Is it rude....

[IvoryMint]

...to suggest that some one needs a redesign?

Hi all,

A bit of advice please? A cake company, who is under going a rebrand, got in contact with me to ask me to design them a new business card. They sent me their logo which they have also just had designed and it is absolutely terrible!

I don't think they would have spent a lot on the logo because they are using a site similar to People per hour and have a very small budget. However, would it be rude of me to suggest I re-do their logo before I do the card? I'd even be willing to do it for free (for a great review on the freelance website I use).

And another question. Their business name isn't really related to what they do. They are a cake company and their name is the equivalent of RHEDIBLE DESIGNS (I've made that up in order to preserve their identity). Could I suggest they change it? Is that easy to do? If they keep their trading name the same but just change it for aesthetics sake?

I probably won't suggest the name change as it is probably too big a thing to implement, but I just hate the idea of someone investing in a rebrand only to have a new identity that is the same (or worse) than what they had before.

You opinions on this matter would be appreciated

Thank you in advance!

 

[LancashireMan]

No, not rude on the logo thing. Do it by phone though diplomatically rather than by email so that you can guage the feedback instantly.

 

[IvoryMint]

Unfortunately it has to be via email, as the client is in the USA. I'm thinking I may just knock one up for them at a low price as I dont want the logo to ruin the look of the business card! lol

 

[HostLoveUK]

Maybe ask where they had the logo created you may instantly communicate your feelings towards this once they have answered you, possibly designed in house to reduce costs?

 

[BusinessDeli]

Presumably they contacted someone else to do their business card as they don;t like their existing designer... I'd knock a few options up and send them over whilst being polite about it all.

 

[LancashireMan]

They don't have phones in the USA? On hearing it's the USA, all the more reason not to email. Cultural differences. You don't want them reading your mail saying "that goddam limey lady in England wants to change our sacred logo!"

 

[The Byre]

Nearly every DIY’ed logo I have ever come across sucks big time!

Nearly all the names that people with no experience of branding come up with are ridiculous or hopelessly inappropriate.

You can’t change them all and you can’t go into a company as a card designer and come out as corporate image consultant - even though you would be able to do a far better job than they could!

Things like change of name, corporate image and logos are best discussed over a beer or a coffee. I deal with companies all the time that (to my eyes) are making fundamental mistakes - real business-101 howlers! Most of the time and unless they ask for my 30 Cents worth, I keep my beak shut. If a one-man video company wants to call himself Amalgamated Northern Pictures, if manufacturer of machine parts wants to call themselves Midlands Media Corporation, well, that’s their business - and their funeral!

And if their logo is some rubbish done with a Biro on the back of a beer mat (and that’s dozens of you out there!!!) then you are just going to have to live with the consequences of looking somewhat amateurish.

 

[VirtualVIP]

I don't think it is rude at all! Even draft their business card and fire over an alternative design (with a new logo).

I would defo call them though- even if they are in USA. Personally- I would be impressed at the offer. If they have a low budget, hopefully they would appreciate a professional going the extra mile to help them out.

I appreciate your concern though- you can never be sure with these things. Positioning is key haha!

 

[Nuno]

I agree with The Byre. Tread very carefully. People are amazingly proud and proprietorial about really nasty logos, names and websites.
There is often an element of "I approved it so I have to defend it". If so you risk losing a potential long term client for trying to help outside your remit. Don't.

 

[ethical PR]

Really....for a business card

If you want work for your portfolio why not offer to do something for free for local charities. It will help you give something back to your local community and is good for your profile raising.

 

[IvoryMint]

HI guys,

So I broached the subject and the business owner was grateful for my honest feedback and is now paying me to redesign his logo. Result! Thank you all for your feedback - he is even considering getting me to do a full rebrand including a new website.

Thank you all for your feedback

 

[mit74]

In my experience by careful what you say after this story...

Client needed website & email hosting...

Me: Ok I've changed domain settings and uploaded existing site to my server. Exisiting site could really do with a redesign though it looks a bit dated.
Client: (After long pause) Really? How come?
Me: It just looks quite dated now compared to the competition and the brown just looks awful. Just a suggestion really.
Client: Ok.... I made that website myself.
Me: Ok well it probably looked good when it was done (backtracking now)... just saying now it's looking a little dated.
Client: I definately don't think that. I did it last month.
Me: ..... ok never mind.

 

[IvoryMint]

Oh dear, that certainly backfired! I guess you just need to gauge your client to see whether they'd be open to constructive feedback. I think I got lucky with this one

 

[Captain Continuity]

In my experience by careful what you say after this story...

Client needed website & email hosting...

Me: Ok I've changed domain settings and uploaded existing site to my server. Exisiting site could really do with a redesign though it looks a bit dated.
Client: (After long pause) Really? How come?
Me: It just looks quite dated now compared to the competition and the brown just looks awful. Just a suggestion really.
Client: Ok.... I made that website myself.
Me: Ok well it probably looked good when it was done (backtracking now)... just saying now it's looking a little dated.
Client: I definately don't think that. I did it last month.
Me: ..... ok never mind.

PMSL... I spent years in the Web Industry with my own business... that brings back memories. Tho I never backed down, usually my reply is....

'it doesn't really matter what you think it is what your potential clients think, they are the ones buying from you. Have you asked them for feedback?

I asked a few people that have bought your type of product what they would think if they came across your website, as I didn't;'t want to just give you my opinion.

Would you like me to send through their comments?'

I usually got the work too as they couldn't blame me because I give them potential clients opinion not my own.


... well done IvoryMint for going for it, the thought is usually worse than the result

J

 

[BusinessDeli]

In my experience by careful what you say after this story...

Client needed website & email hosting...

Me: Ok I've changed domain settings and uploaded existing site to my server. Exisiting site could really do with a redesign though it looks a bit dated.
Client: (After long pause) Really? How come?
Me: It just looks quite dated now compared to the competition and the brown just looks awful. Just a suggestion really.
Client: Ok.... I made that website myself.
Me: Ok well it probably looked good when it was done (backtracking now)... just saying now it's looking a little dated.
Client: I definately don't think that. I did it last month.
Me: ..... ok never mind.

Jumping in with both feet there lol

 

[MASSEY]

I would have been inclined to just do the card, but i guess it doesn't hurt to tout for new business.

I think the americans have a very different style to the UK when it comes to design elements.

 

[KeithGreen]

To achieve success is to risk failure.

Well done.

 

[Peanut Butter Man]

I agree with most here and especially the danger of hurting the clients feelings because his son, granny (who have no talent in any case) designed the logo.

When in discussions with anyone it is much simpler to gauge the response with an open question... perhaps 'Do you have any plans for the website in future?'

And as mentioned, the cultural differences are staggering and to the point that even the biggest of multi nationals can, and have, balls'd it up.

Glad you got the business though