Consultation
How a consultation works, and what to prepare
Consultation before a commission is free of charge. Its purpose is not to secure a contract but to establish first whether a workable design exists.
Formats
The format we recommend. You can attach material, and we reply in writing after reviewing it.
Telephone
Suited to short questions and progress updates. Weekdays 09:00–18:00 KST.
In person or video
Used once design discussion is required. By prior appointment.
Worth having to hand
- The test material — what it is, in what form, and whether a specification exists
- The target function — what you want to demonstrate (blood lipid improvement, fatigue reduction, and so on)
- Data already held — compositional analysis, cell and animal data, prior human data, safety data
- The intended deliverable — approval dossier, paper, internal report or grant proposal
- Schedule and budget — approximate ranges; they need not be fixed
A consultation is still possible if none of this is settled. In practice much of the consultation consists of working these points out together.
What we do not ask for
At the initial consultation we do not request detailed composition or manufacturing processes that constitute trade secrets. We work from the minimum needed to judge design feasibility. Detailed material is exchanged only after a non-disclosure agreement is signed.
What follows
Proposed design
We reply with the feasible designs, typical durations and an indicative cost range. There is no charge to this point.
Non-disclosure agreement
Signed first where detailed material needs to be exchanged.
Quotation and contract
Once the design is settled we issue an itemised quotation and sign a research services agreement.
Commencement
Protocol writing begins on signature.