Site Review: Crowdsource your company logo with 99designs.com

Find the design you need at 99designs.com

In the age of Web 2.0, crowdsourcing is the new outsourcing, and 99designs.com is an excellent example of how to profit from this phenomena. The Australian-based firm leverages the power of the masses to help SMEs (Small to Medium Sized Enterprises) who may not have in-house artists with design projects. The website is a spin-off from online media company Sitepoint.com, where users were holding design contests and awarding prizes to winners. The site’s founders realized that this could be an good business model and launched 99designs. In a sort of reverse-auction, a “seller” will put up a design brief detailing what he needs and how much he is willing to pay for it. Next, all registered designers submit their “bid” design and in seven days, the winner will be chosen and awarded the prize.

So, is this service right for you? For many small businesses who needs a logos, identity, stationary, business card or even website done, the 99designs can be a good source and a good investment. For a fee of $39 (plus the cash “prize”), you’ll get to choose from many designs submitted by designers from all over the world. The site currently has 37,000 registered designers and each contest has an average of 50 entries. Within the 7 day period, you are allowed to contact the designers and make suggestions and changes before deciding on the final design. Of course, there are some disadvantages with this model. First, to attract the best designers, you should offer a big enough prize to tempt the best of the best to join you. Next, if you end up not liking any of the designs, you’ll still have to pick a winner and hand out the prize.

Over-all, the pros outweigh the cons. While there’s not substitute to having an in-house designer whom you can work side-by-side with, 99designs can be  great way to get design project done at a fraction on the costs.