JumpSpark FAQs
Answers to Some of Your Questions:
When getting to know a prospective client or working with a current client, JumpSpark Creative Group, LLC. builds strong, trusting relationships with our clients and prides itself on being as authentic and transparent as possible. We know you have questions about how we work with our clients as well as our policies and terms. Below are answers to some of the questions that you may have. If we have not addressed your question on this page, please do not hesitate to contact us.
FREE Discovery Consultation (2)
Do you offer FREE consultations?
Yes, we do! We offer FREE Client Discovery Consultations to learn more about your company and to assess your needs. Consultations can be conducted by phone for up to 30 minutes. For those who are serious about upleveling their creative and branding, a virtual or in-person meeting can be conducted for up to 1 hour. Please note that we will not give recommendations or creative and branding concepts during this consultation as this type of consultation falls under our paid Consulting & Coaching Services.
Do I have to complete a Client Discovery Form prior to our initial consultation?
Yes, for 98% of our initial consultations, we DO require that you complete and return our Client Discovery Form prior to our meeting. Time is precious, and we don't believe in wasting your time or our time. Before we proceed with our meeting, it is important that we establish a common language and an understanding of your goals and objectives. The Client Discovery Form is our road map. It not only makes our time together productive, but it also prompts you to think seriously about your brand and put into writing what we are setting out to accomplish together. Please note that if we require you to fill out this form, we will not meet with you until this form is completed and returned to us.
Working with JumpSpark (4)
If I hire JumpSpark Creative to partner with my company on a project, are we locked into a long-term contract or can we use JumpSpark for support on an as-needed basis?
Most of JumpSpark Creative Group, LLC. clients are on regular contract with some who use us on an as-needed basis. However when working on brand development, we will require a specific amount of time to execute this type of project, which will be outlined in your initial project proposal. Our clients have found that a long-term working relationship with us gives them the best overall results.
In what industries do you specialize?
Over the years, we have served a variety of clients in all business sectors, including non-profit and member organizations. However, we do specialize in helping entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized businesses in various service-oriented, educational: coaching and training, new construction and real estate development industries.
Does JumpSpark Creative stay current with industry trends and advancements?
Yes, we do! JumpSpark Creative Group, LLC. abides by the ethical standards and requirements of the National Graphic Artist's Guild. We also keep informed of and abide by our own offline and online marketing industry regulations. In turn, we also abide by our client's corporate specifications and requirements, if applicable. We will often advise you on industry standards and any applicable government regulations; however, please note that we are not legal counsel and will ultimately tell you to contact your business lawyer or seek counsel in a situation that may call for it.
You mention you work with strategic partners. How does this benefit my company?
JumpSpark Creative Group, LLC. is a boutique creative, branding, communications and coaching agency; however, the quality of our work, effectiveness, industry influence and purchasing power are comparable to larger agencies. In addition to in-house talent, what makes us unique is that we have hand-chosen the best designers, web programmers, executive producers, video production specialists, media coordinators and promotional event planners in their respective industries to be a part of our JumpSpark Team. These individuals are highly-seasoned experts, who are not only strategic thinkers and problem solvers but are also perfectly aligned with the JumpSpark Creative Group, LLC. brand. And, when it comes to printing and promotional products, we have built a vast network of industry printers and promotional product suppliers that enables us to give you exactly what you need at fantastic prices. Our strategic partnerships BENEFIT YOU by giving you: more comprehensive solutions, access to a variety of industry experts and media outlets, a diverse and better selection of products, more attractive pricing and an edge on the competition while saving you time, money and overwhelm.
Artwork and Code of Ethics (3)
How will I receive my completed creative, copywriting or branding projects?
Normally, we try to obtain client materials and deliver clients their creative, copywriting or branding project proofs and final work, via email, and at times, via MailBigFile.com (for large files). However, our normal protocol for larger files and on-going projects is to obtain client materials and deliver project files via DropBox. When working with us, we do encourage our clients to obtain a FREE DropBox account; however if a client does not have one, he/she can still download DropBox files through a download link that we would provide to the client.
Do I own the creative, copywriting and branding projects that JumpSpark creates for me?
For this answer, please refer to the description under "DO YOU CHARGE PROJECT CANCELLATION FEES?"
Do you abide by a Code of Ethics and adhere to industry regulations?
