LooseSuits

Hmm good question... I'm not sure about qualifications but obviously portfolio is important, how long they've been doing client work, what other clients they'd have at the same time as your project, stuff like that.

I thought you guys did all your own design work?

Well before you send anything out you need to figure out what functionality your website is likely to have. That sounds like a given but plenty of people just don't have a clue before they sit down with their designers.

So with that information, you should be in a position to ask for previous work specifically doing the same sorts of features.

And while it's usually obvious by looking at their portfolio, it might be worth asking if they ever use third party templates. If the answer is yes, it might be a sign to to walk away.

Ask them what day it is. You know, just for a slight change of pace.

make some really geeky jokes, stuff that only people "in the know" would understand. If they catch on and reply with a similar joke, even better.

Sorry Mike... it's not for Kineda (where I do all the designs). It's for a different company that I work for.

I have the usual questions such as:

Years in business
Portfolio for review
CMS experience
Highly complex sites that involve a high level of interaction
Fixed or hourly fees
etc...

These are the type of questions I've been coming up with. Any help would be great.