Over the past week or so, it has dawned on me that we charge far too little for our logo design services.

I'm posting here because I would like your opinions on how to handle a sticky situation with a client that is starting to become more than just a bit annoying.

We agreed to do this logo design for a business who shall not be named, laid down the process and our charge for the service. (R700 for 3 concepts, of which the client chooses one. Thereafter final changes are made and the logo is sent off in all the different formats (after payment)).

This all started off very well. The client gave us some direction, we brainstormed as usual and proceeded normally. They clearly stated they weren't sure of what they wanted and that we should run with it. (They were "trusting us" with their branding) The client then requested that we send each concept through as it is complete. Wanting to impress, we agreed. This is where things got hairy...

We generated the first concept. Client's response was indifferent. They said they liked the logo but it didn't fit.

They then gave us very specific instructions on how to go about the next logo design, down to the littlest detail. This included a very distinct alteration to the name (let's call it "the squiggle"). Not a problem - we did the logo as requested.

The response I received left me baffled. It was along the lines of "Great, love it! I just don't like "the squiggle" you have put in, please remove that..." as well as other things which they had specifically requested.

Since then it has kind of spiraled out of control. We are now 5 or 6 redesigns later, still sitting at a quotation price of R700. (For about 2 whole days of concept generation). We keep getting specific instructions from them and, after carrying out those instructions, the client goes back on his request and hints at incompetence on our behalf.

The impression I get is that because we're just making (significant) changes to one of the concepts, we haven't actually done 3 concepts. Nevermind that we have spent forever acting as "puppets".

There are many other specifics that I won't bore you with. I am at my wit's end, though. Not sure what to do about this client. I'm almost ready to just cut my losses and tell them we can't help them anymore.

I think my next step is to explain our situation nicely and let them know that we will be charging per hour for any further alterations.

Any thoughts? I thought people hired designers to... you know... design things! Not to be puppets.

Excuse my rant.