Why We Don’t List Fixed Prices, and What That Means for You
Behind the scenes: Interviewing a client for their commercial
If you’ve browsed our site and wondered, “Why don’t they just list prices?” you’re not alone. We get that question a lot. And honestly? I wish we could.
But here’s the thing: every project is different.
Some people need just a few posts scheduled. Others need full-scale commercial production, a new website, or help building a strategy from the ground up. Some clients want us involved in the creative, others just need us to execute. The needs vary so much that creating a one-size-fits-all price would either compromise quality or leave no room for flexibility.
And that’s not how we want to work.
So What Does Affect Pricing?
The short answer? Time and scope.
Some things are quick, we can knock them out in a day. Others take weeks of planning, coordination, creative direction, scripting, revisions, and more.
We don’t just slap a number on a project. We talk with you, understand your goals, then give a realistic estimate based on the time, tools, and team it’ll take to make it happen.
Let’s Clear Up a Misunderstanding
One thing we run into sometimes is the idea that pricing is vague because we’re trying to squeeze more out of a project.
That’s not how we operate.
We do our best to price everything fairly and stick to the estimate, unless something major or unforeseen happens. We want to be cost-effective, not just because it’s ethical, but because we see ourselves as a long-term asset to your business.
If we’re not helping you earn more than you’re spending with us, something’s off. We’re not here to be an expense, we’re here to be an investment that pays off.
What Do You Actually Get When You Work With Us?
You don’t just get a deliverable, you get a team.
We plug into your business like an extension of your crew. The longer we work together, the more integrated we become. You get our experience, our gear, our creativity, our strategy… all aimed at making your business better.
We don’t just solve marketing problems. We’ve helped clients solve training issues, product slowdowns, and even employee retention challenges through video and internal communication systems. We’re builders, and we love problem-solving beyond just what goes on social.
Need a Quote? Here’s How to Start
Just head to referencepointmedia.com and fill out the “Start Your Project” form. We’ll schedule a quick, no-pressure meeting to talk through what you need and how we can help.
No commitments. No fees. Just a conversation.
Have a Budget? Tell Us.
Yes, absolutely give us a budget range. That helps us know what’s realistic and what creative paths we can explore. If you say, “We’ve got $2,000 this month,” great. We’ll tailor a plan to match, and we’ll tell you up front what’s doable (and what’s not).
It’s not about pushing you to spend more, it’s about making sure you get the most from what you’re spending.
What Should You Have Ready?
Before we talk pricing, it helps to know:
What are you trying to accomplish?
What’s the deadline?
Do you have examples of what you like?
That’s more than enough to start a productive conversation.
The Real Cost of DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
DIY can be awesome, if you’ve got the time and passion for it.
But if you’re just trying to save money, it can cost you way more in time, frustration, and results. You’re probably not going to get the brand consistency, strategy, or cohesion that comes from hiring a pro who’s done this a hundred times.
It’s like fixing your own plumbing. You can do it, but at some point, the pros exist for a reason.
Cheap Content vs. Content That Converts
Anyone can churn out 30 posts a week using templates and generic captions. That’s cheap content.
We don’t do that.
We create content with intent, content that’s tied to your goals, your brand voice, and your seasonal strategy. You get to review and approve everything before it goes live. We build things that make sense and make sales.
What Kind of ROI Do Clients See?
It’s hard to measure ROI when clients don’t always tell you what’s working, but we see the numbers. We’ve had clients double their sales year-over-year. Others increase their website leads by 30% after a rebuild.
We’ve helped businesses streamline internal training, redesign their online presence, and build campaigns that move the needle.
We don’t promise overnight magic. But we do promise real work, real strategy, and real results.
How We Price: Step by Step
We chat about your goals and scope.
We estimate the hours and any extra costs (actors, props, rentals, etc.).
We send you a quote.
You approve it.
We ask for a 50% deposit to get started.
When the work is done and approved, we invoice the balance.
You pay, and then we hand over the final product and rights.
Simple as that.
Do You Offer Packages or Retainers?
Yes, especially for social media and email marketing.
We offer bundled pricing if you want us handling both, and we have entry-level packages available for social content. For everything else, we usually price by the hour and project.
Comparing Creative Partners? Here’s My Advice
Your business is your baby.
Look for someone who’s available and communicative. Can you actually talk to them? Will they return your messages? Do you trust them?
Those things matter more than price.
Want to Talk?
Let’s have a conversation about your goals, your challenges, and what you’re dreaming up. No pressure, just clarity.
Frequently Asked Pricing Questions
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Most of our brand videos fall between $2,500 and $7,500, depending on the concept, filming needs, and editing style. If you need multiple locations, talent, or a full-day shoot, that affects the price, but we’ll always talk through those options with you first.
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In many cases, yes. If you have a clear idea of what you need (like a 30-second video ad or a full website rebuild) we can give you a ballpark estimate over email. For larger or less-defined projects, a quick discovery call helps us price it right.
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Only for a few specific services (like ongoing social media or email marketing). Most of our work is priced based on scope and deliverables, not time spent, so you get exactly what you need, without paying for extras you don’t.
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For most projects, we ask for 50% upfront and 50% upon completion. Larger or retainer-based projects may have different terms, and we’re always open to setting something up that works for your business.
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We get it, we’re a small business too. Let us know what you’re working with, and we’ll see if there’s a way to scale the project or break it into phases so you can still get high-quality content that fits your goals.
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Yes. If you need regular video content, social media management, or email marketing, we offer monthly retainers with consistent deliverables and a discount built in. It’s a great way to stay visible without reinventing the wheel each month.
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That depends on our current schedule and your project needs. Some things can start right away, while others may need a short wait. Reach out and we’ll give you an honest answer on timeline.
