Integrators, How Often Have You Gotten End Users To Pay You A 'Design Fee'?

John Honovich

•Jan 31, 2019

IPVM

A 'design fee' tactic is suggested every so often in the context of the concern that an end users might shop an integrator's design to others or just waste the time of an integrator to get an extra bid.

An integrator here said:

I was contemplating using the "design fee" tactic. I am new to the game and have already been burned by two companies looking to keep their same integrator honest. Do you feel the fee works for you and also do you think it shy's a lot of people away from even trying to get a bid from you?

So what is your experience with the 'design fee' tactic? How often does it work?

Reactions:

Undisclosed Integrator #1

•Jan 31, 2019

In our area, I doubt anyone would pay the fee. I am also in the most saturated market (Atlanta) in the US from what I am told.

We are shifting towards creating budgets, and once a client starts asking for very detailed revisions, and site surveys we expect to get the project, and we almost always do.

But we are still working on the sales process.

Reactions:

(1)

Ross Vander Klok

•Feb 01, 2019

IPVMU Certified

I have never been asked to pay a design fee in any of the markets I get quotes in. EMEA, APAC, NA, doesn't matter where. If it was a huge project where I did not have anything put together I might be willing to pay it. Nah, who am I kidding!! I would never pay for that.

Reactions: