Apr 23 2010
Typically when businesses are looking for a design agency, they talk to and receive proposals from more than one. Perfectly normal and completely expected. But most businesses fail miserably at the one thing they should do after they've chosen their agency and before starting the project:
Inform the other agencies of their decision.
Failing to do so is flat out unprofessional. Design agencies are just as busy as you are and as much as they want your business, they also want to be treated like professionals. That includes respecting their time. Proposals don't just magically appear. They take time to write and prepare. And if an agency has taken time to write one for your business it's likely because they've taken an interest in your project and want to genuinely help you. (Those that do it because they're desperate for work or because they only see the dollar figure have bigger issues.)
This isn't about rejection, it isn't about whining. It's about being a professional and showing some respect no matter the industry. So please, the next time you've received proposals or estimates from more than one design agency, when you've made your decision on who to hire, do the respectful thing and let the others know. Then we can all continue and the good vibes will help the (business) world be a little friendlier.