Each month, depending on which retainer tier you are in, you select a number of items that we will work on and complete for you.
For example, in our Starter tier you can select 4 items (from our menu of items).
We help you select the best mix of items each month, to maximise your results. You can choose completely new items, or stick with the same each month - whatever works best for your goals.
An 'item' is a self-contained piece of work. It could be a strategy meeting, or an implementation piece, or a training session, etc.
We work with you each month to select the items that will give you the most benefit for that month, in meeting your business goals.
We can tailor retainers to you if you have different needs each month eg we can provide a $10,000 retainer that includes 6 items, or a $15,000 retainer that includes 12 items.
Yes, for companies with higher needs - even for just a month or two (eg running some focussed campaigns) - we can prepare custom retainer options.
As a general rule, no we don't allow unallocated items to rollover. However, it depends.
An example, you're on our Standard plan and have 8 items you can request for the month. But you only end up using 6.
The 'it depends' is based on whether we caused the delay. If we held up the item, then we'll make sure you still get it the next month.
Yes, in some ways this is true, since strategic sessions are incredibly important for setting up your success. However we don't want strategy to be prohibitively expensive for mid size companies (who might otherwise try to skip strategy and just dive into implementation).
So with that in mind we are taking the approach that by making strategic items available to all, we can improve the results for all as well.
We request that you commit to at least 3 months, in order to see results from your plan.
That said, we don't lock you in, and if you (or we) don't feel it is a good fit, then we're happy to pause or cancel the retainer for following months.
Conventional wisdom would say we should set our prices to be $4990 or $1997 etc. The thinking being that it 'seems' lower.
There's been plenty of studies to show that psychologically this is true, especially in B2C markets. However we feel that our clients are considered purchasers, and they are likely going to think through the options carefully, and more often than not run it past their CFO as well (and we all know that CFOs don't fall for those psychological traps).
So, instead we just set our tiers as clearly as possible.
We invoice you on the first day we start working with you. For example, if we start working with you in the middle of a month we invoice you then.
Our payment terms are 14 days.
Yes, some items require a lot more work than others.
Previously we used a 'credit costing' or 'points pricing' model where items all had different 'point' allocations. There were a few issues with this. Besides how confusing it was for clients, it was often hard for clients to select higher 'point' items even though we were suggesting it as the best choice for the month. Instead they wanted to get the most number of items done, and thus gravitated to the lower 'point' items.
We're much more focused on results (as opposed to activity), so by keeping all the items as essentially the same 'cost' to you, it's much easier to agree on the course of action for the month ahead.
Another consideration - not only are some items more work each month, but they change over time. For example, setting up an advertising account is often a significant amount of work the first month, but then reduces in subsequent months. So this was another reason why 'points' pricing was hard to manage.
No, you can cancel anytime.
Ideally we'd like you to give us a month's notice so we can plan our resourcing most effectively - but we won't hold you to it.
Usually no, because we are aiming to complete a certain number of items for you in the month. Even if we start part way through a month, we'll still aim to get all of your items delivered.
The only time we pro-rata is on a case by case basis where we don't think we'll be able to complete all the work for you before the end of the month.
We insist on a strategy review in the first month, and then recommend at least every quarter.
However, ultimately it depends on your needs.
Some clients need a lot of strategy, research and guidance each month due to their circumstances. Other clients just need a strategic plan at the start, and then are more focussed on implementation items in the following months.
Ultimately it is about providing the most value and results for your company at the particular tie.
Yes, all our retainers include account management activities as standard - phone calls, zoom calls, emails - these are all included.
The calls that are not included (ie separate items) are strategy related review sessions, and training sessions.
Yes. It you are entering a busy time with multiple campaigns, it makes sense to increase your monthly arrangement to include more items.
Likewise, for quieter times (eg over a Christmas break) you may want to move down to a lower tier.
Conventional agency wisdom would recommend a company like ours never offer a low tier option - it 'devalues us' they would say.
We disagree. Some of our (now) largest clients, initially started with small, low risk, agile, 'test and measure' engagements.
We offer a simple, single task option, ideal for large companies as well as mid size, to test the relationship - to see if it works for both parties.
Yes, at the start of each month, your account manager will confirm with you the items to be planned and delivered for that month.
We will recommend the mix that we feel will deliver the most value for you.
XEN Systems
Suite 404
56 Hercules Street
Chatswood NSW 2067 Australia
Now one of our most trusted business advisors across all 26 of our brands
We initially commissioned Craig to help build the SEO strategy for our new health information site.
Since then, Craig has proven to be so much more than 'just an SEO guy' - Craig is now one of our most trusted business advisors across all 26 of our brands, and has helped radically evolve the company’s overall digital marketing strategy.
Head of Digital, PharmaCare
XEN partners with sales, service and marketing teams in B2B technology companies to plan, implement and scale business process improvement using HubSpot.
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XEN is a HubSpot Platinum Certified Partner.
Phone: 02 8006 4428
404 / 56 Hercules Street
Chatswood NSW 2067
Australia