In-depth, expert advice, from deciding whether a broker or factory-direct relationship is right for you to communicating effectively with your partners and avoiding hijacked content.

By Matt Steinmetz

2. Realize that, in most cases, you get what you pay for. If your quote seems too good to be true, it probably is. “There’s a difference between inexpensive and cheap,” says Butenschoen. To be sure you know the difference, request a variety of samples before awarding any work. Then, upon assigning the work, request that a dummy be made from your specified materials.