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Frequently Asked Questions

We hope this list will answer your initial questions, but please feel free to contact us with any additional ones.

Selecting Compliance Solutions International (CSI)

There are other consulting firms like yours. Why choose CSI?

We already have testing, approval, and regulatory compliance staff. Why hire CSI?

Do you provide services only for the commercial kitchen ventilation (CKV) and fire protection (FP) industries?

Are your services for manufacturers only?

Do you provide engineering design assistance or support?

What geographic area do you serve?

How much do you charge for your services?

CSI Consulting Services

How can CSI save us time and money by expediting our product approvals?

We plan to make changes in our existing approved product and also get a new product line approved. When should we use CSI services?

We are having difficulty getting a local city building department to approve the kitchen equipment in our restaurant. How can you help?

How can CSI help us expand our market share and enter new markets?

Can you give my organization better insight into effective product certification and regulatory compliance processes?

We are not sure which of your services would be most beneficial to us. Can you help us determine the best fit for our needs?

CSI Operations

What is your payment structure?

What types of payment do you accept?

How can we obtain references about CSI?

What does your logo symbolize?

Can we link to your web site?

How do I know that I will get my money's worth from CSI?

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Selecting Compliance Solutions International (CSI)

There are other consulting firms like yours. Why choose CSI?

  • First, we listen to, understand, and analyze your issues and concerns. Then we respond thoughtfully, putting your needs first. We like to be thought of as your partner.
  • Our credentials are unmatched by other consultants: we have over 30 years of proven and varied experience in the product testing, certification, and codes & standards industry, including over 25 years with the world’s largest independent certification agency (UL).
  • We are solution and results-oriented, with an extensive network of knowledgeable professionals and subject matter experts to meet your needs.
  • We are unbiased and independent, with no hidden agendas or vested interest in selling other products or services.
  • We uphold the highest ethical standards. We earn your trust.
  • We work hard and smart to exceed your expectations.
  • Our rates are reasonable, particularly compared to larger firms, and we are so confident of the value our services provide that if you are not satisfied, we will refund your money.

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We already have testing, approval, and regulatory compliance staff. Why hire CSI?

You may have a special situation or need for which our expertise, experience, and network of contacts will be helpful to you. For example:

  • Your staff may not have the extensive and inside certification agency and codes & standards experience that CSI has
  • Your staff may be working on too many projects with tight deadlines and could use more resources
  • You would like to outsource some of your work to an experienced subcontractor to save on fixed costs

You can use CSI as an additional, flexible, and reliable resource. Consider us part of your team. Contact us to discuss your situation and how CSI can help.

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Do you provide services only for the commercial kitchen ventilation (CKV) and fire protection (FP) industries?

Even though we target our services to the CKV & FP industries, we provide almost all of our services - agency certifications & approvals, codes & standards, business development, and training & seminars - to other industries as well. They include HVAC, electrical, appliances, building & construction, plastics, etc. Contact us and let us know your industry, product, and need.

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Are your services for manufacturers only?

No - in addition to product manufacturers and fabricators, our clients include inventors, product labelers (companies using others to manufacture products under their name/label), and importers & exporters. They also include test laboratories, consultants, training/educational organizations, engineers, architects, contractors, inspection & accreditation organizations, and attorneys.

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Do you provide engineering design assistance or support?

We frequently consult and work with engineers on product design and construction. Our consulting services include project management, customer relationships, customer service, and knowledge management. CSI would be considered part of your management and business team.

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What geographic area do you serve?

Although we are located in the greater Chicago area, we provide our services to clients anywhere in the world. Our customers are most typically in the US, Canada, and India, due to our extensive experience, network, and contacts in these countries.

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How much do you charge for your services?

Because each client situation is unique, our projects are priced individually depending upon the project demands. When we understand the scope of the project and determine the deliverables, we give you a project quote. You then know the cost up front. We are also happy to provide a free, no-obligation initial consultation and project fee schedule. We are confident that you will receive an exceptional value for your money.

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CSI Consulting Services

How can CSI save us time and money by expediting our product approvals?

CSI knows what is really needed for product approvals and can help you plan and prepare for a quick turnaround. We also know who to contact, when, and what to ask before and during the approval process. This results in a very systematic and effective approach to product approval, which translates into a faster and more cost-effective product approval for you.

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We plan to make changes in our existing approved product and also get a new product line approved. When should we use CSI services?

Ideally, you should get CSI involved from the very beginning of your product development or change cycle so we can help you maximize your benefits at every stage. We can save you time and cost for your product evaluation and approvals in areas such as: selection of materials, components, and their vendors/suppliers; variations in the product construction and design; pre-testing and evaluation; and maximizing coverage in product approvals.

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We are having difficulty getting a local city building department to approve the kitchen equipment in our restaurant. How can you help?

As part of your team, we can work with all authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) - building inspectors, fire inspectors, health department, etc. - to meet their regulatory compliance requirements and obtain their approvals for your kitchen equipment. We get it done as fast as possible, expediting this often time-consuming process.

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How can CSI help us expand our market share and enter new markets?

CSI can perform market research, work trade shows, and conduct other activities needed to promote your products and services. Our business savvy can be used to grow your domestic business, as well as enter international markets of your choice.

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Can you give my organization better insight into effective product certification and regulatory compliance processes?

Yes - we can deliver customized presentations and training sessions for your staff that explain how product certification and regulatory compliance processes really work and how to achieve both effectively. Our seminars can be tailored to different audiences, such as engineering, administrative, sales, marketing, and management. Contact us with information on your organization and training needs.

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We are not sure which of your services would be most beneficial to us. Can you help us determine the best fit for our needs?

Yes - we customize our services to fit each organization's unique requirements, regardless of size. Contact us with your situation and we will work together to develop the plan best suited for you.

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CSI Operations

What is your payment structure?

The payment structure depends upon the project. It can be a fixed-price (for a small and well-defined project), fixed-price plus expenses, daily rate, time, materials & other expenses, cost reimbursement, retainer fee, or a combination of the above.

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What types of payment do you accept?

We accept checks made payable to Compliance Solutions International Inc. Payment terms vary based on the project scope and type of service delivered, but all services are backed with a 100% money-back guarantee.

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How can we obtain references about CSI?

Contact us and we will be happy to provide them to you.

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What does your logo symbolize?

Our logo features the company initials for Compliance Solutions International (CSI). Our name tells you that we provide solutions to your compliance issues and problems, no matter where they are located. The "S" and "I" also form a $ sign, signifying how our services save you money. The globe in the background reflects our worldwide scope.

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Can we link to your web site?

Yes, please do. Linking is the power of the web. Suggested text:

Compliance Solutions International
Provides resources to help you get your products to market faster and more cost-effectively. Services include agency certifications and approvals, codes & standards, regulatory compliance, business development, and training & seminars.

We appreciate an email letting us know your business, website, and why you are linking to us.

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How do I know that I will get my money's worth from CSI?

We guarantee it. If you are not satisfied with the value of our services, we will provide a full refund.

More questions?

Read about us, the services we provide, or contact us to discuss your situation.