Terms & Conditions
Rate Implementation Notice
Welcome. These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern all proposals, estimates, statements of work (“SOW”), invoices, retainers, prepaid blocks, and projects delivered by iSpeak CREATIVE, LLC (“iSpeak CREATIVE,” “iSC,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) to the client identified on an estimate or invoice (“Client,” “you,” or “your”). By approving an estimate, paying an invoice, prepaying hours, or authorizing work to begin (collectively, “Acceptance”), you agree to these Terms.
Section 01
Scope of Services
iSpeak CREATIVE provides professional creative and consulting services including, without limitation:
- Presentation design and PowerPoint® support
- Branding and visual identity systems
- Digital and web design
- Custom graphics and illustration
- Infographics and scientific/technical visuals
- Photo retouching and AI image enhancements
- Website maintenance
- Creative consulting
- Emerging technology services (Voice AI, automation systems, CRM workflow design, smart websites)
Specific deliverables, timelines, and fees are defined in an approved estimate or SOW (“Estimate”). AI Systems & Automation Engagements are governed by a separate Services Agreement — see Section 19.
Section 02
Tiered Rate Structure — Creative Services
Unless otherwise stated in an Estimate, creative services are billed according to the following tier structure:
| Tier | Rate | Project Types |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $200/hr | Digital graphics (animations, email, web design, maintenance, 3D rendering), Brand Identity (logo revisions, color development, style guides, stationery systems), advanced creative and visual system development |
| Tier 2 | $175/hr | Print collateral, custom graphics (iconography, illustration, infographics, MOA visuals), complex presentation design, photo retouching and AI image enhancements |
| Tier 3 | $150/hr | Standard branded PowerPoint® production, presentation style guides, on-site/virtual presentation support, chart and graph recreation, scientific posters |
iSpeak CREATIVE reserves the right to classify projects based on scope and complexity consistent with the above categories.
Section 02 A
International Tiered Rate Structure
For clients headquartered outside the United States, the following standard rates apply:
| Tier | International Rate |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $225/hr |
| Tier 2 | $200/hr |
| Tier 3 | $175/hr |
These rates reflect additional coordination, time-zone management, administrative complexity, and cross-border project requirements associated with international engagements.
Section 03
Studio Hour Classifications
Standard Studio Hours
Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM EST
After Hours / Weekend Work — 1.5× applicable Tier rate
- Tier 1: $300/hr · Tier 2: $262.50/hr · Tier 3: $225/hr
Holiday Work — 2× applicable Tier rate
- Tier 1: $400/hr · Tier 2: $350/hr · Tier 3: $300/hr
Holiday Work includes: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Good Friday through Easter Sunday, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day weekend, Father’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day weekend, Thanksgiving weekend, and New Year’s Eve.
Year-End Blackout Period: iSpeak CREATIVE is closed beginning the business day immediately preceding December 24 through the first business day following January 1. Work requested during this period is subject to Holiday Work rates and availability.
Premium hours require prior written client authorization. Without written approval, time will be billed at the Standard rate.
Section 04
Estimates, Changes & Rush Work
Estimates are valid for 30 days unless otherwise stated.
Work beyond approved scope (including additional concepts, revisions, deliverables, meetings, or timeline accelerations) is billable at the applicable Tier rate unless an amended Estimate is approved in writing.
Projects requiring less than 48 hours’ notice may incur a 20% rush fee at iSpeak CREATIVE’s discretion.
Section 05
Complex Visuals
Highly detailed infographics, Mechanism of Action (MOA) visuals, scientific illustrations, or unusually complex graphics may require additional discovery and iteration. These projects may be billed under Tier 2 or scoped separately depending on complexity and timeline.
Section 06
Website Maintenance
Website maintenance services are provided under a monthly agreement or retainer. Maintenance includes routine monitoring, updates, and visual checks as defined in the applicable agreement.
Maintenance does not include redesigns, new feature development, or major content revisions unless separately agreed in writing.
Section 07
Payment Terms
Standard rates assume Net 15 payment terms. Net 30 terms may be approved upon request.
Invoices paid within ten (10) calendar days of issuance are eligible for a 2% courtesy discount when reflected on the invoice.
Net 60 terms are not standard practice and require prior written approval. Where approved, a 10% pricing adjustment will be applied to the applicable Tier rate.
Late payments (beyond the agreed payment term) may accrue interest at 1.5% per month (18% annually) or the maximum allowed by law. We reserve the right to pause work or withhold deliverables for accounts in arrears.
Section 08
Prepaid Hour Blocks
Clients may elect to prepay blocks of creative hours at a discounted rate under the following structure:
- 10 prepaid hours — 5% discount
- 20 prepaid hours — 7.5% discount
- 40+ prepaid hours — 10% discount
Discounts are applied to the total prepaid fee, not as additional service hours. Prepaid hours must be paid in full in advance, are non-refundable, and expire within sixty (60) days unless otherwise agreed in writing. Prepaid clients receive priority scheduling based on availability.
