With the myriad of chores filling up most entrepreneurs’ “To Do” list, it seems that many side tasks - like getting a logo - get put off until the last minute. That’s when countless business owners realize how important finding the right graphic design firm is to getting their company’s logo.

Here are a few questions you should ask yourself when you’re browsing for a graphic design firm, be it traditional or online:

Guarantees.

Given that many entrepreneurs are strapped for cash to begin with, finding a design service that offers recompense to unhappy customers is a must. Nothing can be so frustrating as spending countless hours working with a designer to get revisions on a logo design, and end up with a logo that isn’t at all what the owner envisioned. Make sure the company you choose has a money back guarantee.

Adequate Resources.

Since small business owners that go to an ad agency typically go only needing a logo design, most agencies won’t dedicate a great deal of time and resources working on that account. This means they will rarely if ever assign more than one person to work on your logo design. Freelance designers normally work solo as well.

Whenever possible, find a company that assigns more than one designer to your project. Look at online design services such as LogoWorks.com that offer at least two designers on every project. The extra brain will give you added creativity, and you’re twice as likely to like the design concepts they provide.

What is the revision process?

Most logo design firms will revise your logo for no extra as part of the design process, but, depending on what you negotiate or what your design package is, you could end up paying out your ears for each round of revisions. Look for a company that will give you unlimited revisions at no extra cost.

Timeliness.

A good design firm will provide you with an exact deadline by which you should expect to see their work. Always find out beforehand how long it will take them to come up with initial concepts, and look into how long each revision will take. Don’t take the chance of hiring a firm that takes weeks on end for artwork.

Professionalism.

Though more difficult to pinpoint, do all you can to find out if the company is professional in its practices. Find out if the company uses clipart or if they provide custom graphic design, and make sure the Better Business Bureau (BBB) supports them. Also, find out how many customers they have served and how many would recommend them to someone else.

Additional services.

Do they offer additional services? Once you have your logo, you’ll probably want to do something with it. It will save you a headache if you’ve hired a firm that will design your stationery, business cards, website, brochures and advertisements. It’s even better if they will put your logo on shirt, stickers, mugs and hats for you.

Follow these guidelines and your logo design process should be a pleasure instead of a headache, and you’ll probably save a lot of money and time in the process.

Jonathan Munk writes articles for major Logo Design companies such as BusinessLogos.com. Visit BusinessLogos.com for news, articles, tips and information about Logos.

No comments yet. Be the first one to comment.