Free pitches are not just a design industry practice

Peter Morrow’s idea (Letters, DW 25 August) about pitch control fails to see that, like the other sort of ‘control’, saying no just doesn’t work.

Peter Morrow’s idea (Letters, DW 25 August) about pitch control fails to see that, like the other sort of ‘control’, saying no just doesn’t work. Designers pitch for different reasons and if we are in hot pursuit of a new client or a new type of work we must accept the inherent risks.

Compeitition is common across all industries and it is becoming more so in other professions. Had he not succeeded, would Richard Branson have been compensated for his Lottery bid? What’s so different about our business that we demand to be paid directly for everything we do?

Richard Murray is right to say that one client pays for another consultancy’s pitch (DW 18 August), it’s the same in any business economy.

When, from time to time an offer to compete for new business comes up, we ask two questions. Can we afford to pitch? Can we afford not to pitch?

If we want the business, and the bank account supports it, the answer to both questions is simple.

Jonathan Lovett

Director

Association of Ideas

London SW6

Start the discussionStart the discussion
  • Post a comment

Latest articles