Section 09
Fixed-Fee Projects
Unless otherwise stated, fixed-fee projects follow one of the following structures:
- 50% deposit / 50% prior to final delivery
- 33% deposit / 33% midpoint / 33% prior to final delivery
All deposits are non-refundable once work has commenced.
Section 10
Client Responsibilities
Client agrees to:
- Provide timely, consolidated feedback
- Supply accurate and licensed materials
- Designate a single point of contact
- Conduct final legal, regulatory, and factual review of all deliverables
Client is responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Section 11
Third-Party Costs & Expenses
Third-party expenses (printing, stock media, hosting, domains, plug-ins, platform fees, travel, etc.) are billed at cost plus a 20% vendor management fee when procured by iSpeak CREATIVE, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Travel time is billable door-to-door at the applicable Tier rate.
Section 12
Intellectual Property
Upon full and final payment, Client receives an exclusive, perpetual license to use the final approved deliverables.
Preliminary concepts, unused artwork, internal tools, templates, working files, and proprietary processes remain the property of iSpeak CREATIVE unless explicitly licensed in writing.
Editable/native source files are provided only if specifically included in the Estimate or purchased separately.
Section 13
Emerging Technology & AI Services
Voice AI systems, automation workflows, CRM integrations, and smart websites may involve third-party platforms and licensing. Platform fees, subscription costs, and ongoing support are the Client’s responsibility unless otherwise agreed.
iSpeak CREATIVE does not guarantee performance metrics dependent on third-party platforms. For comprehensive terms governing AI Systems & Automation engagements, see Section 19.
Section 14
Confidentiality
Each party agrees to protect confidential information shared in connection with a project and to use such information solely for the purposes of the engagement. Confidentiality obligations survive for three (3) years following project completion.
Section 15
Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, iSpeak CREATIVE’s total liability for any claim related to a project shall not exceed the total fees paid for that specific project.
iSpeak CREATIVE shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or lost-profit damages.
Section 16
Suspension & Termination
We may suspend or terminate services for non-payment, material breach, unlawful use, or failure to provide necessary approvals or materials.
Client is responsible for payment of all work performed and committed third-party costs through the effective termination date.
Section 17
Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Connecticut. Any disputes exceeding the small-claims limit shall be resolved by binding arbitration in Fairfield County, Connecticut.
Section 18
Updates to Terms
The version of these Terms in effect at the time of Acceptance governs that project. iSpeak CREATIVE reserves the right to update these Terms periodically, with the most current version published on our website.
Questions? Please contact us prior to approving an estimate if you would like clarification on any provision of these Terms.
Section 19
AI Systems & Automation Engagements
19.1 Separate Pricing Model
AI systems, automation builds, GoHighLevel (GHL) implementations, Voice AI agents, Omnichannel Conversational AI, Database Reactivation systems, Reputation Management systems, and related technology engagements are priced on a value-based or fixed-fee basis — not the hourly tier structure outlined in Section 2. Pricing for these engagements is scoped individually based on the complexity of the build, the number of systems implemented, and the anticipated revenue impact for the client. No pricing for AI Systems engagements is published on this website. Specific investment amounts are defined in an approved Statement of Work or Proposal.
19.2 Governing Documents
Each AI Systems & Automation engagement is governed by these Terms, specifically this Section 19, together with the approved Proposal or Statement of Work provided to Client prior to Acceptance. In the event of a conflict between the Proposal and these Terms, the Proposal governs with respect to engagement-specific details (scope, fees, timeline), and these Terms govern all other matters.
19.3 Retainer Structure & Commitment Terms
19.3.1 Commitment Term Options
At the time of proposal, Client will select one of the following commitment terms for retainer services: Month-to-Month, 6-Month, 12-Month, or 24-Month. The selected term will be stated in the applicable proposal or statement of work and incorporated into this Agreement.
19.3.2 Rates
Month-to-Month retainers are billed at iSpeak CREATIVE’s then-current standard monthly rate, with no minimum term and no rate lock.
6-Month, 12-Month, and 24-Month retainers are billed at a discounted monthly rate, reflecting the longer commitment. This discounted rate is available only for the duration of the selected committed term (the “Committed Term”) and is expressly conditioned on Client completing the full Committed Term, as described in Section 19.3.3.
19.3.3 Discount Recapture on Early Cancellation
The discounted monthly rate offered for a 6-Month, 12-Month, or 24-Month Committed Term is a rate-lock benefit extended in exchange for Client’s commitment to the full length of that term. It is not a penalty, and no early-termination fee applies.
