Which fee structure is used when a client seeks ideas from a designer without requiring complete design services?

The consultation fee is a structure that aligns perfectly with situations where a client seeks guidance or ideas from a designer without the need for comprehensive design services. This approach allows clients to pay for specific advice, brainstorming sessions, or expert opinions, making it ideal for preliminary discussions or informal engagements. Clients can benefit from the designer's knowledge and creativity in a more flexible and cost-effective manner, obtaining valuable insights without committing to a full design project.

In contrast, other fee structures imply a more extensive commitment. The daily rate typically indicates that a client is engaging the designer for a full day of work, which may not be suitable for merely seeking ideas. The fixed fee usually applies when a designer undertakes a complete project with defined deliverables, ensuring a set price regardless of hours worked. The hourly fee implies a typical working relationship where the designer provides ongoing services, charging based on the time spent, which may also not be necessary for a brief consultation focused solely on ideas. Therefore, the consultation fee stands out as the most appropriate and effective structure for this specific scenario.