I started out trying to work with a designer I found through one of the "create a proposal and then accept a bunch of bid" sites, but I had a horrific experience, and ran to 99designs, because I could tell by looking at past contests that the quality of the design work was much higher. I ran my logo contest and was amazed after only 4 days that I already had dozens of concepts from several designers that I would be thrilled to use. As soon as I finished my logo contest, I ran a stationery contest, and the same designer won! Now, she and I can work together on more design work--and I would have never found her or felt safe enough to commit to one designer if I hadn't had the opportunity to run the design contests. The design work has made me so proud of my company's brand!