If you want to make a professional video and need to hire a video production company, what do you look for? What do you ask? Here are some smart consumer questions and guidelines to follow:

1. How long has the company been producing video? If they’re a new company, this doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t good. It just means they’re probably inexperienced. This could mean they’re inexperienced in video production itself, or just working with clients. But a company with longevity means that they are doing something right.

2. Who are some of their clients? Are these clients representative of your business? If not, don’t count them out right away. Ask the company if they have any samples similar to what you’re wanting in your video production. The bottom line is that if a company knows how to do video, they can probably do a good job with your video. There are many Chicago production companies who have been in the game for years. Getting references and knowing the caliber of their clientele is very important.

3. Ask for samples of their work. Think about it – they should be putting their best foot forward. If their samples are substandard in any way, the video they produce for you will probably be of similar quality. Sometimes finding a company that has done exactly what you want is nearly impossible. Especially if you work in a specialized field.

If you want a promotional video for instance, a company that has produced an excellent promotional video for another company can probably do the same for you. However, if you need a company that has specialized experience in say taping an operation at a hospital, you may want to make sure that the videographer is able to handle that job.

4. How quickly can they turn your video production around? Video editing takes time, but not forever! Get a timeline and hold them to it. Consider building penalties into the letter of agreement if timelines aren’t met.

5. Talk with them. Are they friendly? Do they communicate well? Do they seem concerned about your success? Does what they say make sense? These issues are very important, as you’ll be working closely with their team and you want it to be a positive experience!

6. Do they offer complete video production and editing services? If they have to farm out portions of your video to another company, this could be a red flag. This probably means that they are limited in ability or resources.

7. What do independent sources say about the company? Company reviews can be ‘created’, however actual customer experiences are the real deal. You would be wise to check out the Better Business Bureau to check the company’s rating. How many complaints and how were they resolved?

This goes along with #5, but trust your gut. Does the person you’re speaking with sound professional? Is there any connection between you two? Are your questions answered competently and fully? Trust your gut, but follow the guidelines you just read, too. Don’t let a slick sales person talk you into spending a lot of money on your video unless you’ve really vetted them.

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