FAQ
Below are some of the common questions that people have about working with Hotspot Creative Solutions. If you have a question that is not answered by the information below please don’t hesitate to contact us.
TOPICS:
DESIGN
PROOFING
PRINTING
PAYMENTS
DESIGN
How long does a usual project take?
Project timelines are based on our current workload and are affected by client responsiveness and changes. These times are simply estimates based on our experience:
· LOGO: 1- 3 week process
· DESIGN: Please allow 3-4 day turnaround time for graphic design depending on project.
· WEB SITE: Please allow 30 days for basic web design.
Since every project is different, timelines can vary. Contact us for a quote and an accurate timeline.
I have a project that I need right away! Do you have a rush service?
Yes. To qualify for 48 hour rush service, order must be placed, images, artwork, digital files, and/or textual content, and all files provided within 24 hours. Rush orders are subject to a minimum $50.00 rush charge.
How much information should I give the designers?
The more the better! That way we are more educated in your needs, and your brand and can deliver you a fitting solution.
I just got photoshop. Why can’t I do my own design?
You definitely can. The question is will your design get you the results your company needs compared to the design of trained designers. We offer professional design with unique and creative graphics, and creative minds that will set you apart.
When is my project start date?
The project start date will be considered the date that we have received all information you and us have deemed necessary for the completion of the project and the deposit has been received.
How long will my project take to complete?
It’s impossible to tell how long a project will take until we have all the information about a certain project and without knowing how many revisions the project will require. For this reason it’s best to get your project started early. Rest assured we will complete all projects in a timely manner.
What if I don’t like the end product?
We include revisions in all of our graphic design products. This allows each customer to provide us with feedback that will get them the end product they desire. It’s also best if you provide us lots of information during the briefing stage to avoid the situation altogether.
How many design concepts do I get?
This is determined in the initial consultation. Although in certain cases additional design concepts can be purchased at a percentage rate.
What if I want additional revisions?
Additional revisions outside of the initial project scope will be charged by the hour in 0.25 hour increments at the current design rate. While we do our best to accommodate revisions please keep in mind that revisions can extend the project timeline and excessive revisions to a project can result in a missed deadline.
PROOFING
Why do I need to proof my project?
We do our best to create everything right the first time. We are hyper-vigilant when it comes to quality control, triple checking our own, as well as each others’ work, to assure a quality product goes out the door. With that being said, nobody is perfect and mistakes do happen from time to time.
As the client you are the last line of defense on your projects. The final proof is your chance to unequivocally confirm that you will be satisfied with the final product. Proofing is extremely important in the printing process. You, as the client, are responsible for proofing and approving all projects before they are sent to the printer. Hotspot Creative Solutions is not responsible for anything overlooked in the proofing process.
Why can’t I verbally approve my project?
We don’t accept verbal approvals because a record cannot be kept. We only accept approvals via email, signed form, or signature on a copy of the final proof for each piece of a project.
My project was printed with a mistake. Who is responsible?
WE DO NOT, and WILL NOT proceed with the printing of any order without your written consent and approval of the designs, without exception. Once the proof has been approved, we are entered into a contract that holds you responsible for approving the product, and Hotspot Creative Solutions is responsible for supplying the product as it was approved. If the job has been run or is printing process has begun after your approval and you notice an error, you will be charged in full to run the job again.
PRINTING
Do you offer printing?
Yes, we do offer printing solutions. Please bring these up at your initial consultation so that the prices and timelines can be quoted properly.
Do you do your own printing?
We actually don’t do printing in-house but work with a select group of local and national commercial and industrial printers and sign shops who specialize in various printing techniques, paper and card stock and specific finishes. This allows us the most versatility for producing the best results for our clients as each have their own strengths. Our print partners also give us competitive pricing so you don’t have to do the extra leg work of shopping around, or learn all the jargon to make sure you job is printed the way you want it.
That said, we pride ourselves on our print project management services and find it best to be the connection between client and printer to ensure the best possible outcome every time.
Content, Image, Artwork & File Requirements:
Hotspot Creative Solutions does NOT write, create, or edit content for designs or websites. All textual content must be supplied as it should appear on clients website or final graphic design. In an effort to maintain low costs, all content should submitted to Hotspot Creative Solutions must be in a digital format otherwise charges may be incurred.
Hotspot Creative Solutions will accept photos, logos, and artwork up to 8.50″ x 14″ for scanning, and digital files contained on CD, Thumb Drive or via email or transfer site. Please do not write on, staple, clip, cut, fold, or alter submitted photographs of artwork. All photographs and artwork are kept on file digitally for future work for a minimum period of 1 year unless. Orders that do not meet the minimum requirements will not be processed.
All content and client design specifications must be supplied prior to initiating work on project. Any changes made to initial content received by Hotspot Creative Solutions will result in an additional charge.
PRICING & PAYMENTS
Do your prices include printing?
Our prices do not include printing except where stated.
How much does a website cost?
Our prices for custom website development range from under $750 to over $50,000. It really depends on what design, functionality and marketing your project needs. Contact us today with some details to get an accurate estimate.
Deposit!? Why should I have to pay in advance?
Yes, we do require a deposit. This is an industry standard. You will not have to pay the full price upfront, but because of the nature of the business we do require a deposit that is percentage of the total price (percentage dependent on nature of project). We do this because we can’t spend x amount of hours on a project and then have a customer drop our service. Also, since you are making a commitment it allows us to approach your project with confidence, knowing you are as serious as we are.
How do I pay?
Deposits can be paid in the following forms:
· Interac Email Payments (send payment to info@hotspotcreative.ca)
· Cash
· PayPal (send payment to info@hotspotcreative.ca)
For final payment on projects we prefer cheques if possible, but we also accept:
· Interac Email Payments (send payment to info@hotspotcreative.ca)
· Cash
· Visa and Mastercard
· PayPal (send payment to info@hotspotcreative.ca)
What are your payment terms?
We require a deposit prior to beginning a project. This applies to both new and established clients unless other agreements/contracts are in place.
· UP TO $3,000 – We require a 50% non-refundable deposit on projects, with 50% due at project sign off OR on a specified date agreed to in our estimate or proposal.
· OVER $3,000 – We require a 30% non-refundable deposit, plus a 40% midpoint and the remaining balance, or 30% final payment.
· Final payment must be received prior to project release of print-ready files or Web files.
What about late payments?
We charge interest on late payments. ALL invoices are subject to a 10% late payment charge every 30 days after the invoice date unless other arrangements have been made. This is for new and existing clients.
If an invoice passes the 90 day non-payment mark, it may be submitted to a collection agency. The best way to avoid any late charges, or a bad mark on your credit report, is to pay on time or make arrangements prior to 30 days from the invoice date.
For design and print samples please check out the Gallery