Cooperation Models
We are flexible in our cooperation models.
The only requirement: it needs to work for both sides.
The only requirement: it needs to work for both sides.
Cooperation Models
A good result starts with the right way of working together.
Some projects need just a few focused hours. Others require a complete development programme, dedicated capacity or a partner prepared to share the risk. From short-term assignments to long-term partnerships, we shape the collaboration around your project, your ambitions and what works for both sides.
Every project is different. Every client too. So together, we choose the project and collaboration setup that works best for both sides. Here are several ways we usually collaborate.
Hourly rate - Short projects
Small project? Tight timeline? Then it's simple, hours times rate. Different services have different rates, all clearly listed in the quote. We work, we deliver, we invoice.
Fixed project fee - Defined projects
For bigger multi-phase projects, we estimate the hours per phase and turn that into a fixed fee.
As long as the brief stays the same, the price stays the same. Fair and predictable. If the scope changes, we talk first. No surprises.
Payments are usually split into a down payment, monthly instalments and a final invoice on delivery.
As long as the brief stays the same, the price stays the same. Fair and predictable. If the scope changes, we talk first. No surprises.
Payments are usually split into a down payment, monthly instalments and a final invoice on delivery.
Milestone-based project fee - Innovative projects
For genuinely innovative projects, we calculate one phase at a time.
True innovation asks for a bigger investment in research and development. Entirely new ideas often require ingenuity and unconventional solutions.
They cannot be solved by using standard predictable fixes. This makes the project more challenging and usually commercially more rewarding, but it also makes the development path less predictable.
We can only give very rough estimates for the total development. They cannot be fixed.
True innovation asks for a bigger investment in research and development. Entirely new ideas often require ingenuity and unconventional solutions.
They cannot be solved by using standard predictable fixes. This makes the project more challenging and usually commercially more rewarding, but it also makes the development path less predictable.
We can only give very rough estimates for the total development. They cannot be fixed.
For projects like this, where the path is a bit more foggy, we agree the price for the next phase only, one milestone at a time. If things move faster, great. If they need more time, we'll discuss it together and keep everything transparent.
Same payment structure, a down payment, monthly instalments and a final invoice on delivery.
Same payment structure, a down payment, monthly instalments and a final invoice on delivery.
Capacity retainer - Ongoing partnerships
Some relationships continue after the first project. They regularly turn into long-term strategic partnerships.
For clients who want us close by, we agree a fixed monthly capacity instead of a fixed project.
Set hours, set fee, every month.
Predictable for your cash flow, predictable for ours.
New products stay our focus, but this setup gives us the flexibility to shift when your company priorities do. When an existing product needs fixing or upgrading fast, or your own R&D hits a wall, we're already on the team.
We work this way with Chinese manufacturers and Western brands alike, some of these partnerships have lasted for over five years and counting.
Reduced fee + royalty - Shared risk
Sometimes we agree to lower our fee in exchange for a percentage of sales. That means we share the risk, and the upside. If the product doesn't sell, we feel it too. If it does well, so do we. Like the capacity retainer, this model often leads to long-term partnerships, because it aligns our interests from day one. Reduced fee, paid monthly. Royalties, paid quarterly once sales start.
Participation - Startups & ventures
We also work with startups who want to know whether their idea is worth pursuing, before they invest serious time and money.
And every now and then, we believe in an idea strongly enough to invest in it, not just our time, but as a company. We're designers, but we're also entrepreneurs, and this can reduce upfront development costs.
Can we do this for every project? No. Would we like to do it more often? Yes, when the plan, the product and the people are right. Have a plan worth backing? We're all ears. Not sure which model fits your project?
Let's talk.
Some relationships continue after the first project. They regularly turn into long-term strategic partnerships.
For clients who want us close by, we agree a fixed monthly capacity instead of a fixed project.
Set hours, set fee, every month.
Predictable for your cash flow, predictable for ours.
New products stay our focus, but this setup gives us the flexibility to shift when your company priorities do. When an existing product needs fixing or upgrading fast, or your own R&D hits a wall, we're already on the team.
We work this way with Chinese manufacturers and Western brands alike, some of these partnerships have lasted for over five years and counting.
Reduced fee + royalty - Shared risk
Sometimes we agree to lower our fee in exchange for a percentage of sales. That means we share the risk, and the upside. If the product doesn't sell, we feel it too. If it does well, so do we. Like the capacity retainer, this model often leads to long-term partnerships, because it aligns our interests from day one. Reduced fee, paid monthly. Royalties, paid quarterly once sales start.
Participation - Startups & ventures
We also work with startups who want to know whether their idea is worth pursuing, before they invest serious time and money.
And every now and then, we believe in an idea strongly enough to invest in it, not just our time, but as a company. We're designers, but we're also entrepreneurs, and this can reduce upfront development costs.
Can we do this for every project? No. Would we like to do it more often? Yes, when the plan, the product and the people are right. Have a plan worth backing? We're all ears. Not sure which model fits your project?
Let's talk.
