Questions and answers about HIPE AWARD

HIPE AWARD’s mission is to sustainably elevate the service industry over the long term. Its goal is to move service quality from where it once fell short to a future defined by outstanding customer experiences.

To achieve this, HIPE AWARD supports genuine top performers through a range of targeted initiatives, while recognizing exceptional service quality, professionalism, and customer satisfaction.

As a driving force within the industry, HIPE AWARD helps set new benchmarks for excellence and strengthens the role of service in both the economy and society.

The HIPE AWARD was established to recognize outstanding service providers, help customers identify reliable partners, and sustainably strengthen service quality across the market.

HIPE AWARD makes high performance visible, builds trust, and expands the market presence of companies. These objectives are achieved through five core services:

1. HIPE AWARD – An award that attracts customers
The HIPE AWARD is one of the most respected service provider awards in the German-speaking market. It evaluates service providers across four key dimensions—quality, performance, service, and effectiveness—and recognizes top performers who achieve a minimum overall rating of 1.7.

2. HIPE CUSTOMER APPROVED – Understand your customers
HIPE CUSTOMER APPROVED delivers honest, valuable insights into customer behavior and satisfaction through a personalized customer survey. The process includes a detailed report, clear analysis, and actionable recommendations.

3. HIPE PRESS – Press relations with real impact
HIPE PRESS provides professionally written, search-engine-optimized press releases designed to build reach and credibility. Publication on the news platform die Mitteilung increases visibility and strengthens trust among customers and business partners.

4. HIPE VIDEO – Give your brand a clear identity
HIPE VIDEO produces tailored marketing videos that present your company authentically and professionally. Using high-quality stock material, the videos are ideal for websites, social media, presentations, and marketing campaigns. Customer-provided photo and video material can be seamlessly integrated.

5. HIPE WORKSHOP – Identify and unlock potential
HIPE WORKSHOP offers customized online workshops that deliver practical strategies for sales, online marketing, and business optimization. The sessions are interactive, results-driven, and designed to support long-term business growth.

Every inquiry or application is carefully reviewed to ensure that participation requirements are met, quality remains high, and standards are consistently maintained before any services are delivered.

Generally, all service providers may apply or submit an inquiry, regardless of industry, company size, or legal form.

After receiving an inquiry or application, the HIPE AWARD team carefully reviews all submitted information. We will then get back to you personally as soon as possible to discuss the next steps.

Detailed information about the procedure and application process can be found under Services.

Boban “Bobi” Micic is the founder and CEO of HIPE AWARD. He established the company in July 2020.

With more than 13 years of experience in the service sector, Bobi has built an impressive track record in customer acquisition and consulting. He understands the challenges and rules of the game for both large corporations and SMEs.
After completing his commercial training at Deutsche Telekom AG, Bobi founded his first company at the age of 20 and developed it as a side business. By the age of 24, he was in high demand as a coach and consultant in customer excellence and sales.
Over the years, he has not only shared his expertise with corporations and medium-sized businesses, but also continued to work passionately as a sales representative. His success in sales and negotiation led to responsibility for sales budgets in the millions and gave him the opportunity to work with countless service providers.

When he realized that the traditional business handshake had lost its value, and that responsibility, accountability, reliability, and credibility were no longer taken for granted, he knew the only appropriate response was the HIPE AWARD.
An award for service providers who not only deliver on their promises but also genuinely inspire their customers.
Bobi is convinced: “Those who take responsibility don’t need limited liability.”

With HIPE AWARD, Bobi aims to elevate the service industry to a new level and make quality and enthusiasm the standard — in other words, a high performer.

Find out more about the founder and owner here.

Yes. HIPE AWARD is an independent organization and operates without influence from investors, sponsors, or political institutions. Decisions are made solely based on objective criteria and clearly defined quality standards.

HIPE AWARD is financed solely through its services, which are delivered during the application and award process. The award can never be bought.

This approach ensures independence and provides the necessary resources to maintain transparent evaluation, professional support, and high standards.

No. Consumers understand that only a truly earned award has real value.
The HIPE AWARD cannot be purchased—neither the award nor the certificate.

We explicitly distance ourselves from awards or certificates that can be bought, i.e., seals granted in exchange for payment without prior review or tangible achievements. Any attempt to purchase the HIPE AWARD will result in immediate and permanent disqualification.

