Fees

Communication upfront

HKA does not like billing surprises – whether for the client or for HKA. Clients are entitled to know upfront what the likely costs of a project are to the extent these can be determined in advance – HKA's billing structures are designed to minimize financial “crystal-ball gazing” on both sides. Of course, it is not always possible to specify with exact precision future costs when, for example, the client itself may not be clear of the scope of work it requires or the form of project. For this reason, in the initial phases at least, a fixed or “sum-certain” retainer fee, normally on a monthly basis is usually adopted, as the client's focus progresses towards a specific objective, such as a visit to the DPRK, exploratory discussions, contractual negotiations, etc

Keep it simple

HKA's billing policy is to keep things simple – for the client and for the company. Hence the emphasis throughout, where possible, on flat-rate billing or fixed billing arrangements.

Predictability ...

One thing is absolutely clear. HK&A's policy from its inception has been that “taxi-meter” hourly billing is not in the interest of either its clients or HKA itself. Very few companies like the feeling once the meter starts ticking, and company personnel have to look at their watch every time they pick up the telephone to discuss their project.

As for HKA, the aim is to get off to a good start with the client, with a simple and predictable fee structure. The less time spent on the administrative side of time-billing, the more time freed up for actual client-work and the less need to calculate (i.e. include) additional staff or other administrative costs into the fees. Lean administration is key to HKA's philosophy for many reasons – including maximized protection of commercially or otherwise sensitive confidential client information and project materials.