Our philosophy on pricing is straightforward and client-centric. Together, we’ll focus on establishing your desired outcomes and objectives, then plan and package solutions that we believe will achieve those outcomes.
Clients typically engage with us through one of three flexible options: a fixed price for a defined scope of work, an annual retainer, or an hourly rate. These options provide the flexibility to address immediate needs while also planning for long-term goals.
Fixed Price for a Scope of Work or Project
With an estimated fixed price for a scope of work, you don’t have to worry about the amount of time we spend with you or seeing an invoice with a price we didn’t already agree upon. This is a great option when there are clear deliverables and timelines.
If a change in scope or other factors require additional budget, we’ll discuss that with you in advance.
Annual Retainer, Team Extension
With a retainer option, you have access to the full suite of branding, strategy, and creative services provided by Dovetail throughout the term of the agreement, putting a huge infusion of dedicated talent to work on your brand’s most important key initiatives.
Most commonly, agreements are for a 12-month duration, and invoices are amortized in equal amounts over the duration.
If the volume of requested work exceeds the anticipated resource capacity and/or approved retainer budget, we’ll let you know in advance with monthly reporting so there aren’t any surprises, and we can prioritize the most important to-dos.
Hourly Approach to Work
For hourly work, we estimate our time in advance for your approval, track our time, and keep you informed of where we are within the budget. Within this model, the invoice amount is reconciled with the actual amount of time spent performing services.
Many clients choose to work with Dovetail on an hourly basis when there are unplanned ad hoc creative needs or internal resources may need additional support.
If you foresee the need for a larger commitment of our time, we offer preferred hourly rates when authorizing a larger block of hours for our time to be drawn against. We would be happy to discuss your specific needs and what anticipated Dovetail team talent may be needed.
A Common Question: What Is the Pricing Like?
Recognizing that every engagement is unique, our pricing is tailored to reflect the value we provide. We’re not the highest priced, nor are we the cheapest—our clients often find us right in the middle, offering substantial value for their investment.
As a St. Louis-based agency, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional service and impactful results, driven by a team of highly skilled professionals. Our competitive rates make us an attractive option compared to the higher costs of East and West Coast agencies.
A Final Thought on the “Budget Conversations”
Discussing money can create stress in relationships, and our goal is to minimize that stress as much as possible. We value direct, transparent, and honest conversations, where true partnership is a two-way street. This approach is the foundation for long-lasting, healthy relationships.