Commission Models for Agency Partnerships

Referral commission: one agency refers a client and receives a one-time commission. Simple, but it doesn't create a real partnership. The referrer has no interest in project success.

Subcontracting: one agency commissions the other as a subcontractor. Clear hierarchy, but often at the expense of transparency toward the client.

Co-pitch at eye level: both agencies pitch together to the client. Each agency bills their portion directly with the client. Full transparency, real partnership.

arocom prefers the co-pitch model: design agency and arocom appear together. The client knows both partners and has direct contracts with both.

This model works because competencies complement rather than overlap. The design agency is responsible for strategy and design. arocom is responsible for technology and implementation.

Commission in the traditional sense is eliminated. Both partners work at their own daily rate. This creates trust and quality.