Once you have compiled your Word document with the most relevant logo designers, you can begin to analyze and compare the different packages, features and pricing. This is where Excel will come in handy.
Now create an Excel spreadsheet to compare each service side by side. Most sites offer a 3-tier model for their logo design pricing structure. This usually goes something like, basic, standard and deluxe packages. Think of it as small, medium and large. The bigger the package, generally, the higher level of service you will receive. You can break down these packages in your Excel spreadsheet and compare side by side the similar packages that each company offers. I do this myself when comparing my company's prices and features to my competition. I usually compare the companies packages based on the following criteria:
- Number of Concepts
- Number of Revisions
- Number of Colors Included
- Refund Policy
- Tech Support Policy
- File Formats Provided
- Quality (subjective)
- Price
Create a table using these criteria as the first column in your table. Then use the top row of the table to input the names of the different companies. You will be making 3 of these tables, one for each of the different levels of service, or logo packages, that the companies offer; Basic, Standard and Deluxe or whatever other similar package each company offers.
Start with the Basic packages for each company. Fill in each of the criteria for each company's basic logo package, so that you now will have a table with each of the company's packages side by side for comparison. Repeat this process for the next two levels of service. You should now have 3 tables. Note that not all logo design companies will conform to the 3-tier level of service model, in which case some companies may not have any criteria listed in a given table. Just leave those blank or fill them with an N/A. For those companies that do not conform to this module, you will have to find the packages they offer and try to fit them in where you think they best fit within the 3 tables.
Crunch Time
Okay, so now you have the tables and you can begin to compare the features and pricing for each package for each company side by side. Once you start to analyze the data, you will start to get an idea of which company seems the best for you. Combined with any notes in your Word document, you should be able to make a reasonably informed decision. But wait! Don't stop there.
Now what you should do is contact each one of these companies, via phone or live chat as many of them offer. Ask them specific questions about the logo package you are interested in. Who will be designing your logo if you choose that particular package? Verify the information in your spreadsheet by asking, how many concepts and revisions? What is included? Make sure they back up the information provided on their website. Also be sure to ask them if the same person who designed the logos in their portfolio will be the actual designer who will be designing your logo. Complete this process for each company and you now should be able to make a good decision or have at least narrowed it down to 2 companies. One other thing you may wish to do is ask for references for each company you are interested in.
Finding a Logo Designer for your business can be a difficult task, however using the process above you should be able to make an informed decision and end up with a very decent logo design. That's it for now. Good luck in your quest to find the logo of your Dreams!
Christian Lee is a Graphic Design professional designing logos for 14 years. He is the Art Director for http://www.logoblast.com
