PROSPERSPARK FAQs

Selecting the right consulting firm can be a tough choice, and we understand the importance of making an informed decision. That’s why we strive to provide you with all the information you need to feel confident in choosing us.

Here, you’ll find answers to common questions about working with ProsperSpark, including payment terms, project management, and the support we provide throughout our collaboration. We strive to ensure every aspect of our partnership is clear and transparent. If you need further assistance or have any other questions, don’t hesitate to reach out—our team is here to help.

*** Please note that every client engagement can be unique. Some of the answers listed below may differ from your specific agreement. Please refer to your specific proposal for details. ***

 

Project Scope & Approach

Can you provide a detailed scope of work for our project?

We gather the project scope during our initial meetings and ongoing discussions with you. This scope will be clearly detailed in your proposal, ensuring everyone is on the same page from the start.

What is your process for gathering requirements and understanding our specific needs?

We begin with a discovery meeting to dive deep into your project details. You’ll be assigned a consultant and a project manager, who will be your main points of contact for all requests, revisions, and enhancements. Our goal is to tailor our solutions to meet your specific business needs.

Consultant Qualifications

What are the qualifications and experience of the consultants who will be working on our project?

Our consultants are not only highly experienced but also rigorously vetted to ensure that only the best professionals are working on your project. Most of our consultants even have years of professional experience using the platforms they consult on. We take pride in the expertise we bring to the table.

Do your consultants have any certifications or special training in Excel or related fields?

Absolutely. Our consultants hold relevant certifications, degrees, and extensive experience in the services we provide. You’re in expert hands.

Where are your consultants based?

All ProsperSpark consultants are based in North America, ensuring smooth communication and collaboration.

Project Details & Communication

What is the typical timeframe for completing a project? Can you explain the process?

Projects can take anywhere from just a couple of hours, to on-going support with annual contracts, so the timeframe depends greatly on our clients’ needs. Your project kicks off as soon as we receive your deposit, setting the stage for a successful collaboration.

Here’s how we proceed:

Initial Kick-off Meetings: We start by understanding your requirements and goals.

First Draft: We create the first draft of your solution.

Client Testing: You’ll then test the solution to ensure it meets your expectations.

Revisions: Based on your feedback, we make necessary adjustments.

Finalization and Approval: Once finalized and approved, we deliver the final product.

Final Invoice: After delivery, we issue the final invoice. Should you request enhancements not covered in the original scope, this may impact the project timeline.

How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration with our team?

We track all communications, and we’ll have your contact details on file, including any additional contacts you specify. We’re flexible and happy to work within your preferred communication methods. Your consultant will be your primary contact and will reach out with any questions. You can always email your consultant and project manager directly—our team is here to support you.

How are project costs tracked and controlled?

For every project, we provide online access to an hours report detailing the time spent and the activities completed. This ensures complete transparency and keeps you informed about the progress of your project.

What tools and methods do you use for project management and updates?

Our approach to project management is tailored to fit your needs and existing frameworks. If you already have a project management system in place, we’re happy to integrate with it—our project managers are well-versed in industry standards like Agile, Kanban, and Waterfall, and we’re comfortable using tools such as Monday.com, Jira, and Asana. If you don’t have a system in place, we can manage the project using our internal tools built in Airtable, scheduling regular sprint planning meetings on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis. For smaller projects, we may streamline this further, focusing on key touchpoints like reviewing the first draft and making revisions as needed.

Quality Assurance & Support

What quality assurance processes do you have in place to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of your solutions?

We conduct thorough internal testing, followed by client testing, to ensure that the solution meets your needs and is error-free. This two-step process guarantees a high-quality final product.

How do you handle any issues or bugs that may arise after the project is completed?

For Hourly, Retainer and Block of Hours Engagements any post-project work, including addressing issues or bugs, is billed at our standard hourly rate.

Our fixed-price contracts include a few rounds of revisions. If additional revisions are required beyond what’s included, we may charge for the extra work. However, if the revision request comes shortly after project completion and is minor, we’re usually happy to help at no additional cost. For issues that arise after an extended period, we would set up a new engagement to address them.

