How many designs do you offer to customers? At the moment I offer customers 3 designs to choose from but am finding this is not cost-effective as I spend a LOOOOT of time on the design phase. Am wondering if I can cut this down to 2 designs (average customer) and 1 design (budget customer) and still have happy customers???? What does everyone else do?
Frankly when it comes to clients, less is more. I found that the more designs they see, the more confused they get and the more they want to bring one element from one design to the second design, and so on. I therefore present ONE design, and inform them that it's a starting point for negotiation and figuring out what they really want and what is best. I limit all my "package deals" to three designs, each time only showing one at a time... getting feedback, then proceeding with the next design.
Many thanks xira - are all your designs then basically a variation on the first or are they all very different? PS I've just had a quick look at your site and REALLy like some sites in your portfolio!!
I agree with xira-- although I'm a brand identity designer (logos and business cards), the same concept applies: clients will be more confused and indecisive about what they really want when they're offered 3-4 completely different options.
If more than one design option is not the necessary requirement from client, Its better to discuss all the requirements briefly before starting on the design and providing one best design option.