Some Questions Answered

Why should I consider a consultant? How do you price your services?
There are a number of benefits to working with a talented consultant. Some of the most important are listed below:

  • Experience - greater level of experience and expertise for your money
  • Results - focus is on solving problems and creating value
  • Cost Savings - flat project fee versus added employment taxes, benefits, etc.
  • Capped investment - pricing arranged per project scope; relationship continues as long as mutually beneficial

We use value based billing to ensure that the client's best interest is preserved.

What are the tangible benefits to marketing? 
In short, increased demand, which translates to growth in sales. Together with cost management, the ultimate goal is enhanced profitability.  Here are some of the tangible benefits of increased demand:

  • Traffic - more visitors to your tasting room, website and spot on the shelf
  • Recognition - a compelling and consistent story (along with good wine, of course) builds brands
  • Community - stronger support from club members, accounts and distributors
  • Time - an established network creates pull-through which renders your business more efficient

How does your service process work?
Depending on the nature of the project, the work is performed at our Portland metro area office or on site at yours. 
A typical client relationship unfolds as follows:

1.  Phone or in-person meeting to determine your project's priorities, goals and budget.
2.  We conduct initial research to evaluate your unique selling propositions, strengths and challenges, and then
     provide you with a custom proposal designed to meet your needs.

3.  We discuss the proposal and revise if needed.
4.
  Initial deposit is collected and work begins.
5.  We communicate with you consistently as the project is implemented.
6.  Final payment is received and we survey your satisfaction to ensure continuous improvement of our business.

We're a small, family-owned and operated winery.  Can we afford your services? 
Very likely yes if you have an allocated marketing budget.  We enjoy working with wineries of all sizes and specializes in serving small to medium sized family-owned businesses.  While working with limited resources can be more challenging, it can also be more rewarding when those carefully chosen paths pay off with increased sales. 

Most consultants want an up front retainer and require signing a lengthy contract.  I'm not comfortable working in that manner -- will you accommodate my needs?
There are pros and cons to the choice between working on a retainer versus project basis.  Depending on the nature of the project, one may be more beneficial than the other for both parties.  We work with a one-page mutual agreement to clarify expectations, services to be rendered, and payment terms.  Daily phone calls and emails are welcome; there is weekly or monthly reporting depending on client's desire.

Trust and confidentiality are extremely important to me.  How can I be sure the relationship will be a fit?
Dixie is happy to speak with you in person or over the phone to discuss your concerns.  There is no charge for an initial consultation.  References, quoted on the testimonials page, are excellent people with whom to speak.  Please email or phone us for their contact information.

 More questions?  Contact Dixie