If you have any questions or feedback, please email us at hey@hipeaward.com

Participation is reserved for companies or self-employed persons from the service industry:
• The company was founded at least 12 months ago
• You can provide evidence of at least 5 reference projects
• For permanent full-time employees (with more than 12 months tenure), an average annual turnover of at least EUR 60,000 applies
• You can specify the number of reference customers according to your company size:
   • 0-10 employees: 10 reference customers
   • 11-24 employees: 15 reference customers
   • 25-49 employees: 20 reference customers
   • 50-199 employees: 25 reference customers
   • over 200 employees: 30 reference customers

Do you not yet meet the above criteria? Then check out our HIPE EXAM and HIPE KICKSTARTER (part-time workers) services.

If the questionnaire has been completed fully and truthfully, the review process takes approximately 6 weeks. Once the review is complete, the results will be presented and discussed in detail online via Google Meet. If you receive an award, you will receive your HIPE AWARD benefits and the handmade crystal glass award will be presented at the exclusive awards ceremony.

Exclusive and media-effective award ceremony:
• Formal award presentation on stage
• Photo and video recordings on the red carpet in front of the HIPE photo wall
• Networking to establish valuable contacts

Certification package:
• Handcrafted crystal glass award with personalized engraving
• HIPE AWARD certificate – confirms authenticity and status as an outstanding high performer
• Official seal of approval including year of award for unlimited use on website, social media, and email signatures
• Comprehensive digital audit report including actionable recommendations for sustainable success

• anyhelpnow Premium M membership – for customer acquisition and direct bookings (*for customers with German company headquarters)
• Press release via die Mitteilung – ideal for PR and media relations
• Entry into the public high-performance network – for greater visibility and reach

*Currently, anyhelpnow only covers the German market. Expansion to Austria and Switzerland is planned. Winners from Austria and Switzerland will receive the following compensation:
1. An editorially written and search-engine-optimized report on the HIPE AWARD for publication on their own website.
2. Winners will be notified as soon as anyhelpnow becomes available in their country and can then activate their profile.

The HIPE AWARD is based on a protected and comprehensive evaluation system that covers quantitative and qualitative parameters, supplemented by in-depth research, including mystery checks. This guarantees a valid and verifiable assessment.

Our experienced assessment department evaluates the following main categories:
• Quality
• Performance
• Service
• Effectiveness

In recent years, over 35,000 service providers have applied – only 795 companies were successful and received the HIPE AWARD.

The online application and verification interview are non-binding and free of charge.
If your participation is unsuccessful, it remains 100% free of charge.

If you receive an award, we at HIPE AWARD will implement our award winners' services for you – and you can be sure we will enthuse you!
The fee-based certification ensures the quality of the assessment and enables implementation of effective marketing activities.

The audit is based on over 40 individual criteria in the areas of quality, performance, service, and effectiveness. In addition to online analyses, mystery checks and customer surveys are also used. The evaluation is carried out by our trained expert team.

To ensure results are not distorted, the criteria are not disclosed at the beginning of the assessment. Afterwards, you will receive a detailed audit report showing exactly what was assessed and how you performed in each category.

Yes. The HIPE AWARD certification is valid for 12 months after the award date. After that, you can be re-evaluated to remain certified as a high performer.

No.
Consumers know that only a well-deserved award has real value!
The HIPE AWARD cannot be purchased – neither the award nor the certificate.

We expressly distance ourselves from purchasable prizes, awards, or certificates – i.e., seals that are granted in exchange for payment without prior review or tangible achievements. Any attempt to purchase the HIPE AWARD will result in immediate and permanent exclusion.

Only the flat-rate fee for the review and the measurable marketing services used after a successful award are billed.

1. Internal award: Honoring an employee, e.g., best salesperson of the year with annual sales of €2 million.
2. Funding: financed and subsidized funding, often by public institutions. Funding must meet eligibility criteria and provide evidence.
3. Sponsorship award: financed by sponsors and usually evaluated and presented by a jury or selection committee. Involves cooperation agreements with defined scope and purpose.
4. Certification body: external and independent institution that issues an audit and certification based on verifiable parameters upon fulfillment.
HIPE AWARD belongs to the fourth category.

HIPE CUSTOMER APPROVED is an independent customer feedback process conducted by telephone. We speak directly to your customers, gather honest feedback, and convert it into clear and actionable recommendations.

This allows you to identify what your customers love and where you can improve – for long-term success.

For all service providers who really want to know what their customers think and are willing to learn from it.

● Application via our request form
● Detailed briefing including objectives
● Conducting the survey by HIPE AWARD
● Presentation of the results including clear recommendations for action
● Receipt of the detailed results report

We contact your customers by phone in a friendly and professional manner. We are always aware that we are acting as representatives of your company. The conversations last 5–10 minutes each and provide us with valuable insights so that we can give you clear recommendations for action.

