Comparing proposals is only half the job
A side-by-side comparison and rate negotiation still do not reveal what is really hidden in each cost item.
Independent control of marketing service costs
What does
marketing cost?What should it cost?
Pay what the work is truly worth — without damaging agency relationships.
20 yearsbuilding cost estimates
on the agency side
on the agency side
~10%annual savings target
on negotiated spend
on negotiated spend
1-3 daysanalysis turnaround
depending on the mode
depending on the mode
100%independent
from suppliers
from suppliers
The challenge
Only the person who built an estimate knows what is inside it.
Comparing proposals is only the beginning. We add the inside perspective that client teams usually lack.
A second expert pair of eyes
What should a shoot day, a second of animation or post-production actually cost? We identify where there is room to move.
Careful, fact-based negotiation
We do not add pressure. We flag issues, ask the right questions and discuss prices with evidence and sound arguments.
Our principle
We do not cut costs for the sake of it.
We check whether they are justified.
The best purchase is not the cheapest one. It means a fair price, a clear scope and an agency that wants to work with you for years.
“This price is fair” is also a valuable conclusion.
Services
What we do
We strengthen procurement and marketing teams. We do not replace them — we add agency-side knowledge.
Cost estimate review
Line by line: rate realism, item justification and hidden margins — before approval.
Negotiation support
Concrete arguments for agency discussions and a fair outcome for both sides.
Market price verification
An optional module: we validate rates with professionals who actually deliver the work.
Historical benchmarking
We compare recurring items across previous estimates and explain the differences.
Process improvement
Brief and estimate templates designed to make proposals genuinely comparable.
A report for every assignment
The scale of potential optimisation, supporting rationale and material ready for KPI reporting.
For procurement teams
We help you deliver your annual savings target.
Marketing is a category without readily available benchmarks. We provide documented, auditable savings and the knowledge needed to defend purchasing decisions.
- line-by-line analysis
- negotiation arguments
- KPI-ready reporting
Indicative potentialnot a guarantee of savings
PLN 20kPLN 500k
Potential at the 10% benchmarkPLN 15,000 / month
Let’s discuss your numbers ↗Brief vs. proposal
A good cost estimate starts with a good brief.
- the agency prices risk rather than scope — adding a buffer
- proposals from different agencies cannot be compared
- extra charges and amendments appear during delivery
- items are priced even though nobody requested them
- pricing reflects the scope — line by line
- proposals are comparable across agencies
- fewer surprises during production
- a fair price conversation from day one
Every report includes a Brief vs. Proposal module. We check whether every task in the brief is priced and whether the proposal includes anything that was not requested.
Process
Three steps. Zero risk at the start.
We begin with your documents and real figures. Only then do you decide whether to continue with an ongoing engagement.
NDA + pilot assignment
Test our expertise on your own cost estimates and receive the first report.
Evidence from your own numbers
See the optimisation opportunities and their scale before signing a framework agreement.
Always ready when needed
We review estimates within guaranteed timeframes and according to an agreed process.
⚡ Express — 1 business dayA focused review of the items that need the most attention before urgent approval.
◷ Standard — up to 3 business daysA complete line-by-line review with historical benchmarking.
Expertise
Every format that comes with a cost estimate.
Select an area to see an example scope of analysis.
CR
Creative
Concepts, creative strategy, copywriting and design.
Fees
A transparent model.
A retainer protects our independence. We can say “this price is fair” — and that is the foundation of our credibility.
Start
PLN 2,000 / month
Estimates per monthup to 3
Ask about this package ↗Standard
PLN 4,000 / month
Estimates per monthup to 10
Ask about this package ↗Enterprise
PLN 6,000 / month
Estimates per monthup to 25
Ask about this package ↗Large projects involving external production are priced separately.
Market price verification is available as an optional module.
Frequently asked questions
Before you send the first estimate.
Does CostSense negotiate directly with the agency?
We can prepare the arguments or join the discussion. We agree the scope in a way that supports your team without damaging supplier relationships.
Does every review result in savings?
No — and that matters. If a cost is justified, we confirm it. The objective is a fair price and the right scope, not cutting for its own sake.
Which documents are needed for a pilot?
An NDA, recent cost estimates and the briefs they were based on. We use these to assess the scope and potential of the review.
Do you review AI-assisted production?
Yes. We also review projects and processes where AI changes the workload, pricing approach or scope of rights.
Start with a pilot
Send your NDA, recent estimates and briefs.
I will tell you whether I see room for optimisation — before you commit to ongoing cooperation.