---
title: Popcorn Project Proposal — $4k/mo
type: article
created: '2025-12-05'
updated: '2025-12-05'
source_docs:
- raw/2025-12-05-weekly-call-w-karly-106748766.md
tags:
- doodlers
- proposal
- retainer
- popcorn
- grant
- ecommerce
layer: 2
client_source: Doudlah Farms
industry_context: food-beverage
transferable: false
---

# Popcorn Project Proposal — $4k/mo

## Overview

A proposed separate, flat-fee engagement to capture Doodlers' ~$250k state grant for popcorn-related initiatives. Rather than absorbing popcorn work into the existing $10k/mo retainer, the proposal creates a clean, separately invoiced project that Doodlers can submit directly for grant reimbursement — freeing the remaining grant funds for product, packaging, and shipping costs.

The proposal was discussed during the [[wiki/meetings/2025-12-05-weekly-call-karly|2025-12-05 Weekly Call]] and was ~80% drafted at that time. Karly was assigned to finalize and present it to the client.

---

## Proposal Structure

| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| **Fee** | $4,000/month, flat |
| **Billing** | Separate invoice from existing retainer; labeled "Popcorn Project" throughout for easy grant reimbursement |
| **Ad spend overrides** | None — flat fee only |
| **Term** | Not yet defined; tied to grant availability |

---

## Scope

All popcorn-related brands and initiatives, kept separate from Doodlers' grain/cornmeal work:

- **Doodle Popcorn** brand
- **Old World Popcorn** brand
- **Popped Popcorn** brand
- New product lines (e.g., seasoned salt, coconut oil accessories)
- Bulk popcorn sales support (e.g., outreach to distributors, organic food companies)
- Old World brand store buildout (website and/or Amazon storefront)
- Popcorn accessories (e.g., bowls, sourcing distributors)

Third-party creative work (e.g., Jen's bag design for Popped Popcorn) can also be invoiced against the grant separately by the client.

---

## Rationale

### Why a Separate Project?

Doodlers are already paying ~$10k/mo on their existing retainer. Folding popcorn-specific work into that agreement creates invoicing complexity and makes grant reimbursement difficult. A standalone, clearly labeled invoice simplifies the paper trail for the state grant administrator.

### Why $4,000/mo?

Working from an estimated grant total of ~$225,000:

- $4,000/mo × 12 months = **$48,000** to Asymmetric
- Remaining grant funds: **~$177,000** available for product, packaging, shipping, and other vendor costs (e.g., Jen's creative)

At $3,000/mo the math still works, but $4,000 was judged appropriate given the scope and the fact that this is grant money — not out-of-pocket client spend.

> "We probably could charge them $4,000 a month and they wouldn't care." — Mark Hope

### Client Receptivity

Doodlers are happy with Asymmetric's work (Amazon is their only meaningful revenue channel at ~$126k/mo). Because the grant funds are state money rather than personal cash, price sensitivity is expected to be low.

---

## Grant Context

- **Source:** State grant for popcorn-related initiatives
- **Estimated total:** ~$250,000 (exact figure TBC)
- **Doodlers' situation:** Carrying ~$1M in debt; banks are applying pressure. Grant funds represent a meaningful, low-friction capital source if properly documented.
- **Key constraint:** Invoices must clearly reference popcorn work to qualify for reimbursement.

---

## Action Items

- [ ] **Karly** — Finalize the Popcorn Project proposal document (was ~80% complete as of 2025-12-05) and present to Doodlers
- [ ] **Karly** — Confirm exact grant amount and any reimbursement documentation requirements with the client
- [ ] **Mark** — Review final proposal before client presentation if needed

---

## Related

- [[wiki/clients/current/doudlah-farms/_index|Doodlers (Doudlah Farms) — Client Overview]]
- [[wiki/clients/current/doudlah-farms/q1-okrs|Doodlers Q1 OKRs]]
- [[wiki/meetings/2025-12-05-weekly-call-karly|2025-12-05 Weekly Call w/ Karly]]