HOW WE WORK WITH CLIENTS

The initial enquiry provides Smerilli Design Manufacturing with enough context to understand the nature of the request and determine whether it falls within our services and capabilities.

At this stage, clients should provide a clear, non-confidential overview of:

• the product, project or business requirement;
• its current stage of development;
• the intended use or commercial objective;
• estimated quantities, where relevant;
• the type of support required.

Authorised sketches, reference images, presentations or photographs of an existing sample may also be included where they help explain the request.

A complete technical specification is not required for the initial enquiry. If a confidentiality agreement is needed before sensitive information can be shared, this should be stated clearly and only a non-confidential overview should be submitted.

Every enquiry is reviewed before a service route, quotation or next step can be proposed. Submission does not automatically guarantee project acceptance or the provision of a quotation.

Following the initial enquiry, SDM reviews the information provided to determine whether the request can be considered further and what level of assessment may be required.

The preliminary review may consider:

• the nature and current stage of the project;
• the intended product, application or commercial objective;
• the technical information currently available;
• estimated quantities and preferred timing;
• known material, component or tooling requirements;
• the type of professional support requested;
• whether the project falls within SDM’s services and capabilities.

Depending on the information available, SDM may request clarification or additional documentation, recommend a defined technical assessment, identify the most appropriate service pathway or advise that the project is not currently suitable for progression.

No detailed technical development is undertaken at this stage unless it has been separately scoped and agreed.

The preliminary assessment does not constitute final confirmation of technical feasibility, manufacturing acceptance, cost or lead time. These can only be evaluated more accurately once the relevant project requirements and scope of work have been established.

Before detailed work begins, any confidentiality requirements, proposed services and commercial conditions must be clearly established.

CONFIDENTIALITY

If a confidentiality agreement is required before sensitive information can be shared, this should be stated during the initial enquiry.

Until appropriate terms have been discussed, clients should submit only a non-confidential overview of the project. Where necessary, SDM may provide a mutual confidentiality agreement or review an agreement proposed by the client.

Clients remain responsible for confirming that they own, or are authorised to share, all designs, samples, technical information and other project materials submitted to SDM.

A confidentiality agreement protects the exchange of information. It does not by itself constitute project acceptance, confirm a quotation, transfer intellectual property or authorise work to begin. Any project-specific intellectual property or usage terms should be agreed separately in writing where required.

SCOPE OF WORK

Once the project has been assessed, the services required can be defined more accurately.

The proposed scope of work may identify:

• the services and deliverables to be provided;
• the information or materials required from the client;
• the responsibilities of each party;
• review and approval points;
• relevant assumptions and dependencies;
• services, costs or activities not included.

Work outside the agreed scope — including additional development, revisions, samples or technical requirements — may require a separate quotation or written variation.

QUOTATION

A quotation or commercial proposal can be prepared once sufficient information is available to define the requested work.

The quotation will set out the applicable services, costs, commercial terms and any relevant validity or payment conditions. Development, tooling, prototyping, sampling, material supply and manufacturing may be quoted separately according to the project.

Costs and timing may remain subject to technical findings, material and component availability, supplier conditions, third-party services and changes to the approved scope.

Work begins only after the relevant scope and quotation have been accepted in writing and any stated commercial requirements have been fulfilled.

Once the scope of work has been agreed and the applicable commercial requirements have been fulfilled, the project can proceed through the appropriate service pathway.

Depending on the client’s requirements, this may involve one or more of the following:

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

For products that still require technical definition, prototyping, refinement or preparation for manufacturing.

The specific development stages and deliverables are determined according to the current condition and complexity of the project.

MANUFACTURING

For products that have been sufficiently developed, reviewed and approved for production assessment.

Manufacturing remains subject to confirmed specifications, quantities, materials, components, production capacity and commercial feasibility.

MATERIALS & COMPONENTS SUPPLY

For projects requiring material selection, samples, sourcing or the supply of suitable leathers, textiles, linings, soles, hardware or other components.

Availability, minimum quantities, supplier conditions and approval requirements are assessed according to the specific request.

CONSULTANCY, TECHNOLOGY OR TRAINING SUPPORT

For businesses requiring practical guidance relating to product development, manufacturing processes, production technology, material use or skills development.

The nature, duration, responsibilities and intended outcomes of the service are defined within the agreed scope.

A project may move through more than one pathway, but progression is not automatic. Each additional stage or service may require further assessment, written approval and a separate quotation.

Clear review and approval points help maintain control over the project and reduce uncertainty as work progresses.

Depending on the agreed scope, reviews may relate to:

• design interpretation and proportions;
• technical drawings or specifications;
• lasts, soles, patterns or construction details;
• prototypes and samples;
• fit and functional requirements;
• materials, components, colours and finishes;
• branding and placement details;
• quality references;
• packaging or presentation requirements.

Clients should provide feedback that is specific, consolidated and confirmed in writing.

Where several people are involved in the decision-making process, the client should appoint an authorised contact to communicate the final response to SDM.

No design, sample, material, component or technical detail should be considered approved until written confirmation has been provided.

Once an item or development stage has been approved, it becomes the principal reference for the next agreed step. Changes requested after approval may affect technical work, materials, costs and timing, and may require further development or a revised quotation.

Approval of one stage does not automatically constitute approval of the complete product or authorisation to begin manufacturing.

Following the relevant reviews and approvals, a project may proceed to manufacturing, supply or another agreed professional service.

PRODUCTION

Before manufacturing begins, SDM must confirm that the product information, approved references, materials, components, intended quantities and commercial requirements are sufficiently defined.

Product development or prototype approval does not automatically reserve manufacturing capacity or guarantee production acceptance. The proposed production route must be reviewed and quoted separately unless manufacturing is expressly included within the agreed scope.

MATERIAL OR COMPONENT SUPPLY

Material and component orders remain subject to current availability, supplier minimums, batch conditions, lead times, sample approval and delivery arrangements.

Where the originally requested item is unavailable, an alternative may be proposed for consideration. No substitute should be treated as approved until the client has reviewed and accepted the relevant material, technical and commercial conditions.

TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT

Consultancy, technical support, technology coordination or training services are delivered according to the responsibilities and outcomes defined in the agreed scope.

Recommendations are based on the information, samples, production conditions and project requirements made available for review. Any implementation responsibilities, third-party services or continuing support requirements should be identified separately.

Manufacturing, supply and professional support are each assessed according to their own technical and commercial requirements.

At the completion of each agreed stage, SDM and the client review the current status of the project and identify the appropriate next action.

This may involve:

• proceeding to the next approved development stage;
• completing additional technical work or revisions;
• preparing a further prototype or confirmation sample;
• confirming materials, components or specifications;
• requesting a manufacturing or supply quotation;
• arranging an additional professional service;
• placing the project on hold;
• concluding the agreed scope of work.

A subsequent stage does not begin automatically. Any additional work must be confirmed in writing and remains subject to the relevant scope, quotation, availability and commercial conditions.

START WITH A CLEAR PROJECT ENQUIRY

Tell us about the product, business requirement or technical support you need. We will review the available information and help determine whether SDM is the appropriate partner for the next stage.