When choosing a VI design firm, the key is not how good the LOGO looks, but three things: whether they provide real-world application examples, whether they deliver editable source files and a guideline manual, and whether they include on-site supervision. These three determine if your VI is a usable asset or just a locked PDF.
1. Look for real-world applications: Is the LOGO placed in actual scenarios?
Many firms only show a pretty LOGO wall mockup. But when you take it back to your company, you find the storefront sign doesn't fit, the ID badge is a blur, and the packaging proportions are off. The test is simple: ask for at least 8 real-world application layouts at the proposal stage, with dimension annotations—not mood boards.
- Must-check scenarios: storefront sign (including night illumination), business card and ID badge, office document templates (Word/PPT), vehicle livery, staff uniform, packaging or tote bag, online avatar and banner, signage. Fewer than 6 items usually means a template.
- Check scalability: Request the LOGO in single-color at 15mm width. If strokes blur together, the identity system lacks minimum-size specifications.
- Check color values for print: Every color block must specify CMYK and Pantone. RGB hex alone will cause color shifts in printing.
For example, in our Anpu Hotel high-end series, the brand identity started from naming and simultaneously delivered application layouts for reception, room cards, wayfinding, linens, and toiletries—each with material and process specifications. That's what you can hand directly to contractors and printers.
2. Check source files and guidelines: List deliverables in the contract
The most common dispute in VI projects: after final payment, you receive only a JPG and a PDF manual—you can't change a single word. Before signing, list deliverables item by item in a contract appendix. This is the most effective safeguard.
In Guangzhou, a complete VI (basic system + 8–12 applications) typically costs RMB 35,000–120,000 (approx. USD 4,900–16,800) and takes 4–8 weeks. Below RMB 30,000 usually covers only the basic system; applications are extra.
- Source files: AI or CDR format, with text outlined and non-outlined versions, clearly named layers.
- Font licensing: Commercial fonts require license proof or free alternatives; otherwise, you bear the legal risk.
- Guideline manual: At least 40 pages, including minimum size, clear space, prohibited uses, single-color and reverse versions.
- Color values: CMYK, Pantone, RGB, and HEX side by side.
- Format package: SVG, transparent PNG, vector PDF, and EPS each.
Ask suppliers directly: can you list these 5 items in the contract? Vague answers are a red flag. For more delivery details, see our LOGO and VI services page.
3. Check on-site supervision: Who is responsible for the final installed result?
VI delivery is not the end. Storefront color shifts, wayfinding fonts swapped by factories, packaging color deviations—these problems surface within three months after project completion. To judge if a firm manages implementation, ask three questions:
- Are at least 2 on-site or remote supervision visits included? One during proofing, one during first material installation.
- Is a material and process recommendation provided? Acrylic thickness, illuminated letter color temperature, paper weight—without these, factories choose the cheapest option.
- Response mechanism: How fast do they reply during supervision? For local Guangzhou projects, usually within 48 hours on site.
A VI contract without supervision clauses transfers all implementation risk to you. Put supervision visits and response time into your quote comparison table; at the same price, prioritize firms that include supervision.
4. Guangzhou price comparison: What three budget tiers deliver
Based on actual transactions in the Pearl River Delta, here are three tiers to help you judge quotes:
| Tier | Price range | Timeline | Deliverables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | RMB 35,000–60,000 | 4–5 weeks | LOGO + basic system + 6 applications, source files, no supervision |
| Standard | RMB 60,000–90,000 | 5–7 weeks | 10+ applications, 40-page manual, 2 supervision visits |
| Group/series | RMB 90,000–150,000 | 7–10 weeks | Multi-brand hierarchy, full-scenario applications, on-site supervision and material proofing follow-up |
Quotes below RMB 35,000 that promise full applications often use templates with messy layers or no source files. Before signing, ask them to tick each item above—more effective than listening to a presentation.
When choosing a VI design firm, put applications, source file standards, and on-site supervision into the contract appendix. That's more useful than a hundred mockups. Print the budget table and have them check each item.
The core team at Xingkong Dahai has 4A agency and 15+ years of industry experience, delivering integrated brand positioning and visual identity systems for clients such as Poly Developments, Midea, and Yantang Dairy. For detailed deliverables on LOGO and VI projects, see our LOGO and VI services page.
For project inquiries, call +86-400-6619-020. We can first discuss your application scenario list and budget tier, then decide if an in-person pitch is needed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a VI design firm usually charge?
In Guangzhou, a complete VI (basic system plus 8–12 applications) typically costs RMB 35,000–120,000 and takes 4–8 weeks. RMB 35,000–60,000 is the basic tier; RMB 60,000–90,000 includes a guideline manual and supervision; above RMB 90,000 is usually for group multi-brand systems. If a quote is below RMB 35,000 and promises full applications, confirm whether editable source files are included.
Is it standard practice to deliver source files for VI design?
It's a reasonable request, but not all firms provide it by default. When signing, include AI or CDR source files, font licensing documentation, four color value sets, and the page count of the guideline manual in a contract appendix. If you only receive JPG and PDF, you'll pay again to change a single word later.
Does VI design include storefront sign design?
Usually it includes the sign layout design, but not construction drawings or fabrication. Confirm whether a material and process recommendation is provided, such as acrylic thickness and illuminated letter color temperature. If supervision is not included, separately agree on the number of site visits during proofing and installation.
How can I tell if a VI firm's application examples are just templates?
Check three details: whether the LOGO is clear at 15mm width, whether application scenarios have dimension annotations, and whether color blocks specify CMYK and Pantone values. If they only show mood boards without dimensions or color values, it's likely a template.
When choosing a VI design firm, put applications, source file standards, and on-site supervision into the contract appendix. That's more useful than a hundred mockups. Print the budget table and have them check each item.
The core team at Xingkong Dahai has 4A agency and 15+ years of industry experience, delivering integrated brand positioning and visual identity systems for clients such as Poly Developments, Midea, and Yantang Dairy. For detailed deliverables on LOGO and VI projects, see our LOGO and VI services page.
For project inquiries, call +86-400-6619-020. We can first discuss your application scenario list and budget tier, then decide if an in-person pitch is needed.