We like to be compensated for our work in one of two ways. The first is the traditional way. We do the work, we invoice, and clients are kind enough to send a check (or a cheque, depending on where they live). The second way is a bit less lucrative but equally as interesting.

The traditional way to pay

Most of the time we charge for our work. We don't have a fixed price list. We work on specific briefs for specific clients; so fixed products with fixed prices don't make any sense. Nonetheless, you need an idea of what it costs to hire us, so here goes:

Most of our clients get a bill for somewhere between $15,000 and $40,000 (US). Some of the lucky ones didn't pay anything (see Wild Work) and some of the more ambitious ones might have paid up to $150,000. So what does the price depend on? Simple. It depends upon the nature and the scale of the job - how many people, how long it takes, with what objective and so on.

Most often we get asked to do one-day workshops*. Typically a one-day workshop will cost between $12,000 and $16,000.

In our workshops, we normally work with groups of less than twenty people. Larger groups (up to one hundred) are possible but more complicated. So the cost will normally be a multiple of a single workshop. Also for large numbers we design interactive, experiential performances. The price for these varies greatly, so you'd best contact us.

*A note on one-day workshops.
We are regularly asked to deliver one-day (stand alone) workshops. And occasionally the expectation is for more than is possible in an eight-hour session. A one-day workshop can have great impact, but sustaining any significant change in behavior requires follow up and work over time. Maybe, if we were really brave we would decline to do one-day workshops. Since we're not that brave, we content ourselves with encouraging clients to consider (and budget for) follow-ups and ongoing practice sessions and to think of whole programs in place of one-off events.

Other ways to pay- Wild Work

This second method of compensation is also called Wild Work. Wild Work is paid for with alternative currency (that is, an alternative to money, not with Vietnamese Dong or Peruvian Soles). We recognize a number of alternative currencies including learning, fun, new relationships, contacts, outrageous travel opportunities, landscaping, bulk food, press coverage, dog walking, etc. We have even worked for shoes.

Here are some of the forms Wild Work can take:

• Pro Bono - People working on causes that we believe in are eligible for our pro bono program. Ask us about this, and we'll tell you more. (Past pro bono clients include Portland Center Stage and Politicorps.)
• Barter - We use good old-fashioned barter for our graphic design and public relations we have worked for shoes, giant Post-It Notes, and basketball tickets
• Double or Nothing - If you are prepared to take a gamble, we might be too. Imagine you are an ad agency, working with us on a pitch. We waive our fee if you don't win the pitch. If you do win, we get paid double the normal fee. So far our record with this is 100% (sure, we've only done it once, but hey...).
• Interesting Auction - We challenge people to find us the most interesting brief. The winner gets a free workshop. We get new experience and learning.