Keep checking process and billing (and remember who’s paying).
Robert had designed a universal device to help the mobility and safety of older or partly disabled people in their homes. He now needed advice about manufacturing and who could make a demonstration prototype he could use in obtaining start-up finance.
He approached a local university with expertise in materials, manufacture and innovation. They gave him an estimate which he accepted. The academics were enthusiastic collaborators and the product passed through several versions before everyone was satisfied. Job done then, except….
The university’s final account was several times higher than the estimate.
This was a nasty surprise. The explanation was straightforward. The university allowed initial exploration to be treated as consultancy and carried out at marginal cost. But the project itself had to be fully financed which meant including all staff and overhead costs in addition to consultancy fees.
Almost certainly Robert got full value for what he was charged. He may have been able to negotiate a lower figure but it would still have been higher than he expected.
It’s so easy to let things run, especially when they’re going well, and to forget what they might be costing and that you will be paying the bill.