OSINT Pricing Framework
Transparent, ethical, and outcome‑oriented pricing designed for investigations where every case is unique.
At a glance
- Hourly rate (blended): from €80/hr (case‑dependent).
- Role‑based rates (typical):
- Analyst: €80/hr
- Senior analyst/investigator: €110/hr
- Specialist (languages/forensics/geoint): €140/hr
- Principal/Case lead: €160/hr
(We can use a single blended rate on request.)
- Day rates (8h): €640 – €1,280.
- Minimum engagement: €480 (≈ 6 hours at the entry rate), credited against the project.
- Currencies & tax: EUR, USD, CZK; VAT and pass‑through costs (e.g., registry fees, translations, databases) billed at cost. Payment methods: bank transfer, cash, cryptocurrency (by agreement).
- Rush work: +25–50% when delivery must start within 24 hours or over weekends/holidays.
How we price
Because OSINT investigations vary widely, we combine scope‑based packages (for common needs) with time & materials for atypical or evolving matters.
Each quote is built from three parts:
- Effort (hours/days) x role‑based rate (or a blended rate).
- Direct costs (registry pulls, filings, translations, specialist tools).
- Risk & urgency modifiers (e.g., multi‑jurisdiction, short deadlines).
If we assess a low likelihood of success or legal/ethical concerns, we decline the work or propose a narrower pilot. We never accept matters we don’t believe we can complete responsibly.
Engagement models
A) Fixed scope packages (good › better › best)
Use these when your needs match a common pattern. Ranges reflect typical complexity; exact quotes follow scoping.
* Indicative only. Final pricing depends on scope, jurisdictions, languages, and urgency.
B) Time & Materials (T&M)
- When scope is uncertain or may evolve (e.g., open‑ended asset tracing), we run on T&M with weekly caps and stop/go checkpoints.
- Reporting cadence and budget burn‑down shared weekly.
C) Staged approach (risk managed)
- Stage 1: Pilot/Feasibility (fixed fee) → Clear go/no‑go decision.
- Stage 2: Expansion (fixed or T&M) → Deeper collection and analysis.
- Stage 3: Synthesis & deliverables → Final reporting + evidence packs.
Estimation method (how we scope)
We estimate hours using a simple Complexity Score from 1–5 across six dimensions. This anchors the quote and aligns expectations.
Hours ≈ Base (8–16) + 4 × total score (then mapped to roles). We share this grid in the proposal so you see how the estimate was built.
Process (how it works)
- Free initial assessment (no obligation). A 20–30 minute call, plus up to 1 hour of rapid desk assessment to understand objectives, constraints, and success criteria.
- Scoping Sprint (optional, fixed fee €250 – €600). A 1–3 day mini‑engagement to produce: (a) methods plan, (b) assumptions & risks, (c) timeline, (d) fixed‑fee or capped T&M quote. Fee is credited if you proceed.
- Terms & kickoff. We agree scope, budget, timeline, and deliverables; contract & invoice (typically 50% upfront for fixed‑fee, or a retainer for T&M).
- Execution & updates. Work begins; we provide interim updates, risk notes, and early findings as agreed.
- Delivery & amendments. We deliver materials on time, incorporate your feedback, and finalize. Optional monitoring/maintenance thereafter.
(If you prefer, we can skip the paid Scoping Sprint and proceed directly on a capped T&M basis once basic scope is agreed.)
Deliverables
- Written reports (PDF/Word) with citations and confidence ratings
- Evidence packs (screenshots, exports, registry documents)
- Visuals: link charts, timelines, maps
- Briefings: executive summary, recommendations, next steps
Revisions: One round of reasonable edits included for fixed‑fee packages (within 14 days of delivery). Additional iterations billed T&M.
Terms & conditions (summary)
- Legal & ethical: We use only lawful, ethical collection methods. No pretexting, intrusion, or unauthorized access. We comply with GDPR and relevant laws.
- Confidentiality & NDAs: Standard mutual NDA available.
- Change control: Material changes to scope or assumptions trigger a written change order with revised budget/timeline.
- Direct costs: Government/registry fees, databases, translations, courier/notary, and travel are billed at cost with receipts. Pre‑approval for any cost >€200.
- Payment terms: For fixed‑fee projects — 50% deposit after price and timeline are agreed (pro‑forma/invoice), 50% upon completion and acceptance of deliverables. For T&M (Time & Materials) — monthly post‑payment with an optional starting retainer. Payment due within 14 days of invoice (unless otherwise agreed).
- Rush/after‑hours: +25–50% depending on urgency and resource needs.
- Cancellation: Pro‑rated for work performed; non‑refundable direct costs.
- Data handling: We retain work product for 90 days unless otherwise agreed; secure transfer via encrypted channels.
Example scenarios (indicative budgets)
- SME pre‑deal diligence (CZ + SK): ownership map, principals, adverse media, sanctions & PEP, basic litigation sweep → €1,800 – €2,800 in 5–7 days.
- Asset leads across 2 jurisdictions: corporate/network mapping, property & vehicle indices where available, open‑source financial indicators → €6,000 – €10,000 over 2–3 weeks.
- Brand threat monitoring (3 months): setup + tuned alerts, weekly digest, monthly roll‑ups, quarterly briefing → €3,000 – €5,000/mo depending on volume.
Website & proposal tips (to avoid sticker shock)
- Show “from €…” anchors and package cards with inclusions/exclusions.
- Include your Complexity Score grid so buyers see why a case is €X vs €Y.
- Offer a low‑commitment paid Scoping Sprint (credited later) or free initial assessment.
- Publish two anonymized case studies with outcomes and price bands.
- Provide a price estimator (inputs: jurisdictions, languages, urgency, entity type) that outputs a range and invites contact.
- Add a brief Ethics & Legal section to set expectations and build trust.
FAQs
Why can’t you give an exact price upfront?
Because availability and quality of open sources vary by country, sector, and entity. We share a scoped quote once we understand constraints and likelihood of success.
What if the investigation yields no definitive result?
We communicate confidence levels and alternatives. We will recommend stopping early if diminishing returns set in.
Are database subscriptions included?
Many are covered by us; transactional fees (e.g., official registry pulls) are passed through at cost with pre‑approval.
Do you work internationally?
Yes. We routinely cover the EU, UK, and select other jurisdictions via open sources and lawful on‑the‑ground partners when required.
Next steps
- Pick a package or request free initial assessment.
- If needed, book a Scoping workshop to receive a methods plan and a firm quote.
- We’ll tailor rates (blended vs role‑based) to your preferences.
This framework is a starting point. We will adjust numbers/tiers to align with your margins, tool stack, and typical case mix.