Market Research

[lokicarbis]

Hiya folks.

I'm putting together a business proposal for NEIS, and I was wondering if you'd mind answering a few questions for me. The business idea is to provide a range of editing, proof-reading, formatting and other technical writing skills to both individual and corporate clients. This survey is for individual clients - there is a separate

Comments

[reynardo]

Charging: Rather than a higher rate for combined services, I would expect a discount for combining two. Eg: if proofreading the document is $A and editing it is $B, then both should be $(A+B) - 10% or so, thus giving a discount for using you for both services.

[lokicarbis]

I think I phrased that one badly - that was basically what I meant, but I didn't explain myself clearly enough.

[aphephobia]

That was what I was going to say in the comments!

I'd also argue that some work is probably more detailled than others and would require more time and could probably command a higher price. Proofreading a manuscript for a 60k word kids' book is different to checking that the footnoting in a massive psychology essay is done properly.

As for the cost/time thing? I think it depends on what service is being offered. For a last minute thing, like, say, a resume you whipped up for a job application that you only just saw and has to be in by the end of the week, sure, I'd pay more to get it sorted quickly if I was desperately in need of it. For, say, the manuscript, which I'd assume to have put a bit more time and planning into and which might not have the same level of urgency about? I actually would want it to stay with the company and get thoroughly combed over rather than pay more, get it back faster.

[lokicarbis]

Thanks very much for taking the time to fill out the survey, and for the kind words.

[_anaesthesia]

Hi :) I did NEIS last year and know how tough getting market research done is :) Good luck! x

[lokicarbis]

Thank you :)

Got any wisdom to share with this noob?

[wod]

Best advice with your business plan is to UNDER-estimate your earnings for the next two years... they have no problem what so ever if you earn OVER that amount... so set the bar low so any unforeseen circumstances don't get you into trouble - takes the pressure off :P

[lokicarbis]

Excellent idea. Must go revise my estimates downwards :)

[electricllama]

When it comes to delivering the finished product, I think it depends on the customer's needs. For a website (boy do some need it) you would probably return via email or upload straight to the site. Other clients might want their work in paper form so you'd use post.

Also, I clicked "not interested in these services" once near the end because I wouldn't use them myself, but dude, I would LOVE to provide them to others, especially whoever spits out some of the television ads I've seen. The errors on them are pretty dumb.

Good luck with NEIS! I've been thinking about doing the same thing but can't decide where I want to end up.

(Sorry if you get this twice. LJ keeps eating my comments.)

[lokicarbis]

Well, hey, if I get enough business, I'll be looking for people to subcontract it out to :)

Thanks for the good wishes, and no fear, it only showed up the once ;)