Q: How do I pay for my logo design project?
A: You can submit payment directly though our web site (all credit card orders are handled by Internet Secure - our service provider via encrypted server). You can also phone in your payment details via phone to our client support department or FAX in your order and payment details using our FAX order forms. We also accept payment by check, money order and (for International clients) direct deposit or wire transfer (though these methods of payment may delay scheduling of your project).
Q: How does payment work?
A: When ordering a logo design project we require some form of payment at the time of submission. On Entry Level projects we require full payment. With our Professional (and higher) packages we require a 50% retainer, with the balance due before transfer of any finalized material. Generally speaking, our clients will pay balances after the logo design process, and before the development of stationery or other add-on design work, so that they can download logo files right away. Payment for most of our other design services works in the same manner.
Q: Can you bill me later for design work?
A: Unfortunately no. As design work is proprietary and volatile (images can be downloaded off our Factory Floor client pages) we require some form of payment before your project can be scheduled. We can bill approved Passport Clients to their accounts. but this requires setup of a Passport Account, payment of retainer and an on file valid credit card number. Generally speaking Passport clients are other design studios or ad agencies while the vast number of projects placed through our web site are by small to mid-sized business owners.
Q: Can you start my designs and I'll pay you if I approve of the designs?
A: As strange as it may seem, we still get asked this question. Unfortunately, the answer is no, we cannot. Working under these parameters is refereed to as working under 'speculative' or 'spec' work arrangements. The Logo Factory is a professional design studio, with qualified and trained in-house designers and as such, we are unable to schedule any work into our fairly busy calendar without some form of commitment from the client. To illustrate our credentials we've assembled one of the most extensive series of logo design galleries in the industry and our terms and conditions are such that you can feel confident in engaging our studio to create your logo. It should also be noted that 'spec' work is also viewed as unethical by various design bodies such as AIGA, RGD, etc.
Q:
Are there any additional hidden fees that I should be aware of if I was going to sign on for your logo design services?
A: No. All our pricing and logo design packages are outlined in a very detailed manner in our logo design pricing section. You'll never have any additional hidden fees with any project at The Logo Factory. The only time you may occur additional fees is if you request additional design services, or you wish to continue to work on a design package after your revision cycles are exhausted. If that's the case, we'll only bill you for work that you approve, and all additional billables are approved by the client prior to the start of this work.
Q: Some sites offer a money-back guarantee. I didn't notice that on your site?
A: The Logo Factory offers a limited logo design service guarantee. We just don't trumpet it in a gold starburst on our home page, hoping you won't notice the fine print. And let's take a look at the 'fine print' of another company's '100% money back guarantee'.
On the home page:
We guarantee your full satisfaction or your money back.
The Fine Print:
There is a $75 administration fee for all the refunds.
The refund policy will not take effect:
1) If you purchased a "Special Package"
2) If you have approved your logo.
3) If we have began working on one of your samples and made more then 3 changes for you.
4) If the company we are making the logo for closes, changes their name, or their activity.
5) If we do not hear back from you for more then 6 months".
Pretty well the same as our limited guarantee but like always, The Logo Factory is up front about everything regarding our company, and our services. Under certain conditions we will issue full refunds, in certain cases we can't. Just like everybody else. For all the details, visit our terms & conditions page. We also offer an early sign-off credits programs, so you're only paying for work that you request. Combined with our pricing, we feel that our rates are not only competitive, but are reasonable and realistic for the level of professional services you're purchasing.
Q: So what happens should The Logo Factory designers not be able to deliver designs that I like?
A: The Logo Factory offers a limited guarantee under which you can get a refund of your initial retainer fee (less a service and administration fee) if, after the posting of preliminary designs, and before requesting revisions to these preliminary designs, you decide that The Logo Factory may not be able to deliver a design that you're happy with. If you project runs into a snag after that point, we can assign another designer and/or Art Director or you may cancel the project without having to pay further charges other than the original retainer submitted with the project. Our limited service guarantee and project cancellation procedures are subject to The Logo Factory terms and conditions. As there are no absolutes in design, and you're working with professional designers, we are unable to offer the 'gimmicky' promises that other design companies make. Our service guarantee is fairly standard to the industry - we just don't make a big deal about it, nor do we feature it in a yellow starburst as a 100% money-back guarantee like other firms (when it actually isn't).
Q:
I noticed that some of your packages are listed as PLUS packages. What are the differences between the PLUS packages and the regular packages?
?
A: Any logo design package that is denoted as a PLUS Package includes a stationery design. If you order a PLUS package at time of submission, you'll save $95 over the regular price of a stationery design if you were to submit it as a stand alone design project.
Q: Can I upgrade to a PLUS package at a later date?
A: Unfortunately no. We can offer the PLUS package upgrades at a discounted rate as they are being ordered at the same time as your logo. Adding the PLUS package at a later date involves duplicate service and processing charges from our Credit Card provider, so we are unable to pass on the discount. The pricing discount on a PLUS upgrade is only available at time of project submission. You may, however, order a standalone stationery design project at any time during or after the design process.
Q:
Why is the Entry Level package more restricted?
A: Entry Level logo design packages are restricted in the type of logo that we can create (we cannot, for example, create an illustrative logo under an Entry Level logo project) and the number of revision rounds we'll commit to. Even though our pricing is presented as 'flat rate', it is calculated on the amount of time that we'll need to create the project from preliminary design through to finalization. There is insufficient time to develop an illustrative logo under an Entry Level package as most illustrative logo projects require the initial stage of sketches and concepts before moving into production. We can, however, create text, iconic and graphical logos under our Entry Level packages. For a more thorough explanation of the different types of logos, see our Library area. If you require clarification of any of our pricing please contact our client support department.
Q: How then, can some logo design sites advertise 'unlimited revisions' to my choice of logo?
A: Anyone who advertises 'unlimited revisions' is is being a little disingenuous, promising you the moon, to get you to sign on the dotted line. (Read about The Myth of Unlimited Revisions). What does unlimited revisions mean - 100 revisions? (no, more) 1000 revisions? (no, more) - it means just that - unlimited. They promise that you can change this logo from now till doomsday. Your grand kids can be altering this logo concept - trying to get it right. Sounds kind of goofy, doesn't it? (not to mention, a promise that's impossible to keep). With our Gold and Platinum bundles we simply tell clients that we'll revise any logo project 'within reason'. This concept has served is well since 1996, and everybody tends to know what 'within reason' means. Besides, if a logo isn't working after a tweak here and there, it's never going to be forced into a form that you like. Regardless of how many revisions. Better to start again, with a true professional. And obtain a logo that can be altered into a acceptable form in two, or three revisions.
Q: Okay, I'm ready to sign up. What currency is The Logo Factory pricing listed in?
A: The default currency of our web site and ordering system is $US. We also offer pricing and ordering in $CDN for our Canadian clients. You can submit your new logo project here.
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