My review:
StealthPromo's portfolio is impressive indeed, and the price is fantastic.
The reviews from clients at the beginning of this thread were impressive enough to cause me to overlook all the "hey man, I haven't heard from you" posts later on in the thread.
I happened to catch Adam on AIM 4 days ago and explained to him I had a rush project for a simple logo for a site I had planned on launching this weekend. I asked his turnaround time and was told "48-72 hours from payment (including revisions)" I immediately sent payment and a detailed run-down on my site and specs for the logo. I sent 25% more than the asking price, and explained I'd also pay 25% extra on the second half if the work was as good as everyone here claimed.
24 hours from payment - hadn't received confirmation of payment or specs, but wasn't too concerned. Saw him on AIM again, was told "I'm going to work on that tonight."
48 hours from payment - Still no word. I sent an email explaining that I had all my site content in place but needed the logo as an anchor to build the front end around, develop color scheme and branding, and acquire stock photography.
72 hours from payment - Still nothing. Silence. Sent another email explaining I was running out of time, it was past the timeline promised for completed project, and I hadn't received a one-sentence status report, much less a first draft to revise. Also expressed frustration at the fact that he didn't have time to contact a client he was behind schedule with but had time to drop by BHW and post a portfolio .pdf he had built.
80 hours from payment - Received an apologetic email including excuses and a draft that looked like it was whipped up in 10 minutes in response to my last message. Wanting to just get the deal done so I could move on, get my site up, and hire someone else down the road, I asked for a couple minor revisions and asked him to send final files so I could make any additional changes myself.
92 hours from payment (right now) - Nothing. Nada. I just sent an email cancelling the order, telling him to keep the down payment for his troubles but that I am not interested in receiving any additional work or paying the other half of the transaction.
Had I been told from the start "It'll be this weekend or maybe next week, I'm really swamped", I would have gone with one of the many other talented designers here for this project and maybe given Stealth some work on something less time-sensitive down the road.
My issue is simply that I made a decision based on a seemingly good reputation and a commitment to "48-72 hours (including revisions)"; and planned my site launch accordingly.
In summary - If you're looking for great work at an awesome price, it's probably worth hiring StealthPromo -- as long as you are under no time constraints. Additionally, I would advise doubling whatever time quote he presents and make your plans based on that.
StealthPromo is obviously undergoing some growing pains, and I hold no ill feelings. Still, I'm now behind schedule and felt an obligation to the BHW community to give an honest review of my experience.
My advice to potential clients is don't expect a speedy turnaround or great communication.
My advice to StealthPromo is to raise rates to filter out the lower-level projects while increasing income, and work on improving time management and communication skills.
I hope this was a learning experience for all parties involved.
Best regards to all,
~PF
