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What does an intermediary do?
We are employed by clients to assist them in managing and developing their agency roster.

We are called on to offer all kinds of advice to clients in terms of the structure of their roster, how to set up and manage it and how to assess their performance. We run the entire pitch process for clients seeking to refresh or augment their agency resources and we benchmark fees and refine contracts.

When clients are looking to select agencies, we provide them with a detailed insight into the most appropriate agencies for them. It is no longer possible to pigeonhole agencies into individual discipline types and so we spend a lot of time visiting agencies and getting to know what their strengths really are. We can then offer clients an honest perspective on an agency. By taking time to understand a client's culture and business requirements, we can make sure our clients meet the most appropriate agencies.

We also help clients get the best out of their agency relationships through training, auditing service levels and relationship issues and helping fix any communication or operational breakdowns that may happen from time to time. By only using very experienced consultants, we provide advice and solutions promptly and efficiently.

Which disciplines does Haystack represent?
Haystack specialises in the following:

• Advertising
• Brand Development
• Customer Relationship Management
• Design
• Digital Marketing (web based, mobile, search, interactive TV, kiosk, Intranet/Extranet E-commerce)
• Direct Marketing
• Integrated Marketing
• PR
• Sales Promotion
• Experietial Marketing
• Media
• Research
• Sponsorship

Who pays?
A client can search the Haystack web site for free. If a client wants more specific support we will charge our normal consultancy rates. Agencies just pay an annual subscription fee for their presence on this site, no further fees are charged.

Will you tell me who the client is?
We try, wherever possible to tell you who the client is, so that you are able to give us appropriate information. Even though everyone has to sign a confidentiality agreement, sometimes it is just not possible to tell you who the client is, but by knowing your agency we will help you to provide us with the most relevant information.

Will I get feedback?
There is nothing worse than spending hours putting together bespoke information for a client and then never hearing from them again. We will always tell you what is happening and we will, where possible, tell you what the client thought about your agency specifically. We can also help you analyse how to improve the next time or if you are successful, help you understand how to replicate that in the future.

Do we have to sign up to the site to be recommended by Haystack?
No, but we use the information on the website to keep up to date with what is going on in the market. More importantly we make every effort to get to know the agencies we represent on the site over time, so we can help agencies provide a better response to clients specific requirements.

Are we too small to be on the site?
We appreciate that some companies are just a few people, but no agency is too small. We offer a range of subscription options to suit all budgets and we are keen to encourage growing businesses. You lose nothing by contacting us, so if you have any concerns or queries, get in touch and we'll get back to you right away.

What is an Agency Profile?
Agency details are put into a number of sections providing information on agency culture, size, structure, insight and creative. In addition, an agency can provide us with their logo and a number of pieces of creative work or case studies - the exact number is dependant on which package you choose. Subscribing agencies are also given a direct link from this site to their own website.

How do clients search for an agency?
We have created a unique search engine that can quickly and simply help clients look for agencies that meet their requirements. The more criteria specified the more refined the search results.

Can we submit our details online?
Yes you can. Simply click here to subscribe.

A consultant from Haystack will then contact you to talk through your entry and get a feel for your agency. We will arrange a time to come and see you so that we can really get to understand how your company operates. You need to then send The Haystack Group a company cheque or funds transfer for the subscription fee. Once we have received this, and you have completed each section of your profile,  you will be able to see your entry live on the website.

Can we update information online?
You can update any of your agency information online if you have editing rights (usually this is the first person that signs up from the agency but we can alter this at any time). Simply log in and go to Edit Profile. We will also send an automatic message to your main contact if your profile has not been updated within a certain period.

Will you provide feedback on our site presence?
We are able to track how many people visit the site, where they go and for how long. We will ask clients to give us feedback on the site and the information provided on individual agencies. Clients can also review agencies online.

Can any agency be represented on the site?
Mostly yes. The only thing that we ask is to keep your site presence up-to-date and abide by our rules of confidentiality. In order to provide clients and agencies with the best possible service it is important that we can be as open as possible. If an agency consistently fails to update their site presence or leaks confidential information about our clients we will remove them from both the website and our consultancy list.

What do I do now?
Sign up online or call or e-mail us so that together we can help your business grow.