How Pricing Works
Our competitive bidding system ensures flexible pricing and accessibility for clients at all levels. Experts set their own prices, giving you multiple options to choose from. No fixed rates — just transparent proposals that fit your budget.
The Bidding Process
Understanding how competitive bidding works helps you get the best value for your research validation needs. Simple, transparent, and designed for flexibility.
You Submit Research Scope
Submit your research objectives, artifacts, and requirements. No budget commitment required — simply describe what you need validated. Our platform guides you through scope definition.
Timeline: 15-30 minutes to submit complete scope
AI Matchmaker Invites Experts
Our AI matchmaker analyzes your research requirements and identifies relevant experts from our vetted pool. Experts receive invitations with project details and decide if they want to bid.
Timeline: Matches delivered within 24 hours
Experts Submit Competitive Bids
Each expert submits a proposal with their own pricing, timeline, and approach. Experts set prices based on scope complexity and their expertise level. You receive multiple bids to compare side-by-side.
Timeline: 1-2 days for bidding
You Compare & Select
Review all proposals side-by-side. Compare expertise, proposed pricing, timeline, and approach. Select the expert that best fits your needs and budget. The bidding system ensures competitive pricing and gives you control.
Timeline: Choose when ready
Fund Escrow & Project Begins
Fund milestones via escrow for secure payment protection. Experts begin work with clear acceptance criteria. Payments released only when deliverables are accepted. No upfront payment required beyond escrow funding.
Timeline: Immediate escrow setup, expert begins same day
Benefits of Competitive Bidding
Why the bidding system works better than fixed pricing for both clients and experts.
For Clients
The bidding system creates a competitive marketplace that benefits you:
- Multiple proposals to choose from
- Competitive pricing through bidding
- Accessible to all budget levels
- Transparent comparison of options
- Choose based on expertise and value
- No upfront pricing commitments
For Experts
Experts benefit from the bidding system too:
- Set your own pricing
- Only bid on projects that fit
- Price based on your expertise level
- Control over which projects you take
- Competitive and fair marketplace
- Work as much or as little as you want
Traditional Consulting: Fixed rates, unclear scope, 4-8 week timelines
RND Pool: Competitive bidding, transparent proposals, 7-10 day turnaround
How Pricing Is Determined
Understanding what factors influence expert pricing helps you make informed decisions.
Project Scope
Larger scope, more complex research, or multiple domains typically command higher pricing. Experts assess scope complexity when setting their rates.
Expertise Level
Senior experts with extensive experience and publication records may price higher than junior experts. You choose based on your needs.
Timeline & Urgency
Urgent projects or tighter deadlines may command premium pricing. Standard 7-10 day timelines typically offer better value.
Deliverable Complexity
Comprehensive validation with multiple deliverables may cost more than basic reviews. Scope is clearly defined upfront.
Market Competition
Competitive bidding creates a fair marketplace. Experts price competitively to win projects while ensuring fair compensation.
Value Proposition
Experts price based on the value they provide. Better outcomes, faster delivery, and deeper expertise justify premium pricing.
What's Included
All validation projects include core deliverables and platform features. Clear milestones, acceptance criteria, and escrow-backed payments are included by default.
Executive Summary
Decision-ready brief with confidence signal, key findings, and actionable recommendations. Included in all projects.
Evidence-Backed Findings
References, citations, and supporting materials for every claim. Comprehensive bibliographies included.
Risk Register
Identified gaps, assumptions, and mitigations clearly documented. Risk matrix helps prioritize concerns.
Experiment Plan
Next-step experiments and evaluation criteria. Clear experimental designs and success metrics.
Escrow Protection
Built-in milestone escrow protects both parties. Payments released only when deliverables accepted.
Platform Support
Comprehensive platform support, templates, and resources. Dedicated support team available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about how pricing works with our bidding system.
How is pricing determined?
Pricing is determined through competitive bidding. Experts submit proposals with their own pricing based on scope, complexity, and their expertise level. You review multiple proposals and select based on expertise match, proposed pricing, timeline, and communication quality.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. All pricing is transparent upfront with clear acceptance criteria. Platform fees are included in expert proposals. Escrow fees are minimal and clearly stated. No hidden costs or surprises.
When do I pay?
Payments are milestone-based via escrow. Fund milestones before work begins. Payments released only when deliverables are accepted. No upfront payments required beyond escrow funding.
What if I need changes or revisions?
Iteration is included in milestone structure. Standard projects include one revision pass. Additional revisions can be negotiated. Clear acceptance criteria ensure scope clarity upfront.
Is the bidding system accessible to all budgets?
Yes. The bidding system ensures accessibility for clients at all budget levels. Experts set their own prices, creating a range of options. You can choose proposals that fit your budget while still getting quality validation.
Can I negotiate pricing with experts?
While experts set their own prices, you can discuss scope adjustments or deliverables to better fit your budget. The bidding system provides multiple options upfront, so you can select the best fit without negotiation.
Ready to submit your research?
Submit your research scope and see competitive bids from vetted experts. No commitment required — compare proposals and choose the best fit.
Ready to validate your research?
Get matched with vetted experts today