Christian Morgan • 4 min read

 

The true cost of cutting corners in design — and why paying more at the outset is worth every penny

We’ve all heard the phrase, ‘you get what you pay for’. In the design industry (as with the majority of professional service sectors), clients are — perhaps understandably — often tempted to opt for the cheapest solution, particularly when they’re presented with several quotes that all deliver what looks to be the same output. A brochure’s a brochure, right?

But it’s easy for people to underestimate the true value of professional design — and not foresee the costly consequences of cutting corners.

The cost of ‘cheap’ design

Impactful design doesn’t come about from ticking off a checklist; it’s a creative process that demands expertise, ingenuity and attention to detail. What might seem like a simple design will be generated by someone who has years of professional training under their belts, well-established technical skills, the ability to craft print-ready, pixel perfect files, and a deep-rooted understanding of how to tailor designs that target specific audience segments. What’s more, maintaining brand consistency across all platforms is no easy task — it requires careful consideration and a wealth of experience.

When a client ‘goes cheap’ (and don’t get us wrong here, this can be for legitimate reasons), they often pay for it later. We’ve seen this time and again: a client chooses a lower-cost option, only to return months later because the results didn’t meet expectations. What follows is the belated realisation that creating an event space or marketing materials that not only look stunning but also function effectively is not a ‘paint by numbers’ job. It requires know-how, quality resources and the right platform.

The professional vs. the amateur

When you choose an amateur option, there is no doubt you’ll save upfront, but it often leads to greater costs in the long run — whether in time, quality or missed opportunities. Our view is that the difference between ordinary and extraordinary is often worth that extra cost.

Value over price

Why do clients often choose the cheaper option? It can come down to budget limitations, no buy-in from those holding the purse strings, a lack of understanding of the design process, limited awareness of the value an agency can bring, or simply trusting the wrong people. While price may seem like a reflection of value, it’s not always the case. So, taking the cheaper option at the outset becomes a false economy in the longer term.

At OSP, we understand the importance of working to a budget and will often present a range of budget options from which to select from. But we also know that focusing solely on the best price at the start can compromise quality — and this often leads to unrealistic expectations and dissatisfaction with the final outcome.

The true cost of a relationship

It’s easy to find a cheaper provider, but ask yourself this: is it truly the best deal for your brand? Can you really put a price on the value of a relationship built on trust, ability and a commitment to your goals?

When you forge a long-term relationship with OSP, you get more bang for your buck. The more we learn about your brand, the more efficient we become over time. This value-based service has allowed OSP to establish lasting partnerships where we act as an extension of a client’s in-house team.

We believe that by investing in one high-quality agency, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success — because as we learn, we deliver even more value.

Why choose OSP?

With over 30 years of experience, OSP is an owner-managed outfit that truly cares. As a boutique, independent agency based on the border between England and Wales we offer big agency experience with an affordable price tag. Our client list boasts global and local brands and, regardless of the size of the company or organisation that’s entrusted their marketing activity to us, we give our clients the attention they deserve. For the past 19 years, we’ve been ISO 9001 accredited meaning that quality delivery is always a top priority. The OSP team lives by the values of being challenging, consultative and creative — and this is reflected in everything we do. We don’t just create; we craft and collaborate, ensuring every detail is perfect. So choose us — and get the service you’ve paid for from the get-go… ‘because you're worth it!