Yes, we do! JumpSpark Creative Group, LLC. abides by the ethical standards and requirements of the National Graphic Artist's Guild. We also keep informed of and abide by our own offline and online marketing industry regulations. In turn, we also abide by our client's corporate specifications and requirements, if applicable. We will often advise you on industry standards and any applicable government regulations; however, please note that we are not legal counsel and will ultimately tell you to contact your business lawyer or seek counsel in a situation that may call for it.
Payments, Terms & Other Policies (6)
What are your payment terms?
Our Payment Policy is as follows…payment is expected upon receipt of the invoice for graphic design, copywriting and branding services unless credit has been extended to the client upon credit approval. Our normal NET term is NET15 unless otherwise stated on your contract. Your invoice will state the actual due date of payment, which is the date that it is must be received in our office. If there are any grace periods or early payment discounts available, this also will be stated on your invoice. Please note that certain large, campaign or partnered projects may be subject to a deposit at contract signing as we as other Payment Terms as reflected on the contract. Payment for printing, signage, promotional products, mailing fees and postage is due UPFRONT upon receipt of invoice. Payment is to be made by cash or check and made payable to JumpSpark Creative Group. If you choose to pay by credit card, there will be an additional convenience fee added to your invoice, especially for production services, mailing fees and postage. Please inform us if you wish to pay by credit card prior to receiving your invoice.
Do you give any pricing incentives?
Our pricing structure is based on a la carte services for initial concept and one-off projects. However in some cases, we do charge lower production rates for marketing pieces that use and support an already-created initial concept, i.e. a postcard concept that becomes an ad. We also offer special package, contract and retainer pricing based on quantity and time duration.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We prefer payment by company check or cash. Payments, via PayPal, will be accepted for certain types of jobs under special circumstances and approval. Clients also have the option of setting up a PREPAID retainer with us for 3, 6 and 12-month terms, so that future payments can be drawn from this bulk payment.
What is your late payment policy?
If a payment is not received by the invoice due date, a 1.5% recurring late payment charge will be added to your outstanding invoice balance (until the balance is PAID IN FULL), and the invoice will be reissued with the new balance for payment. The frequency of the late payment charge will be aligned with your payment terms and also stated on your invoice. As a courtesy, you will receive a reminder when your invoice is about to come due. If you have difficulty paying your invoice, please contact us immediately, so that we can make other payment arrangements with you.
How do you handle outstanding account balances?
As a courtesy, a Statement of Account will be issued to clients, who have outstanding balances on their account. For outstanding balances of 30 days or more, we will not be able to start on new projects or continue with existing work until your account is brought to current. If you have 2 or more outstanding invoices on your account, JumpSpark Creative Group, LLC. reserves the right to refuse any new projects until late invoices are PAID IN FULL, no matter how many days late they are. Any outstanding balance of 60 days or more will be subject to collection or legal action unless otherwise noted or agreed upon. If payment of invoices is consistently late, JumpSpark Creative Group, LLC. reserves the right to change a client's payment terms to prepayment before the final project is delivered, set up a prepaid retainer from which to draw money for upcoming jobs, or to terminate the business relationship. If a business relationship is terminated by either JumpSpark Creative Group, LLC. or the client, the client's account must be PAID IN FULL prior to receiving any native art files upon the client’s written request. Depending on the number of native art files to be delivered, there may be an additional administrative charge of $100.00 or more for release to disk or a DropBox account.
JumpSpark Creative Group reserves the right to update and revise these payment terms at any time without notice.
Do you charge cancellation fees?
All specific details of contract terms, deposits and other requirements are reflected in your project contract proposal. For projects that do not have a contract, the client will be charged 50% of the total project cost if they cancel the project once work has begun. VERY IMPORTANT- PLEASE READ: Client meetings that involve discussing concept and strategic planning are usually built into campaign pricing as a marketing consulting fee. However, if a client cancels a project that has or has not yet begun and a concept and planning meeting HAS taken place, the client WILL BE RESPONSIBLE and WILL BE CHARGED for that meeting and concept as a consulting and/or concept planning fee. (Normal consulting rates are $150/hour. Concept ownership and release fees may be additional. All rights and licenses for art work, copywriting and branding campaign concepts are owned by JumpSpark Creative Group, LLC. until the client pays in full for them or unless otherwise noted. JumpSpark Creative Group, LLC. reserves the right to use or exhibit
JumpSpark Creative Group reserves the right to update and revise these payment terms at any time without notice.