our frequently asked questions

Read the Peterman Design Firm FAQ to get answers to your questions quickly.

Peterman Design Firm FAQ, FAQ, Peterman Design Firm

what we do

The Peterman Design Firm FAQ is built based questions our clients ask us and things every client should know before working with us. If you can’t find an answer to your question here, feel free to contact us.

  • HOW MUCH DOES YOUR SERVICES COST?

    All projects will get a written proposal outlining costs and timeline. Our standard payment terms are up front deposit, then payment at each phase of the project. We do offer hourly and retainer option for some projects if requested.

  • HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

    Developing a product from concept to market launch typically takes between 3 months and 2 years depending on a number of factors such as resources and complexity. Our proposals include timelines so you know what to expect. We can also provide "rush" work if you have a must meet deadline.

    Here are some example timelines:

    — Pitch Deck 2 weeks

    — Concept Designs 2-9 weeks

    — Prototyping 2-16 weeks

    — 5-page website 4-6 weeks

    — Complete branding 4-8 weeks

  • ARE YOUR QUOTES FREE?

    Yes, rough estimates are provided free of any cost. We provide a rough estimate free of charge, but to get an exact project estimate we require going through a discovery with us for most projects.

  • CAN YOU GUARANTEE MY PRODUCT WILL LAUNCH SUCCESSFULLY?

    No, and anyone who says they can guarantee it is lying. While we have a great success rate with our clients, nothing is guaranteed in product development or launching.

    We will do our best to deliver the highest quality solutions, and guide you in making solid business and product decisions to create the highest chance of success for your project.

  • WHAT DO I GET AS AN OUTCOME?

    Your outcome will depend on the project, scope we create, and your goals. We deliver turnkey solutions to our clients to bring their products to the market.

    All deliverables will be outlined in the Scope of Work (SOW).

  • WHO OWNS THE WORK?

    We strongly believe that you should own the work done for you. On some projects we take on part or all ownership of an idea, but that is not our typical consulting project. If your idea is part of project partM, then we own the idea with you getting royalties.

  • DO MEETINGS COUNT TOWARD BILLABLE TIME?

    Each project includes 1 hour of meeting time a week, any time after is billed when hourly, or counts toward project hours in fixed rate projects.

  • DO YOU WORK ON SMALL PROJECTS?

    Yes! We work with all sizes of projects and clients. We’ve done work for startups and fortune 100 companies.

  • WE HAVE MULTIPLE PROJECTS, DO YOU OFFER A RETAINER OPTION?

    We do offer a retainer option for clients based on the number of hours needed on an ongoing basis. With a flat monthly retainer fee (3 month minimum) we can act as your full-time, in-house design and development department. This allows us to be more responsive and on top of your requests as your hours are already scheduled into to calendar and you won’t be stuck waiting for other projects to complete before we can help you.

  • HOW CAN I PAY?

    We accept ACH, checks, and cashier’s checks.

  • DO YOU ACCEPT PAYPAL?

    We don’t accept PayPal or other types of payment transfer such as Zelle and Venmo.

  • DO YOU ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS?

    We accept credit cards on a case by case basis.

  • WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CONTACT THE PETERMAN DESIGN FIRM?

    Our contact form or email, info@petermanfirm.com is the best method. For rush jobs please call 360-474-7525 and email us as well.

  • HOW DO CHANGE REQUESTS WORK?

    — Changes are revisions or edits requested by you.

    — Each non-hourly project is given a set amount of RFC hours (Change hours) to take care of changes requested by you.

    — All changes must include a RFC document, this helps keep track of changes when anyone looks back at the project.

    — RFC’s will be reviewed, signed, and the estimated hours to complete the change will be sent to the you.

    — Changes, containing any number of edits, will only be performed with a signed RFC.

    — Changes must fall within the allotted Change hours for a project if it is a non-hourly project.

    — Changes must fall within the given Scope of the project.

    — Hourly work has no limits on edits.

    — Additional changes over the given RFC hours are either billed hourly or require an additional proposal/agreement.

  • WHAT ARE NOT CONSIDERED CHANGES?

    — If there is a large change needing more time that was specified in the proposal for changes to a project, we will inform you, and the scope will most likely need to change as well.

    — Adding new products, parts, or changing what the deliverables are all scope change, and are outside of RFC’s.

    — Completing an initial task or getting more information to complete a task does not count as an edit, unless changes are requested by a client.

    — Mistakes made by the Firm do not count toward changes, and will be fixed.

  • WHAT IF MY PROJECT NEEDS TO BE RUSHED?

    We take rush projects on a case by case basis. With a phone call, we go over your needs and help determine if the additional cost of a rush project is actually required before starting one. There is an additional cost and we require a larger portion of the project to be paid up front.

  • WHAT DO I NEED TO START A PROJECT?

    To get your project reviewed as quickly as possible, here are the things we’ll need from you. First, if you need an NDA, let us know by contacting us. Next you’ll need to fill out a project brief, please fill out the one(s) that apply most to you. Keep in mind, more information is better as we can use our 15 min call most efficiently. Once that happens, we can review your idea and schedule a 15 min review call with you to discuss your project and what next steps look like.

  • DO YOU HAVE A FREE REVIEW?

    Yes, we do! Once you have filled out a project brief, we schedule a free 15 min call to discuss your project and what next steps look like.

  • DO YOU DO PATENTS?

    We don't do patent applications and filings, though we do have partner law firms who we work with. We can, however, provide patent, prior art, and market research as well as put together documentation to share with a patent attorney for them to file more easily.

  • DO YOU HAVE DESIGN AND ENGINEERING IN HOUSE?

    Yes, we have in-house designers, engineers, brand managers, social media, and other skill areas.

  • WHAT IS PROJECT PARTM?

    If your idea is small and ideally 3D printable, project partM is for you. We design, developing, and launch typically small and simple products in return for owning the idea. We also pay you royalties based on your ideas sales that depends on the manufacturing type. You can learn more here about project partM.

Let's make your idea real today!

We’re here to guide you through the process of making your idea real and building your legacy. Contact us today to get a quote!

let's make something together

We believe in being the design partner to our clients, not just a service. Your challenges are our challenges  and our solutions yours. If you are looking for a partner to help make the world a better place or tackle a difficult problem, we’d love to hear from you.

Please provide a brief description of your project and we’ll get back to you within 1-2 business days. Let’s start our journey together. If you require funding, please contact us to learn about applying to our mentorship and funding programs.

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