When it comes to web design, is it better to place an ad and choose somone with the best portfolio, but risk the work veing crap. or. Place a web design cintest up and pay for the best design that way? What is a reasonable contest prize for 1 custom build template from scratch?
Do a contest here, there's a forum in the BST for stuff like that. $100-$200 will get you several submissions. You won't get a complete website for that, but you'll pick a solid design that works for you and can get a website built afterwards.
Yes,a design contest is a good way to find the greatest design. But there a some downside such as talented designer will not join such contest. The reasonable price is depend on how many page you looking for and the standard price is around $20/page.
Making a contest means more money. Contest means 10 people try it, one gets the money, the other 9 worked for nothing. This is the best idea for you, still, but you should offer a good prize if you want designers to do best.
the good thing i like about a contest is, you dont have to choose, the price is generally very good for the work you get from a few select designers here. some are very good at their work and are up for adapting their logos aswell. so yeah contests are the way forward, 2 logos ive had for a fair price that were great.