HIPE CUSTOMER APPROVED is designed specifically for service providers. To participate, you must meet the following requirements:
● Your company has been in business for at least 12 months
● You have at least 30 reference customers

This basis ensures that we can obtain meaningful customer feedback and make an informed assessment.
If you do not (yet) meet these requirements, please feel free to take a look at our other services.

Yes, absolutely. We will send you a briefing in advance and, in addition to your objectives, we will also ask you if you would like us to ask specific questions.

Our recommendations for action show you which strengths you can build on and where you can improve. You will receive clearly formulated recommendations for improving your service and truly inspiring your customers.

We will present these recommendations for action to you in a personal meeting, and you will then receive all recommendations carefully compiled in a detailed survey report.

Unlike purely digital surveys, we call your customers personally. This gives you feedback that is not just superficial, but shows an authentic picture of the quality of your services.

We take the time to get to know your company inside out – only then can we ask your customers specific, tailored questions.

As experts in the service industry, we understand its unique characteristics and challenges. That's why we provide genuine, actionable recommendations that help you improve your services in a targeted manner and become more successful.

With HIPE PRESS, you can reach exactly the audience that needs to hear your message: We create professional, editorially reviewed press releases tailored to your needs and publish them on www.diemitteilung.de and our HIPE channels.

For anyone who wants to strategically position their company in the public eye – from freelancers to small and medium-sized businesses.

● Request via our request form
● Clarification of your press release objectives
● Submission of the briefing within 7 days
● Receipt of the press release for final approval
● Publication of the press release on www.diemitteilung.de

Your press release will appear on www.diemitteilung.de – the news platform for entrepreneurs who don't have time for information overload but want to make informed decisions. Every day, the 10 most relevant news items from politics and business are published. Always compact and to the point, with concrete recommendations for decision-makers.

Publication on Mitteilung ensures that your message is published on the internet in a relevant context and optimized for search engines.

We combine journalistic expertise with strategic brand positioning and use our news platform, die Mitteilung, to give you genuine visibility and relevance.

Yes, absolutely. We work closely with you to prepare your content in an authentic yet media-friendly way. You can suggest messages, quotes, and key points in the briefing form.

Your press release will usually be published within 20 business days after payment and briefing have been received. Initial visibility in search engines is often achieved within a few hours. Thanks to SEO keywords, the releases will be ranked at the top of the search results after just 5-7 days.

We are currently focusing on German-speaking countries (DACH). International publications are available on request.

We offer various packages depending on the desired duration and placement. Please send us your request.

HIPE VIDEO is a professionally produced video made from stock footage that clearly conveys your message. The video is created based on your objectives and can be used in a variety of ways, flexibly and precisely tailored to your communication channels.

For anyone who wants to attract attention and convey their message convincingly in a short space of time, regardless of their industry or objective.

● Request via our request form
● Detailed briefing to clarify your vision and goals
● Receipt of the script for approval
● Receipt of the video for approval
● Receipt of the final HIPE VIDEO

You can use your HIPE VIDEO for your website, social media, presentations, or marketing campaigns. We will also publish it on our YouTube channel @hipevideo.

We are happy to support you with exclusive tips and strategies to ensure that your video achieves exactly the success you have set out to achieve.

Production usually takes 2 to 4 weeks from the initial draft to the final video. The faster you provide us with your feedback, the quicker we can complete the video according to your wishes.

Yes, absolutely! We focus specifically on your wishes and goals and advise you accordingly. You decide what message you want to convey, and we ensure that it is implemented in an appealing way.

You can use HIPE VIDEO anywhere you want to attract attention and convey your message quickly and clearly – for example, on your website, in social media, at trade shows, in presentations, or in advertising campaigns.

We use professional stock material and provide suitable images and videos. Of course, you are welcome to contribute your own high-resolution material if you wish. This gives the video an even more personal touch.

We currently offer HIPE VIDEO in German and English.

HIPE VIDEO offers exceptional value for money thanks to the use of high-quality stock material, a well-established workflow, and the avoidance of costly on-site shoots. Please feel free to send us your request.

HIPE WORKSHOP is a practical, exclusive training program (no other companies participate) that supports you with concrete strategies, tools, and inspiration to help you actually achieve your goals.

HIPE WORKSHOP is ideal for entrepreneurs, self-employed individuals, motivated employees, or teams who want to improve their business strategies, sales, or marketing and are looking for solutions that can be implemented immediately.

● Inquiry via our inquiry form
● Selection of the appropriate workshop
● Coordination of dates
● Conducting the workshop
● Written summary of the workshop and recommendations for action

We offer various workshops for different goals, including:
● 1:1 Business Workshop – Become a market leader
● Sales Workshop – Guaranteed growth
● Online Marketing Workshop – New customers at the touch of a button

The duration varies depending on the workshop and individual needs. You can find this information in the service overview for each workshop.

