u/Briefs_and_Banter

Hi! Longtime reddit lover here but new to the engagement/posting side of this world so apologies if this has already been discussed but since I come here all the time looking for answers/reccs I figured this might be one of the best places to get non-bias responses regarding my personal issues when it comes to the lit support company I work.

Disclaimer- I absolutely love the company I work for and have been with them for going on 2 decades, they have definitely had their fair share of issues and poor decisions were made (hello covid-era) but after a few rough years they finally listen to my input and let me manage my clients the way I see fit.

Now, with that being said my biggest issue is our rates. While I personally have approval to go in and adjust the rates to match what I believe is right it is still so frustrating and time consuming when I think all the added on ancillary fees should just be removed entirely. My argument here is that while I can do this for my clients it's much hard to grow my book of business organically when unless I catch it early we are billing opposing/non clients/call in firms the standard rates that always include an absorbent amount of fees. Example: for a video depo these fee's avg around $300 and while we have a break down explaining each cost I still don't think they're justified and more so just a standard "if 1 vendor charges this we all can". I have had some larger AmLaw firms say they don't mind the charges because they also charge their clients ancillary fee's but in general I just feel embarrassed and like the cost of litigation has sky rocketed within the past 10 years and yes there is very much so a shortage in certain states so app/pp rates going up makes sense but the admin fees etc or passing off the "reporter incentive" fee (which don't get me started on this, I love my reporters but I dread jobs in a few states knowing every day is a bonus bidding war to secure coverage) to a client seems insane to me.

Anyways, my point here is:

-At what point do invoices become a deal breaker for you?

-Are you more likely to try a new vendor if you feel like the pricing is more transparent/you aren't being nickel-and-dimed?

-Would you rather use a digital reporter with lower rates or do you still prefer stenographers knowing they charge more per page?

-Do you believe in "you get what you pay for" or is everyone just really tired of how expensive this industry has become?

Hi! I am always looking for ideas on what type of "swag" or gifts are truly appreciated or stand out as extra special. I work for a lit support company (court reporting, record retrieval, process serving etc) and feel like the standard notepads, pens, stress balls etc are too just too generic. I have some clients who love the yearly calendars, esp desk top ones or the sticky strips that go on your computer monitor but is there anything you've ever received that gave that "wow" factor? Or maybe something you need but just can't justify the price of getting yourself? I also know some companies do monthly gift card promos, does this motivate you to work with them? I love sending my clients gifts but I typically just ask what they're needing/wanting vs sending a random GC or bottle of alcohol, esp given how you never a.) know what their preference is or b.) if they're even a drinker at all.

Thanks for any/all advice!