Quick answer
A common approach: document review and the first on-site audit are included, with person-days estimated from factory size and lines; travel is reimbursed at cost against receipts or capped by an agreed standard; translation responsibility is assigned for both documents and on-site interpretation. Fees still split into official fee, review fee and travel, subject to a formal written assessment. Promises of unlimited site visits are not enforceable.
Detailed explanation
Writing audit rounds realistically
State the estimated person-days and number of auditors for the first audit, plus whether a follow-up visit is needed after corrective actions and how it is charged. Findings are usually classified as major, minor or observation; whether a second visit is required depends on evidence and the reviewer's judgment, so rounds and conclusions cannot be promised in advance.
Two ways to contract travel
- Reimbursement at cost: receipts required, with agreed transport and hotel standards.
- Travel package: specify the cities, headcount and rules for overruns. Either way, state the assumed factory address and audit rounds, with fees adjusted if the address changes.
Translation by scenario
- Documents: who translates formulas, flow charts and labels into the audit language, and who confirms accuracy.
- Interpretation: who is present for opening, interviews and closing meetings. Also send a process-savvy staff member alongside the interpreter, so terminology gaps do not distort audit findings.
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