99designs

99designs, now owned by Vista, runs the contest model: post a brief and a prize, get dozens of submissions from designers around the world, pay only the one you choose. For a logo or a channel identity that is a lot of directions to look at for a fixed price. The people who dislike it dislike it on principle, because everybody who does not win works for nothing.

Logo design packages are US$249, US$399, US$799 and US$1,050, rising through the experience level of designers eligible to enter. A 100 percent money-back guarantee and a free design consultation are stated on the page. Other design categories are priced on their own pages.

Creators who need a logo or a channel identity and want options rather than a relationship, and anybody who cannot describe what they want until they see it. If you already know the designer you want, hire them directly and skip this.