The external-team model works — we built our studio around it. But it fails badly when the scope is vague, and the failure is slow enough that nobody notices for two quarters.
1. Who is actually doing the work?
Ask who will be in the room after the pitch. If the answer changes, the standard will too.
2. What is the monthly output, in units?
“Ongoing support” is not a deliverable. Assets, production days, reports — count them.
3. What happens in a bad month?
Every account has one. Ask how they handle it, and whether the review is scheduled or requested.
4. Who owns the files?
You should. Get it in writing, including source files and raw footage.
5. What does the reporting say when it goes wrong?
If they have never sent a report explaining an underperforming month, you are getting marketing, not partnership.