Why choose Acart
Call it an unfair advantage, our special sauce,
or unique appeal. Here’s how we set ourselves apart.
Our progressive pricing model
At Acart, everything is a collaboration. Even our pricing. Your success is our success which is why we put skin in the game, too. We’re your partner. We’ll work to find a pricing option that feels right for you. Business isn’t one size fits all, so pricing shouldn’t be either.
Our fee pricing options:
Traditional fee model
What some call ‘pay to play’. This is the standard agency model. You pay for services, and we deliver those services. We always use KPIs and do everything we can to make sure you get results.
Partner model
This is where we love to play. We charge a flat monthly fee that’s bumped up based on performance. We’ll set up a number of targets that are directly linked to business goals and objectives. We’ll then develop KPIs to determine how we’re compensated based on our ability to hit those metrics. This way, everyone is on the same page and hustling towards our goals together.
Performance only model
Here you pay purely based on the results of a campaign. In some scenarios we will go all-in with you and stake our fee purely based on performance.
The lines of communication are always open.
Our end-to-end approach
We offer complete solutions. What does that mean? It means we’re with you for your entire marketing journey. We build everything together from our first contact through to research, strategy, creative, going to market, optimizing, analyzing, and excelling.
Think of us as an expert extension of your team, using our intimate understanding of the intersection between business strategy and marketing to set you apart and get you the results you desire.
Time for a little history
We’ve been adapting, adopting, and ad-making since 1976. We’re proud of our 40+ years; 300+ awards from the likes of the Art Directors Club of New York, the International Festivals Association, and IABC; global campaigns like Ban the Landmine, our Star Trek® The Starfleet Academy Experience work—and so much more. Acart has grown stronger with every lesson, challenge, and triumph along the way. We’ve learned more than we could ever pack into a brief intro, but we’ll share one important insight with you: adaptability is key. Take a stroll down memory lane with us:
1977
After 12 years as a designer, art director, and creative director, Al Albania launches Acart. First project: Discovery Train storyboards and interior for 10 cars which were presented to cabinet.
Open first office in the Chambers Building close to premier client, National Arts Centre.
1993–94
Launch Canada Post website – 1900 pages per language.
1995
Named agency of record for Subway, Eastern and Northern Ontario, managing marketing for 138 stores.
Host national advertising conference for Trans-Canada Advertising Agency Network (T-CAAN). Al becomes its president.
1996
Establish ACID, Acart Communications Interactive Design.
1997
Launch global Ban the Landmines initiative. Work includes image, collateral, signage, and wayfinding for global use.
2001
Develop marketing and communications for the World Figure Skating Championship in Vancouver.
2002
Acart celebrates 25th anniversary.
2003
Win Ottawa Senators account, brand Ottawa/Gatineau as Hockey Country, and brand IIHF World Junior Championship hosted in Ottawa.
Win four-year agency of record mandate for VIA Rail.
2004
Launch proprietary web Content Management System, PageShaper.
2006
Roll out Primary Health Care national awareness campaign in partnership with LMNO.
2007
Rebrand as the Change Marketing Agency.
2008
Launch numerous national campaigns: CFIA Travellers Biosecurity Awareness, Public Safety Canada 72-hour Emergency Preparedness, and HRSDC Elder Abuse Awareness.
2009
Al hosts TCANN national conference at Acart headquarters and is elected to serve as president for a 2nd term.
2010
Win AOR for York Region Transit.
2014
Join North American Marketing Alliance (NAMA).
2016
Debut Star Trek® The Starfleet Academy Experience – an unforgettable experiential campaign which achieved international acclaim.
2017
Celebrate Acart’s 40th anniversary at CTV Ottawa studios.
2019
Deepen expertise by further investment in our strategic practice.
2020
Acart unveils creative pricing practice which ties financial outcomes to service level performance.
2021
Welcome two senior partners to join Al in spearheading the agency’s evolution.
Leaders
These movers and shakers are the hearts and minds of Acart. Looking for outcomes? They’ll make it happen.
Andrew McWiggan
Theresa Forman
Kevin Scannell
Lynn Norris
Kate Wallace
Partnering for success
We collaborate with our cutting-edge partners to reach the best outcomes for our clients.
Our partners