How does ProsperSpark handle changes in project scope?

If changes or enhancements are needed, we typically provide a rough estimate (including min-max hours and delivery date) during a call. We then follow up with an email to confirm the additional work requested. If you’ve signed a fixed-price contract but discover that your needs have shifted, we’ll rescope the project, sign a new contract, and apply your original deposit to the new agreement.

Client References & Testimonials

Can you provide references or testimonials from past clients?

Absolutely. We’ve assisted over 300 clients and can provide relevant references upon request. In the meantime, don’t just take our word for it—check out what our clients have to say in our Google reviews!

Billing

When is payment due after receiving the deposit invoice?

We ask that deposit payments be made within 2 days of receiving the invoice, so we can get started on your project right away.

How does billing work for regular monthly services?

We operate on a net 30 basis for monthly services, giving you a comfortable 30 days to settle your invoice.

When can I expect my next bill?

Typically, you can expect an invoice typically by the second week of the month. However, this may vary slightly depending on our accounting cycle.

Can you explain the 4-hour monthly minimum for hourly projects?

Even if less than 4 hours of work is performed in a month, you’ll be billed for 4 hours. For example, if you use 3 hours, we’ll bill for 4; if you use 4.5 hours, we’ll bill for 4.5. This ensures consistent progress and availability for your project.

What options do we have if we need to pause or stop the contract?

You can pause or stop the contract at any time with written notice. For hourly proposals, billing will continue for the 4-hour monthly minimum until you notify us to pause or stop. Fixed projects require only the final payment upon completion, with no ongoing monthly invoices unless additional work is requested.

Are there any discounts available for long-term contracts or larger projects?

We’re happy to discuss potential discounts for long-term contracts or larger projects. For clients utilizing ProsperSpark to fill a business analyst role—whether part-time for the long-term or full-time for a short period until a permanent hire is made—we can offer flexible discount options. This can be either a set percentage discount or a scaling discount, where the more you use our services, the lower your hourly rate becomes.

Payment Terms

What are your payment terms for hourly projects?

We start with a minimum engagement of 8 hours, priced at $1,424. Typically, a deposit of 4 hours is required unless specified otherwise. For ongoing hourly projects, there’s a 4-hour monthly minimum, which will be billed at the end of each month. This ensures continuity and efficiency in our work together.

What are your payment terms for fixed projects?

Upon accepting the quote, a 50% deposit or $1,424 (whichever is greater) is required. The remaining balance is due upon final delivery. We’ll invoice you on a predetermined date or when the final solution is delivered—whichever comes first. Monthly invoices apply only if you request additional enhancements beyond the initial scope.

What are your payment terms for block-of-hours projects?

After you accept the quote, payment for the block of hours is due before work begins. If your project requires extra hours or incurs additional charges, we’ll bill you monthly, ensuring transparency every step of the way.

What are your payment terms for retainer projects?

Payment is due at the beginning of each service month. You’ll receive invoices on the first of every month. After the agreed-upon hours are met, the hourly rate may adjust according to the Hours Rate Table in your proposal. Any unused weekly hours won’t carry forward but will help keep the project on track. We’ll provide you with a detailed invoice schedule that includes all the important dates and amounts.

Policies & Terms

Where can I review ProsperSpark’s contract terms and conditions?

Terms and Conditions may vary dependent on project type, and will be provided with every proposal.

How does ProsperSpark ensure confidentiality and data security?

At ProsperSpark, confidentiality is a priority. All our consultants sign an NDA with ProsperSpark, and we utilize your preferred methods for communication and file transfers. We prefer to avoid handling sensitive information directly, but if your project requires high-security measures, we are experienced in adhering to ISO, HIPAA, and other industry-specific security protocols. We’ve worked with defense contractors, audit agencies, educational institutions, and healthcare providers, and we’re comfortable following strict security guidelines. We can also work on provided equipment, offer guidance with limited access, or even conduct on-site visits if necessary.

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