Refund Policy

1. General Refund Principles

As a professional strategy consulting firm, our services are highly customized and delivered based on individual client needs. Our refund policy reflects the nature of consulting engagements, which typically involve:

• Customized research, analysis, and strategy development
• Dedicated consultant time and expertise
• Proprietary methodologies and business intelligence tools
• Confidential information exchange and collaboration
• Delivery of intellectual property and strategic recommendations

Due to the bespoke nature of our consulting services, refunds are evaluated on a case-by-case basis according to the terms outlined below.

2. Service-Specific Refund Terms

2.1 Strategy Consulting Engagements

For comprehensive strategy consulting projects including business strategy development, market analysis, and growth planning:

• Before Work Commences: Full refund of retainer or initial payment if you cancel within 5 business days of signing the engagement agreement, before any work has been performed
• During Discovery Phase: Partial refund available during the initial assessment and discovery phase, minus costs already incurred for research, data gathering, and consultant time
• After Deliverables Provided: No refunds once strategy recommendations, reports, or deliverables have been presented or shared
• Project Milestones: For phased engagements, refunds apply only to unstarted phases; completed milestones are non-refundable

2.2 M&A Advisory Services

For mergers and acquisitions advisory including target identification, valuation, due diligence, and transaction support:

• Retainer Fees: Monthly retainer fees are non-refundable once the service month has commenced
• Success Fees: Transaction-based success fees are non-refundable once a transaction closes or a binding agreement is executed
• Early Termination: If you terminate the engagement early, retainer fees for the current month are non-refundable; future months may be adjusted per the engagement letter
• Third-Party Costs: Any third-party expenses incurred (legal fees, valuation services, data room costs) are non-refundable

2.3 Fundraising Consulting Services

For fundraising support including pitch development, investor relations, and capital raise execution:

• Setup and Preparation: Initial fees for pitch deck creation, financial modeling, and investor materials are non-refundable once delivered
• Monthly Consulting Fees: Non-refundable once the service month begins
• Success-Based Fees: Non-refundable once funding is secured and funds are received
• Partial Success: If only partial funding is raised, success fees will be adjusted proportionally as specified in the engagement agreement

2.4 Business Intelligence and Analytics Services

For predictive analytics, data modeling, and business intelligence dashboard development:

• Data Analysis Phase: Refunds available if you cancel before data analysis begins, minus setup and scoping costs
• Model Development: Once custom models or dashboards are developed, fees are non-refundable as intellectual property has been created
• Subscription Services: Monthly analytics subscriptions can be cancelled with 30 days notice; current month fees are non-refundable

2.5 Digital Transformation Consulting

For technology assessment, roadmap development, and transformation implementation support:

• Assessment Phase: Refunds available if cancelled within 5 business days before assessment begins
• Roadmap Delivery: Non-refundable once transformation roadmap or technology strategy is delivered
• Implementation Support: For ongoing implementation support, cancellation requires 60 days notice; current period fees are non-refundable

2.6 Staff Augmentation Services

For outsourced talent and staff augmentation:

• Placement Fees: Non-refundable once a candidate is placed and begins work
• Monthly Fees: Require 30 days notice for termination; current month fees are non-refundable
• Replacement Guarantee: If a placed candidate is unsuitable within the first 30 days, we will provide a replacement at no additional charge

3. Cancellation Policy

3.1 Client-Initiated Cancellation

If you wish to cancel or terminate a consulting engagement:

• Written Notice: All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to [email protected]
• Early Termination: You may terminate engagements with written notice as specified in your engagement agreement (typically 30-60 days)
• Work Completed: You remain responsible for payment of all work completed up to the termination date
• Outstanding Deliverables: Partially completed work will be billed on a pro-rata basis or as specified in the agreement
• Project Materials: All research, analysis, and draft deliverables remain Allan Ventures property until final payment is received

3.2 Allan Ventures-Initiated Cancellation

We reserve the right to cancel or suspend services under certain circumstances:

• Non-Payment: If invoices remain unpaid beyond 30 days, we may suspend services until payment is received
• Breach of Agreement: If you violate terms of the engagement agreement or our Terms & Conditions
• Scope Changes: If project scope significantly changes without mutual agreement
• Ethical Concerns: If continuing the engagement would violate professional standards or legal requirements

In cases where we initiate cancellation due to client non-payment or breach, no refunds will be provided. If we cancel for other reasons, unused retainer or advance payments will be refunded.

