01A poor fit for uncertain or rapidly changing requirements.
Fixed-Scope Project
Suitable when deliverables and acceptance criteria can be specified before work.
- Written SOW and exclusions
- Milestone/acceptance arrangement
- Changes assessed separately
HOW TO ENGAGE
Choose a commercial model that fits the uncertainty.
Different requirements call for different engagement structures. The best model depends on clarity of scope, delivery risk, responsibilities and expected change.
All scope, specialist availability, deadlines and commercial terms require project-specific confirmation.
ENGAGEMENT COMPARISON
Different projects require different controls.
These models are discussed rather than sold through an automatic checkout.
02Actual hours and outputs vary; no guaranteed total unless contracted.
Time & Materials
Useful for iterative work with evolving priorities and an agreed budget control method.
- Agreed rates and tracking
- Review cadence and priorities
- Budget cap or checkpoints if agreed
03Does not include implementation unless specifically included.
Discovery & Advisory
For clients who need diagnosis, feasibility, architecture or an independent review before commissioning development.
- Defined assessment questions
- Report or blueprint output
- Separately approved implementation
04Not unlimited revisions, 24/7 SLA or unused-hour rollover unless agreed.
Retainer & Support
For repeated, bounded support and maintenance tasks with agreed access, availability and service windows.
- Scope of eligible work
- Request and reporting process
- Monthly commercial rules
CONTRACT DOCUMENTS
Right-size the paperwork to the project.
Document requirements scale with technical risk and engagement complexity.
01Small, bounded engagement
Quotation, concise SOW and applicable terms.
02Multi-phase delivery
Proposal, MSA/SOW if appropriate, milestones and acceptance plan.
03Complex or evolving programme
Dedicated discovery, detailed assumptions, change control and governance checkpoints.
04Support arrangement
Support scope, response expectations, exclusions, renewals and exit/handover plan.
COMMERCIAL TRANSPARENCY
What should be confirmed in writing?
The essentials remain the same regardless of engagement type.
Do you publish fixed prices?
No. Each quote is based on confirmed deliverables, assumptions, dependencies and risk.
What are typical payment stages?
Deposit, development and final acceptance milestones may be discussed, but exact ratios and dates are binding only when agreed in writing.
Who pays third-party costs?
Hosting, domains, APIs, licences and other recurring charges must be allocated explicitly in the project documents.
How is intellectual property handled?
Ownership, licensing, third-party materials and handover conditions are specified in the contract and subject to legal review.
Can an engagement stop or change?
Termination, refunds, suspension and change impacts are governed by the signed terms and applicable law.
COMMERCIAL FIT
Start with scope and risk, not a rate card.
Send the project background. We can discuss which model aligns with the work and decision process.