Oaks|Design performs work on either a time-and-materials
or fixed-price basis. We generally recommend fixed-price contracts for
most engagements because they mitigate client risk and builds confidence
in our capabilities. For projects or iterations of limited scope, however,
it is sometimes beneficial to work on a time-and-materials basis. One
of the many benefits of Oaks|Design's iterative approach is that even
under a time-and-materials scenario, risk is minimized because checkpoints
are frequent.
All projects, whether time-and-materials or fixed-price, are based on
an hourly rate that varies with the mix of personnel that a project
requires. This variable rate pricing is in marked contrast to other
firms, most of whom apply a fixed rate regardless of the skill set and
experience that is brought to bear. In our opinion, this is a practice
that often benefits the firm at the expense of the client since projects
or phases that do not warrant senior developers are priced identically
to those that do. Because Oaks|Design is a lean, focused organization
with very little administrative overhead, we can easily fine-tune our
pricing to suit the project circumstances. |
