achieve your goals.
What are your office hours?
10 a.m. until 6 p.m. CST Monday through Friday. Sometimes you will catch us open before or after hours (or on weekends when we're finishing up a big project), but normally we try not to make a habit out of it.
How much do you charge?
Fees are based on the project's scope and timeline. Smaller, simpler projects will cost less than larger, complex projects; projects that require a more aggressive timeline (2 weeks for a logo, 3 weeks for a website or 2 days for a print ad, for example) will result in rush charges. The rush charges are determined by the aggressiveness of the turnaround. Need more specifics? Call us at (615) 397-3166. We can talk about your specific project needs and get back to you with an estimate of what your project will cost.
Payment terms are negotiated at the beginning of your project. For projects over $500, we require a 50% deposit before work commences. The rest of the terms are laid out in the final agreement. For periodic projects such as updates to websites we have designed for you, monthly payment arrangements can be arranged. Saxon Design accepts payment via check, cash or credit card through Paypal. A 3% service charge applies to payments by credit card.
How long will it take to complete my project?
Some projects are smaller and can be completed in less than two weeks. Others are larger and more complex. These projects typically require more research and planning and can require a much longer period of time, 1-3 months or even longer. It all depends upon the scope of the project and what is involved. As long as we get the information and necessary content from you in a timely, orderly fashion, and as long as you get the approvals to us quickly, we can continue to move ahead as planned and get your project out the door as quickly as possible.
Will you work with us if we are on a limited budget?
We will always work within your budget the best way that we can, and many times are able to help come up with effective ways of stretching the use of your marketing $$. In the unlikely event your project is too small for us to handle, we will let you know right away and will be able to refer you to a company better suited to your needs.
We are a large company. Can you handle that, being a boutique design firm?
Yes, absolutely. Being small does have its advantages. Because we do not have the overhead of some of the larger agencies, we are more flexible and are able to adjust to our clients' needs on a project-by-project basis. We have an array of seasoned experts within our network of partners that we call upon, ensuring our clients get the highest caliber of talent, service and skills without the unsightly overhead.
Do you outsource to offshore service providers?
ABSOLUTELY NOT. There are many reasons we have never and will never do this.
- First and foremost, we believe in promoting economic prosperity within our own country and community. (See our Values Statement.)
- Most companies use foreign outsourcing as a replacement for the first tier of customer support and service. The problems encountered by this staff will more often be passed up to higher management and service personnel, resulting in more man hours from a staff that gets paid more. This eliminates any savings that may have been made from making the original decision to outsource, eventually causing an increase in cost for the Client.
- Another issue is that of having to deal with staff who are essentially working night shift to be able to accommodate calls from the U.S., where the day is just getting started. The people who are willing to work late at night are not going to be at their best, and for customers who expect prompt service and clear instructions, this type of service just doesn't cut it.
Many of our competitors have chosen to outsource to foreign countries and have ended up with disgruntled clients in the end. The clients find it is frustrating dealing with operatives who find it difficult to communicate in English and they feel these companies have taken away sorely needed domestic jobs.
Saxon Design takes the time to figure out how we can cut the costs in realistic and productive ways, by decreasing our overhead expenses. We have found this to be the best form of action for our company, and our clientele appreciate it.
Saxon Design takes the time to figure out how we can cut the costs in realistic and productive ways, by decreasing our overhead expenses. We have found this to be the best form of action for our company, and our clientele appreciate it.
Will you work with my printer, photographer, copywriter, etc?
To make things easier for you, and to maintain the high quality and consistency of branding that Saxon Design requires, we handle all of that for you. We prefer to work with our own approved vending partners, with whom we have spent many years building strong relationships. Through this trust, we are able to ensure quality control, budget compliance and scheduling. Should our clients insist we work with their vendors, we will either charge an extra fee to work with a new vendor or will transfer responsibility of the process to the client.
We are shopping around and are looking for the best price. Will you design something for us first so we can see whether we want to use you or not?
What you are asking for is spec work. We do not work on spec. Our client relationships are built upon trust, communication and mutual respect. We do understand the desire to know what the work will look like before a commitment is made and will do whatever we can to put your mind at ease throughout the process.
