Code of Conduct

I follow a Code of Conduct that was developed to clarify the relationship between my firm and my clients.

Consultation. Except in unusual circumstances, I will make one free, introductory visit to a prospective client. Subsequent calls will be part of a billable assignment, unless both parties agree otherwise.

Refusal. I reserve the right to decline the provision of any service to a potential client without the need to provide a reason.

Estimating. I attempt to provide accurate proposals to my clients. As a guide, most normal estimating and proposal writing will not exceed (the value of figuring and writing time only, not the sales call time) 1 to 1.5 percent of the job estimate (total cost less disbursements). If a proposal appears to require more than 1.5% of the job estimate, it is normal professional practice that the prospective client assume half (50%) of the cost of this development activity with the understanding that the total cost will be credited if I am awarded the assignment.

Speculative work. Client organizations should not ask for work to be done "on a speculative basis" or "free pitching" — i.e., to have the assignment contingent on approval of the work. Speculative work is subject to widespread abuse, increases prices, and is otherwise unprofessional. 

Minimum fee. I have a minimum fee of US$1500.00 dollars plus all applicable taxes and expenses for any activity. My minimum hourly fee is a minimum of US$200.00 per hour plus all applicable taxes and expenses.

Estimates & proposals. When sufficient information is provided, I can be expected to prepare a written estimate or proposal of assignment schedule, costs, and terms and conditions. When sufficient detailed information is not provided, it is my obligation to say so. If information is unavailable, pricing should be based on an hourly labour rate with frequent reviews of time expended. No assignment should be started without a signed acceptance of the estimate or proposal, or a purchase order authorization.

Billing. The client organization has the right to expect that the price on an estimate or proposal, plus additional expenses and taxes, will be the invoiced price unless otherwise appended, verbally or in writing, before invoicing.

Confidentiality. The client organization should expect that any information or material provided will be treated confidentially, and that reasonable efforts will be taken to safeguard it. If requested, I will provide and sign a nondisclosure agreement.

Conflict of interest. I should not simultaneously work for two clients who are directly competitive in a specific product area, as determined by myself. It is acceptable for another associate to be engaged in an assignment to work with competitive clients, but not simultaneously. Where there is concern about conflict of interest, it is normal for the appropriate me to ask the first client if it is permissible to also accept the work of the second client and if permission is given to notify the second client that work is being done on a competitive product. At no time will the identities, strategies or any other information about the clients or their projects be divulged to each other.

Working arrangements. Unless otherwise stipulated, every assignment is considered to comprise two equal sections: product specifics, market objectives, budget and approvals are the responsibility of the client organization; conceptual approaches, research and development, creativity and design, management, and production expertise are the responsibility of Dan Taylor.

Submissions. It is Dan Taylor's responsibility to recommend what, in his professional opinion, is the best way to meet the client’s objectives. Similarly, it is Dan Taylor's responsibility to follow the direction, input, criticisms, and comments of the client organization closely.

Approvals. It is the sole responsibility of the client organization to review all material before production and to attest to its accuracy. All recommendations made will be based on information supplied by the client and their staff and consultants, and the designer and and the design firm accepts no liability for recommendations given as a result of incomplete or incorrect information received.

Non use. In accordance with accepted professional services practice, the client organization is financially obligated for work done, whether or not it is utilized. In the event of dissatisfaction, Dan Taylor should resign at the earliest possible date and is permitted to make an effort to find another firm to continue.

Dan Taylor's General Terms and Conditions, is my general terms and conditions for design projects can be found here.

Dan Taylor reserves the right to change this Code of Conduct and the General Terms and Conditions for Projects from time to time at my sole discretion and without notice.