You should also check out their recommendations and reviews, either on their website or their social media pages. If other people have been happy with their service and left them good reviews, that's definitely a good sign!
Lastly, you should check their prices as these can vary greatly. There are many factors a designer will use in creating their pricing structure, including the amount of experience they have and their qualifications. I'm sure you will have a budget in mind, but you should still have choice within your budget. Also, check whether you'll be getting a bespoke design, created to your own design brief, or whether they'll use pre-made graphics or supply you with a logo that other people can also purchase - this is still fine, if it's what you're happy with, but if you want an original logo it is likely to be reflected in the price.
Make sure the design/s you receive will be supplied in the appropriate file types, and also the appropriate/different colour modes (see my previous blog post on colour modes). If you're looking for a logo/branding design, be sure to check you'll receive a vector images if you're likely to want to use your logo in print, and especially at a large scale. I often have people come to me to have their logo redrawn as it isn't suitable for print - you can avoid this additional payment if you ask these questions right at the beginning (unless it's a design you've created yourself and you just need a vector version drawing up).
I hope this has helped, I'd love you to choose me for your design work, but if not I'm happy knowing that you have all of the right information in order to make your choice!
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