Choose an agency for your assignment
An agency may support the work from initial concept to finished campaign. Its role depends on its capabilities and your assignment. Comparable quotes require a clear scope and defined outputs.
Describe the project and intended effect
Identify the offer, audience and existing materials. A launch, a single advert and ongoing support are different-sized assignments. You do not need a finished creative idea; developing one can be part of the work.
Capabilities matter more than size
A specialist team may fit a limited assignment. For several channels, an agency can coordinate external specialists. Ask who actually provides concept, design and execution. A broad sales presentation is not a substitute for relevant experience.
| Need | Capability to check |
|---|---|
| Campaign idea | Audience understanding and justified creative ideas |
| Creative assets | Design, production and required formats |
| Multiple channels | Planning, coordination and channel owners |
A short brief makes offers comparable
Describe the project in your own words: audience, offer, materials and important dates. If choices remain open, separate concept and execution quotes. Extensive unpaid creative work should not be required for an initial price comparison.
Define approvals and revisions
Agree approval points for ideas, drafts and finals. Consolidated feedback prevents conflicting revisions. The quote should explain included revisions and new requests. Printing, publication and media bookings require clear approval.
Understand the total cost
Concept and design may be fixed-price or time-based. Production, placements, licences and external services may be additional. Specify assumptions, quantities and extras. For ongoing work, scope, term and cancellation matter as much as the recurring fee.
| Item | Clarify before commissioning |
|---|---|
| Agency work | Outputs, variants and revisions |
| External services | Production, subcontracting and markups |
| Usage | Channels, duration, territories and licence costs |
Assess references and working relationships
Look at comparable work and ask what part the agency delivered. Meeting the proposed team helps assess understanding and organisation. A portfolio alone does not establish availability or how changes are handled.
Arrange files, rights and handover
Specify final and editable files delivered and agreed uses. Images, music, fonts and third-party content may have separate licences. Existing accounts and data should remain accessible if you switch agencies. Check delivery against the agreed outputs.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a creative idea first?
No. Describe the objective and offer; idea development can be commissioned.
Are all channels included?
Only agreed channels. Capabilities and external partners vary.
How many revisions are included?
The quote should specify this and distinguish revisions from new requirements.
Is media spend included?
Not automatically. Bookings and production costs should be separate.
Can I commission a single project?
Yes. A limited project may fit; agree on outputs and completion.
Will I receive editable files?
If agreed. Formats and rights should be specified in the offer.
