Terms & Conditions

Your initial consultation (by phone or visit) is free and carries no obligation on your part.  Tell us what you want and we'll tell you how we can help you.  If you're not sure what you want, we can help you out.  If you require an indepth look at what you have and need, then you'll need to have us in on a consultancy basis initially. We’ll give you an initial estimate of costs and timings and will do a more detailed breakdown after the meeting.

If you decide to accept our services, we’ll have a signed agreement by letter or email, and then we’ll start.

If you wish to add further materials or want a major rewrite, then we’ll agree that in writing too.  You'll be billed for the extra work at our usual rates.  We won’t add anything unless you wish us to – that way, you won’t incur any unexpected charges.

If you want any minor changes made after acceptance of the copy, then we’ll do that providing it’s within a month; thereafter, we’ll revert to the usual charges.

Contacting Us

We're generally available to talk with Mondays-Fridays between 11.30am and 2pm, and from 4pm-6pm.  Only call outside those times if it's an emergency.

If we're not at the desk, leave a message and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.  Please speak clearly and dictate your phone number slowly.  Our numbers are 01284 753 912 and 07766 011 391.  If you're overseas, dial your country's set UK prefix, followed by 1284 753 912.  Please do not use the mobile number from abroad, or from the Channel Islands.

You can email us at any time, and we will get back to you within 48 hours (usually within a few hours).

1. Initial Consultation

• This is free, up to 20 minutes.
• If you want a longer initial session (1-1½  hrs), it will cost £150 in advance, redeemable against your first project
• Meetings are chargeable, as are long journeys and overnight stays
• Most, if not all, meetings are over the phone and email, with email being the preferred method.  Phone calls need to be scheduled in advance so we can give you our undivided attention.  Skype is a good way to communicate (by appointment); our Sype 'number' is jacqui.carrel

2.  Project Costs

• For specific costs, see our price list.  Projects which involve several separate components will be priced with a discount.  Each project is different, so we'll give you a quote once we have worked out what you need doing.
• Two lots of small revisions or changes to work are included in the initial fee, and must be asked for within 30 days of receipt of your work
• Major revisions such as you asking for a rewrite or adding extra material will be charged at our normal rates
• We pay for day-to-day stationery, but do charge for travel and hotel expenses, and the stationery needed to submit reports, etc
• Please note we are VAT registered

3.  Payment

• Our terms vary depending on the type and size of the project.  Please don't risk embarrassment by asking us to change our terms
• You will be invoiced within seven days of delivery for smaller projects 
• Please settle your invoice promptly, as late payment will incur interest charges 

• Jobs under £150: payable up front
• Jobs under £150: 50% payable up front and the rest after the copy has been finalised

Currently we accept payment by cheque or by payment directly into our account.

By the way, we get booked up quickly.  If you want a job done now, we will fit you in as best we can, particularly if it's a small project.  If, however, we need to work out of hours or over a holiday period then we need to charge accordingly - this will range from 1.5 to 2 times the usual fee, and we'll let you know at the time.

 4. Copyright

• All work undertaken is owned by us until payment has been made in full, and then the copyright passes to you
• Joint Ventures: no changes can be made to materials without our prior and written consent
• Commission-based work: we own the copyright

5. Project cancellations

If you cancel a project, you won’t be charged for work that has not yet been done.  You will, however, be liable to settle for work already undertaken, whether you use the material or not.

6. Signed agreements

We will need verification that a) you wish the project to go ahead, and b) that you have read and agree to abide by our terms and conditions before we start on any work.  Email copies are fine, as we can print out your details (such as the date) with it.