Yes, in all of our workshops, we address your individual goals and challenges.

HIPE WORKSHOP takes place digitally via Google Meet, so you can participate conveniently from anywhere.

Our workshops are designed for both individuals and small groups (max. 4 participants).

You will receive concrete and clearly formulated strategies and tools that you can immediately apply in your everyday work. During the workshops, we make sure to address your problems and develop tailor-made solutions. The goal is that after our HIPE WORKSHOP, you will know exactly what you need to do to achieve your goals.

HIPE WORKSHOP is led by Boban Micic, founder and managing director of HIPE AWARD. As a visionary and CEO, he is committed to taking the service industry to a new level and guaranteeing the highest quality and enthusiasm. With his years of experience in coaching and his passion, he ensures that everyone receives the best possible support.

HIPE EXAM is an assessment procedure based on the HIPE AWARD for companies that want to qualify for the HIPE AWARD in the long term or achieve sustainable growth.

Over several weeks, we analyze your company using more than 40 test criteria, interview three reference customers, and then provide you with targeted, practical recommendations based on our findings.

You benefit from a holistic view of your company and receive specific recommendations for action for your next development step.

HIPE EXAM is aimed at service providers who want to develop their business in a targeted manner.
The process is particularly suitable for:
● Smaller companies that want to grow in a structured and sustainable manner
● Young companies that want to benefit from a professional outside perspective
● Service providers who want to prepare for participation in the HIPE AWARD in the medium term

● Application via our application form
● Personal verification interview with one of our verification managers
● Submission of the questionnaire within 7 days
● Evaluation of the submitted data and review by our audit department
● Telephone appointment to communicate the result: presentation of the audit and evaluation results
● Receipt of the certificate and exam report

● Participation is reserved for companies or self-employed persons in the service industry.
● The company was founded at least 6 months ago.
● You can provide evidence of at least 3 reference projects.
● You can name at least 3 reference customers.
● You have a maximum of 49 employees.

This basis enables a meaningful assessment and realistic customer feedback.

HIPE EXAM is a comprehensive assessment – specifically designed for smaller or young companies that want to prepare for the HIPE AWARD.

The HIPE AWARD, on the other hand, is a much more comprehensive quality assessment with higher requirements, a larger customer base, and an extensive marketing package following the award.

Even without the direct intention of winning the HIPE AWARD, HIPE EXAM delivers real added value: You get an unbiased outside perspective on your work – including honest customer feedback and specific recommendations for action. This helps you build on your strengths in a targeted manner and achieve lasting success.

Yes – provided you meet the eligibility requirements. At the end of the HIPE EXAM process, we will give you an informed assessment of whether applying for the HIPE AWARD makes sense at this point in time. This will allow you to take the next steps well prepared and with a clear direction.

After successfully completing HIPE EXAM, you will receive an official certificate and an exam report.

The costs depend on the size of the company. Since HIPE EXAM is specifically designed for smaller and younger companies, we deliberately offer fair introductory prices.

HIPE KICKSTARTER is a program for service providers who are already self-employed but have not yet been able to take the step into full-time self-employment.

Together, we analyze your current situation, refine your offerings, optimize your structures, and develop a concrete strategy so that you can get started in full-time self-employment.

HIPE KICKSTARTER is aimed at self-employed service providers who already have their first customers but are not yet able to make a living from their business.
The program is particularly suitable for:
● Service providers who want to move away from part-time self-employment
● Self-employed people who want to optimize their offerings or positioning for full-time employment

HIPE KICKSTARTER helps you structure your business so that it becomes economically viable and successful.

You can expect:
● Detailed analysis of current processes
● Evaluation and identification of currently untapped potential in the areas of customers, employees, digitalization, and sustainability
● Definition and evaluation of structures and systems required for successful implementation
● Mentoring and check-ins during implementation

HIPE KICKSTARTER is a pure 1:1 format, allowing us to respond specifically to your individual situation. This ensures that you receive maximum clarity, support, and expertise.

We will discuss the costs of the program with you directly during our initial consultation.

HIPE KICKSTARTER is not start-up coaching, but a program for self-employed people who want to make the leap into full-time self-employment – with a real practical focus and a clear emphasis on implementation.

Unlike many coaching programs, it is not about motivation or visions, but about clear structures, well-founded decisions, and a concrete path out of side-hustle mode.

And all this at an unbeatable price – because our goal is not profit, but your visibility. We invest in the vision of accompanying genuine top service providers on their way forward.