3.3 Scheduled Meetings and Consultations

• Cancellation Notice: Strategy sessions and meetings require 48 hours notice for cancellation or rescheduling
• Late Cancellation: Cancellations with less than 48 hours notice may be charged at full session rate
• No-Shows: Failure to attend scheduled meetings without notice will be charged at full rate
• Rescheduling: Meetings can be rescheduled once without penalty with proper notice; multiple rescheduling may incur fees

4. Payment Terms and Conditions

4.1 Payment Structure

• Retainer Payments: Many engagements require an initial retainer (typically 30-50% of project value) before work commences
• Milestone Payments: Larger projects may be structured with milestone-based payments tied to deliverable completion
• Monthly Fees: Ongoing engagements typically involve monthly retainer payments due at the beginning of each month
• Success Fees: For M&A and fundraising services, success-based fees are due upon transaction completion
• Expense Reimbursement: Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses are billed separately with supporting documentation

4.2 Payment Methods

We accept payment through:

• Bank transfer / Wire transfer (preferred for large amounts)
• NEFT / RTGS / IMPS (for Indian clients)
• Credit / Debit cards (processing fees may apply)
• Digital payment platforms (UPI, PayPal, Razorpay)
• Checks (for established clients only)

4.3 Late Payment

• Payment Terms: Invoices are typically due within 15-30 days of issuance as specified in the engagement agreement
• Late Fee: Overdue amounts may incur interest at 1.5% per month or the maximum allowed by law
• Service Suspension: Services may be suspended for accounts overdue by more than 30 days
• Collection Costs: You are responsible for all costs of collection, including legal fees

5. Refund Process and Timeline

5.1 Requesting a Refund

To request a refund, please follow these steps:

• Step 1: Submit a written refund request to [email protected] including:
  • Your name and engagement details
  • Invoice or payment reference numbers
  • Detailed reason for refund request
  • Supporting documentation if applicable
• Step 2: Our team will acknowledge your request within 2 business days
• Step 3: We will review your request and respond within 7-10 business days
• Step 4: If approved, refunds will be processed within 15-30 business days

5.2 Refund Method

• Refunds will be issued to the original payment method when possible
• For bank transfers, refunds will be sent to the bank account from which payment was received
• For credit card payments, refunds will appear on your statement within 5-10 business days after processing
• Processing fees, transaction charges, and payment gateway fees are non-refundable

5.3 Partial Refunds

Partial refunds may be issued when:

• An engagement is terminated mid-project with completed and incomplete phases
• Service quality issues are identified and mutually agreed upon
• Scope reductions are negotiated during the engagement
• Technical issues prevent full service delivery

Partial refund amounts will be calculated based on work completed, consultant time invested, and deliverables provided.

6. Non-Refundable Items and Expenses

The following are non-refundable under all circumstances:

• Third-Party Costs: Expenses paid to external vendors, data providers, research services, legal advisors, or technology platforms
• Travel Expenses: Any travel, accommodation, or transportation costs incurred for client meetings or on-site engagements
• Research and Data: Costs for market research, industry reports, financial databases, or proprietary data sources
• Technology Setup: Fees for software licenses, platform subscriptions, or technology implementation
• Custom Development: Any custom tools, models, or intellectual property created specifically for your engagement
• Administrative Fees: Setup fees, onboarding costs, and administrative charges
• Payment Processing Fees: Credit card processing fees, wire transfer fees, and currency conversion charges

7. Satisfaction Guarantee and Remedies

While our refund policy is structured around the nature of consulting services, we are committed to client satisfaction:

7.1 Quality Commitment

• We stand behind the quality of our work and recommendations
• If you are unsatisfied with deliverables, we will work with you to address concerns
• We offer revisions and amendments to deliverables within reasonable scope
• Strategic recommendations can be refined based on feedback and additional information

7.2 Alternative Remedies

Before requesting a refund, we encourage clients to consider alternative remedies:

• Service Credits: Credit toward future services or additional consulting hours
• Deliverable Revisions: Amendments or enhancements to existing deliverables
• Consultant Reassignment: Assignment of a different consultant if there are personality or approach mismatches
• Scope Adjustments: Modification of engagement scope to better meet your needs
• Extended Support: Additional follow-up sessions or implementation support

7.3 Dispute Resolution

If you are dissatisfied with our services or have concerns about billing:

• Contact your engagement manager or project lead immediately to discuss concerns
• If unresolved, escalate to senior management at [email protected]
• We will schedule a resolution meeting within 5 business days
• We are committed to finding mutually acceptable solutions before considering formal dispute processes

8. Special Circumstances

8.1 Force Majeure

In cases of unforeseen circumstances beyond our control (natural disasters, pandemics, government actions, etc.):

• Engagements may be suspended without penalty to either party
• Payments for suspended periods may be held in credit or refunded at client discretion
• We will work collaboratively to resume services when circumstances permit
• No refunds are required for work completed before the force majeure event

8.2 Confidential Information

Refund requests do not release either party from confidentiality obligations:

• All confidential information shared during the engagement remains protected
• Non-disclosure agreements continue in effect per their terms
• Clients must return or destroy any confidential Allan Ventures materials
• Allan Ventures will continue to protect client confidential information

8.3 Intellectual Property

Refund or cancellation does not automatically transfer intellectual property rights:

• Final deliverables are transferred only upon full payment
• Draft materials and work-in-progress remain Allan Ventures property
• Proprietary methodologies and frameworks remain our intellectual property
• Custom models or tools may be retained by Allan Ventures for future use

9. Amendments to This Policy

Allan Ventures reserves the right to modify this Refund Policy at any time. Changes will:

• Be posted on our website with an updated "Last Updated" date
• Not affect existing engagements unless mutually agreed in writing
• Apply to new engagements entered after the change date
• Be communicated to active clients for transparency

Specific refund terms in individual engagement agreements take precedence over this general policy.