If Client cancels retainer services before completing the full Committed Term (including any Renewal Term under Section 19.3.4), iSpeak CREATIVE will recalculate all months already billed during that term at the standard, undiscounted monthly rate in effect at the time each month’s services were provided, and Client will be invoiced for the difference between the discounted rate paid and the standard rate owed (the “Rebill”). The Rebill reflects recapture of a conditional discount already extended on services already performed. It is not a charge for future services, lost profit, or breach of contract.
19.3.4 Auto-Renewal
Upon expiration of a 6-Month, 12-Month, or 24-Month Committed Term, this Agreement will automatically renew for an additional term of the same length (each, a “Renewal Term”), at the same discounted rate, unless either party provides written notice of non-renewal at least 30 days before the end of the then-current term, per Section 19.3.5(a).
Each Renewal Term is subject to the same rate-lock and Rebill terms described in Section 19.3.3. If Client cancels during a Renewal Term before completing it, the Rebill applies to all months billed during that Renewal Term, on the same basis as an original Committed Term, recalculated at the standard rate in effect at the time.
19.3.5 Notice
(a) Notice to Prevent Auto-Renewal: To prevent a Committed Term from automatically renewing, Client must provide written notice of non-renewal at least 30 days before the end of the then-current term. Written notice may be delivered by email to the address on file for Client’s account, or directly to Client’s assigned iSpeak CREATIVE representative. Notice is effective on the date it is sent, not the date it is received or acknowledged.
(b) Notice to Cancel Mid-Term: To cancel retainer services before the end of a Committed Term or Renewal Term (triggering the Rebill under Section 19.3.3), Client must provide 30 days’ written notice, delivered as described in Section 19.3.5(a). Cancellation, and the Rebill, take effect 30 days after notice is sent, or sooner if both parties agree in writing.
(c) Month-to-Month Cancellation: Client on a Month-to-Month retainer may cancel at any time with 30 days’ written notice, delivered as described in Section 19.3.5(a). No Rebill or early-termination balance applies to Month-to-Month retainers, since no discount was extended.
19.3.6 Work in Progress
Upon cancellation of retainer services, Client’s payment obligations for work performed through the effective termination date are governed by Section 16 (Suspension & Termination) of this Agreement.
19.4 Non-Refundable Implementation Fees
Once implementation work has commenced, the implementation or setup fee is fully earned and non-refundable. This reflects the significant upfront system architecture, configuration, AI training, campaign preparation, and platform setup required before go-live.
19.5 Third-Party Platforms
AI Systems engagements require the use of third-party platforms including, without limitation, GoHighLevel (GHL), SMS and voice communication providers, and social media platforms. Client acknowledges that platform fees, subscription costs, and compliance with third-party terms of service are the Client’s responsibility unless expressly included in the approved proposal. iSpeak CREATIVE does not guarantee performance metrics dependent on third-party platform availability, algorithm changes, or policy updates.
19.6 Performance Disclaimer
Revenue projections, growth estimates, and impact modeling provided in proposals are illustrative examples based on industry benchmarks and conservative assumptions. They are not guarantees of specific business outcomes. Business results depend on many factors beyond iSpeak CREATIVE’s control, including market conditions, client business operations, data quality, and third-party platform performance.
19.7 Applicable General Terms
The following sections of these Terms apply equally to AI Systems & Automation engagements: Section 10 (Client Responsibilities), Section 12 (Intellectual Property), Section 14 (Confidentiality), Section 15 (Limitation of Liability), Section 16 (Suspension & Termination), and Section 17 (Governing Law). Where the Services Agreement provides more specific terms on these subjects, the Services Agreement governs.
19.8 Third-Party System Access
In the course of implementing AI systems, automation workflows, CRM configurations, Voice AI agents, or booking integrations, iSpeak CREATIVE may require temporary administrative or API-level access to third-party platforms operated by the Client, including but not limited to booking systems, practice management software, CRM tools, social media accounts, website backends, and domain registrars (collectively, “Client Platforms”).
iSpeak CREATIVE agrees to:
- access Client Platforms solely for the purpose of completing the agreed implementation scope;
- limit access to only those areas of the platform necessary to perform the agreed deliverables;
- avoid accessing, viewing, storing, or utilizing end-user personal data or Protected Health Information (PHI) beyond what is operationally required for technical configuration;
- relinquish or have platform credentials revoked upon project completion or upon written request from the Client; and
- not share or transfer Client Platform credentials to unauthorized third parties.
This provision does not constitute a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) under HIPAA. If the scope of an engagement requires access to PHI — including but not limited to health intake data, medication records, or treatment history — iSpeak CREATIVE and Client will execute a separate written agreement governing such access prior to any implementation work commencing.
Where access to Client Platforms is required, Client agrees to provide credentials or authorize access in a timely manner consistent with the project timeline. Delays in providing required access that impact the implementation schedule are not attributable to iSpeak CREATIVE.