The defining factors are the complexity of the product and the depth of
testing required.
We make an agreed hourly charge for the actual tests and make an appropriate
charge to cover the costs of administration.
It has been our experience that most clients retain our services for a
considerable period of time and therefore we are considered as a chargeable
factor in their annual development budget. Obviously this makes sense in terms
of continuity and confidential background knowledge required to service one
client.
Reporting frequency is governed by the product, the test programme timescale
and the clients requirements.
A less complex item with limited technological input will require little more
than a set of results and some possible recommendations for improvement, and
thus only generate one or two reports. Conversely, a product with a performance
rating - say a mountain jacket or a rucksac - will need many months of evaluation
and a correspondingly greater number of reports.
